Take a quick look through your bathroom cabinet and you might find a product or two containing retinol, a type of retinoid derived from vitamin A.
Retinol comes in many forms and has become a staple in many women’s skin care as it is a popular ingredient known to minimize wrinkles and help prevent aging. However, the question remains: what is the difference between retinol cream and retinol serum?
Our Shop TODAY team spent hours talking with board-certified dermatologists and reading hundreds of shopper reviews to determine the best retinol formula for you based on your specific skin care needs and concerns. .
What are the benefits of retinol? | Comparison of retinol cream and serum | best retinol cream | best retinol serum | the way we chose | meet an expert
What are the benefits of retinol?
Applying retinol to your skin has many short- and long-term benefits. “Retinol works by increasing cell turnover, which in turn helps reverse signs of aging that are often caused by skin and environmental factors,” says Nichols MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Nichols MD. one Dr. Kim Nichols previously told Shop TODAY.
“When used properly and consistently, retinol reduces redness, inflammation, and pore size, while also reducing the appearance of age spots, hyperpigmentation, and stubborn blackheads associated with problem skin,” Nichols says. explained.
Comparison of retinol cream and retinol serum
If you’re trying to decide between a retinol cream and a serum, it’s important to first consider your skin type. If you suffer from dry or sensitive skin, it’s best to start with a retinol cream rather than a serum.
“People with dry or sensitive skin can benefit from using retinol creams, which also contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide, which reduce dryness, minimize irritation, and improve overall tolerability.” Marisa K. Gershick once told Shop TODAY.
“Creams tend to be more moisturizing and nourishing to the skin than serums, and are especially good for beginners and people with sensitive skin,” Girshick explained. “The serum is lightweight and absorbs easily, so it may be good for people with oily skin.”
Garshick previously suggested starting with a lower percentage of retinol. “Concentration is important to consider when looking for a retinol cream. People with sensitive skin or new to retinol should choose a lower concentration,” she said.
On the other hand, if you suffer from more severe hyperpigmentation or deep wrinkles, a serum may be perfect for addressing those symptoms. Serums are also known to contain high concentrations of this ingredient, so it’s best to take it slow and see how your skin reacts.
“The secret is that less is more,” board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Mary L. Stevenson said in an interview with Shop TODAY. You need to find the sweet spot for your skin. Some can be used more than others, so find the right balance for your skin type and work with a board-certified dermatologist. ”
The best retinol cream chosen by experts
loreal paris revitalift moisturizer
size: 1.7oz | % of retinol: Not listed (proretinol) | Other main ingredients: Centella asiatica | Can be used for the following purposes. face and neck
Mary P. Lupo, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine, told Shop TODAY that when it comes to choosing a reliable brand of retinol cream, she recommends L’Oréal. Designed for all skin types, this face and neck moisturizer is known to help prevent wrinkles and improve skin firmness, according to the brand.
Formulated with proretinol and centella asiatica, this moisturizing cream is perfect for sensitive skin and has over 4,300 verified 5-star ratings on Amazon.
RoC Retinol Collection Max Daily Hydration Face Cream
size: 1.7oz | % of retinol: Not listed (0.1-1) | Other main ingredients: hyaluronic acid | Can be used for the following purposes. face
Lupo and Dr. Angela J. Lamb, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, told Shop TODAY that they recommend this retinol cream from RoC, which contains hyaluronic acid. According to the brand, this retinol cream can hydrate your skin for up to 48 hours. . Many satisfied customers on Amazon say that this skin care product is very lightweight, feels very smooth, and doesn’t feel sticky when applied.
“I love this product. It’s the only face product I used before it expired and repurchased. I love applying it all over my face and chest after my shower before bed. My skin feels so much better. “The girl who does my eyebrows comments on my skin every time I sit in the chair,” raved one five-star reviewer on Amazon. .
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream
size: 1.7oz | % of retinol: Not listed | Other main ingredients: hyaluronic acid | Can be used for the following purposes. face and neck
If you’re still struggling to find the perfect retinol cream, Lupo tells Shop TODAY she recommends this regenerating cream from Neutrogena. Formulated with retinol and hyaluronic acid, this anti-aging face cream is designed to combat fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. The brand says to apply twice a day to both the face and neck, but Lupo recommends applying it every other night (up to four times a week).
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
size: 1.7oz | % of retinol: Not stated (about 0.3) | Other main ingredients: vitamin B3, peptides | Can be used for the following purposes. face and neck
Need a nighttime retinol cream? Lupo also said she recommends this Olay moisturizer, which has over 3,500 verified 5-star ratings on Amazon. Formulated with vitamin B3 and retinol, this fragrance-free cream is designed to hydrate skin for up to 24 hours, according to the brand.
