10 Best Retinol Serums of 2025 (Ranked & Reviewed)
Everyone craves radiant, youthful skin and retinol remains one of the most powerful ingredients to get there. It speeds up cell turnover, smooths fine lines, refines texture, and fades age spots for a visibly renewed complexion.
While any vitamin A serum can deliver these results, choosing the right formula for your skin type is key and remember, avoid using retinol if your skin is irritated or overly sensitive. So, what’s the best retinol serum for you? Let’s find out!
👉 TLDR: our top pick is La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum
👉 TLDR: our top pick is La Roche-Posay
RELATED ARTICLES:
- 7 Best Retinol Oils of 2025 (Ranked & Reviewed)
- 5 Best Retinol Face Washes of 2025 (Ranked & Reviewed)
Best Retinol Serum
- Editor's Choice: La Roche-Posay
- #1 Bestseller: Herolabs
- Cult Favorite: The Ordinary
- Fast Acting Skin Booster: celimax
- Best for Sensitive Skin: EQQUALBERRY
- Best for Fine Lines & Wrinkles: CeraVe
- Best for Beginner Retinol: MEDITHERAPY
- Best Retinol Night Serum: RoC
- TikTok Favorite: SEOUL 1988 Serum
- Anti Aging and Brightening Results: Medicube
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum, 1.0 fl oz.
Turn back time with La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum a dermatologist approved formula that smooths fine lines, diminishes sun damage, and restores youthful radiance without irritating sensitive skin.
Powered by pure retinol and Vitamin B3, it gently resurfaces, hydrates, and renews skin for a visibly healthier glow.
Perfect for sensitive, aging, or sun-damaged skin seeking smoother texture and lasting hydration.
Herolabs Extreme Retinol Serum, 1 fl oz.
Experience visibly smoother, brighter, and more youthful skin with this powerful 2.5% Retinol Serum a multi-tasking formula that targets wrinkles, dark spots, and dullness for a radiant, renewed complexion.
Enriched with Vitamin C, E, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and Peptides to hydrate, firm, and boost overall skin luminosity.
Best for aging, uneven, or dull skin needing deep renewal and brightness.
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane Serum, 1 fl oz.
Turn back the clock on tired, aging skin with The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane a cult-favorite formula that smooths texture, fades fine lines, and restores youthful radiance overnight.
Powered by 1% pure retinol and nourishing squalane to boost cell renewal, refine texture, and deeply hydrate skin.
Best for experienced retinol users seeking smoother, firmer, and more refined skin.
celimax Retinal Shot Tightening Booster, 0.5 fl oz.
Experience next-level retinol care with celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster a powerful yet gentle formula that visibly firms, smooths, and minimizes pores for youthful, glass-like skin clarity.
Infused with 0.1% retinal the advanced form of retinol and A-Shot complex to refine texture, reduce wrinkles, and tighten pores.
Perfect for aging or textured skin seeking firmer, smoother, and more refined results.
EQQUALBERRY Bakuchiol Plumping Serum, 1 fl oz.
Discover the gentle power of nature’s retinol alternative with EQQUALBERRY Bakuchiol Plumping Face Serum a skin smoothing, youth boosting formula that delivers visible firmness and glow without irritation.
Infused with bakuchiol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it refines pores, softens fine lines, and deeply hydrates for a balanced, healthy complexion.
Best for sensitive or reactive skin types seeking a natural, gentle alternative to retinol that plumps and revitalizes.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum, 1.0 fl. oz.
Turn back the clock with CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum, a dermatologist developed formula that smooths fine lines and refines uneven texture while keeping skin calm, hydrated, and radiant.
Powered by encapsulated retinol, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, it promotes gentle cell renewal, boosts firmness, and strengthens the skin’s barrier.
Best for those seeking a gentle yet effective retinol serum to smooth wrinkles and restore youthful glow.
MEDITHERAPY Retinal Skin Booster Serum, 5.7 fl oz.
Your beginner friendly solution for smoother, firmer, more radiant skin without irritation. This gentle yet potent formula renews dull, tired skin and refines pores with every use.
Formulated with stabilized retinal, niacinamide, and soothing panthenol, it targets fine lines, texture, and uneven tone while maintaining skin comfort.
Best for those new to retinol or seeking a gentle anti-aging boost for face and body.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum, 1 fl oz.
Turn back time overnight with this powerhouse serum that visibly reduces deep wrinkles and fine lines. Its clinically proven formula helps smooth, firm, and rejuvenate aging skin for a youthful, luminous glow.
Formulated with pure retinol and RoC’s exclusive mineral complex, it accelerates cell turnover and improves elasticity for visibly refreshed skin.
Ideal for: All skin types seeking a powerful anti-aging serum that delivers smoother texture and a radiant, youthful complexion.
SEOUL 1988 Serum Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Gingeng Serum, 1 fl oz.
Experience the buzzed-about TikTok favorite that’s redefining youthful skin. SEOUL 1988 Serum blends advanced retinal with nourishing black ginseng to smooth wrinkles, boost radiance, and firm tired, dull skin.
Powered by 2% Retinal Liposome, 58% Black Ginseng Extract, Bakuchiol, Vitamin C, and 3 Peptides, it deeply rejuvenates and revitalizes your complexion.
Ideal for: Those seeking fast, visible anti-aging results with a luxurious, Korean-inspired glow.
Medicube Deep Reviving Bakuchiol Retinol Facial Serum, 1 fl oz.
Meet your new age defying secret Medicube Deep Reviving Bakuchiol Retinol Serum. This powerful yet gentle formula smooths fine lines, fades blemish scars, and restores a youthful, even-toned glow without irritation.
Formulated with 4th-generation retinol, bakuchiol, and soothing botanicals, it renews skin texture while minimizing sensitivity for daily use.
Ideal for: Those wanting visible anti aging and brightening results with a low irritant, Korean skincare touch.