“I absolutely love the look and feel of the Alright Regenerist Retinol 24+ Peptide Night Face Moisturizer on my face. I can definitely see a noticeable improvement in the appearance of my skin and since I use this product every night, I love the way it looks and feels on my face. I feel so much softer,” she writes. 1 reviewer of Olay’s website.
SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream
size: 1.0oz | % of retinol: 1.0 | Other main ingredients: bisabolol | Can be used for the following purposes. face
Lam also recommended this night cream from SkinCeuticals, which is formulated with a high concentration of retinol to help minimize age spots and improve the appearance of wrinkles. The brand recommends applying 4-5 drops of this fragrance-free cream in the evening to clear dry skin.
The best retinol serum selected by experts
Ordinary retinol serum with squalane
size: 1.0oz | % of retinol: 1 | Other main ingredients: Squalane
Dr. Rhea Ramachandra, a former pharmacy executive and skin care expert, likes this affordable option and says it’s effective. This retinol serum contains squalane to hydrate the skin and is designed for all skin types.
This popular serum has over 8,600 5-star ratings on Amazon and contains 1% retinol.
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
size: 1.0oz | Other main ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramide, niacinamide, licorice root extract
Winner of the 2023 Shop TODAY Beauty Award for Most Affordable Anti-Aging Serum, this resurfacing retinol is designed to minimize pores and reduce the appearance of acne.
Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist, says the serum contains “hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and niacin to moisturize the skin. It contains amide.” Licorice root extract to reduce uneven dark spots. ”
RoC Retinol Collection Deep Wrinkle Facial Filler
size: 1.0oz | Other main ingredients: hyaluronic acid
Ram is also a big fan of this deep wrinkle facial filler from RoC. Designed to target and reduce wrinkles, this retinol serum contains hyaluronic acid and has more than 8,000 verified 5-star reviews on Amazon. One satisfied shopper said: “This is the only product I use for dark circles and fine lines. I’m on my second tube now and will buy again when I run out. Worth the money !”
La Roche Posay Redermic Anti-Aging Retinol Serum
size: 1.0oz | Other main ingredients: lipohydroxy acid, hot spring water
Leah Jacob, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, recommends this anti-aging serum, which the brand says reduces crow’s feet and sun damage. It is said that it is visibly reduced.
“Start applying once every two to three days and increase to daily application as tolerated. If excessive irritation occurs, mixing the serum with your favorite moisturizer will improve tolerance. “It’s possible,” Jacob suggested.
FAQ
How do I know if retinol is working for me?
If you’re wondering if your retinol is working, you’ll know if your skin looks softer or smoother. “The typical time period for consumers to notice changes in their skin is three to six months,” Nichols said. “In order for your skin to get used to retinol, it’s important to continue using the product before giving up.”
What is the best concentration of retinol to use?
According to Morgan Laback, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical NYC, there’s no right answer when it comes to the percentage of retinol to use. “I like to start my patients at the lowest intensity, usually her 0.025%, then work her way up to 0.05% and then her 0.1% depending on tolerance,” she said. Ta.
Rabac explained that retinol causes dryness, so she recommends patients start using retinol several times a week, even at the lowest strength, and use a moisturizer that contains retinol. .
“After about a month of use, your skin will become more accustomed to retinol and you’ll be able to use it more frequently,” she said. “If patients don’t experience dryness after daily use and their skin is still oily, they can move on to the next stronger retinol.”
How long should I use retinol cream?
Retinol cream is not a spot treatment, so feel free to use it as often as needed. But even if you decide to stop using it, it will last for years if you continue to properly protect your skin from UV rays and environmental damage that can destroy the healthy collagen that retinol creams used to help produce. Lupo said the benefits can be extended even further.
How to choose the best retinol creams and serums
The Shop TODAY team compiled the best retinol creams and serums by consulting recommendations from board-certified dermatologists and prioritizing the best formulas based on our viewers’ unique skin care concerns.
meet an expert
- Dr. Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD; He is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon. She is the founder of her NicholsMD in Greenwich.
- Dr. Marisa K. Gershick, MD, FAADis a board-certified dermatologist currently practicing in New York and New Jersey. She also works as a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell University.
- Dr. Mary L. Stevenson, MD; He is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon and associate professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Health.
- Dr. Mary P. Lupo, MDis a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine.
- Dr. Angela J. Lamb, MDis a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She currently serves as Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs for Mount Sinai Dermatology.
- Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD; is a board-certified dermatologist and author of the book Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.
- Dr. Leah Jacob, MD; He is a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.
- Dr. Morgan Laback, MD; He is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical NYC.
- Dr. Leah Ramachandra, PharmD, Ph.D., A former pharmaceutical executive and skin care expert based in Canoga Park, California. She is her CEO and founder of the skin care brand Epilynx.
