15 Best Drugstore Retinol Products That Are Just as Effective as Expensive Ones

Ask anyone you know: The best part about visiting your local drugstore is the versatility of snagging your everyday essentials, preventative medicine, and beauty staples in a swipe. Our introduction to beauty likely began in the sprawling aisles of our drugstores, from affordable cleansers and moisturizers to mascaras and eyeliners—if you need it, the drugstore likely has it. This also includes retinol—a topical ingredient used to increase skin rejuvenation and address texture, among other issues—that was traditionally prescribed by dermatologists but is now offered over the counter at drugstores for a fraction of the price, in formulas that treat the body and skin.

“Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that regulates skin cell turnover, helping to address skin tone and texture. It works to help unclog the pores, prevent breakouts, and improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation and discoloration while also helping to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Center.

Our picks for the best drugstore retinol products of 2023

• Best Encapsulated RetinolRoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Wrinkle Night SerumRead more
• Best Hydrating Retinol CreamNeutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Regenerating Face CreamRead more
• Best Retinol For Dark SpotsDifferin Acne Treatment GelRead more

Chances are you’ve seen a few drugstore retinol products but had doubts about their effectiveness and cost. Allow these 15 best drugstore retinol products to change your mind. We polled several dermatologists and online customer feedback to find the best drugstore retinol formulas money can buy. Your skin (and wallet) will thank you.

1

Best Encapsulated Retinol

RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Wrinkle Night Serum

Now 24% Off

$25 at Amazon$30 at Walmart$33 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Courtesy of the brands

Pros

• Deposits the right amount each time

Cons

• Will take time to see results

There’s no need to second guess if you’re using too little or too much retinol each week. With RoC’s retinol capsules, you’ll give your skin the right amount every time. Each capsule has retinol and antioxidants to address fine lines and wrinkles.

Key ingredients: Retinol, antioxidants

Size: 30 capsules

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “These retinol capsules also contain antioxidants and ceramides, so they help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without irritating the skin. The capsule design makes them especially good for on the go.”—Dr. Marisa Garshick,

2

Best Hydrating Retinol Cream

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Regenerating Face Cream

$38 at Ulta Beauty$20 at Amazon$29 at WalmartCredit: Courtesy of the brands

Pros

• Hydrates the skin

Cons

• Pricey

If you prefer a multipurpose product, Netrogena’s Regenerating Cream uses retinol to reverse signs of aging and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin to avoid irritation.

Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Ulta rating: 4.3 fl oz

Our expert says: “This is a great retinol option, especially for beginners, as not only does it provide retinol benefits but it also contains hyaluronic acid to help boost moisture, improving overall tolerability.”—Dr. Garshick

3

Best Retinol For Dark Spots

Differin Acne Treatment Gel

$14 at Amazon$15 at Walmart$18 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Courtesy of the brands

Pros

• Reduces breakouts

Cons

• Not best for sensitive skin

Maintenance and prevention are vital when it comes to fighting acne scars. The Differin Gel helps to do both by penetrating the pores to reduce breakouts and diminishing the appearance of existing scars.

Key ingredients: Adapalene

Size: 0.5 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.5 fl oz

Our expert says: “Containing adapalene, a prescription retinoid now available over-the-counter, this [gel] can be a great option for someone dealing with breakouts and blemishes. By helping to regulate skin cell turnover, it helps to prevent clogged pores and is especially good for those with oily skin,” says Dr. Garshick. Fellow dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp is also a fan of the over-the-counter gel. “The active ingredient in Differin is adapalene, which is a retinoid. It used to be available only by prescription but is now available over the counter. Primarily marketed as an acne treatment, products with adapalene can address concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots,” he says.

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4

Best Drugstore Retinol Eye Cream

ROC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Under Eye Cream

$30 at Ulta Beauty$22 at Walmart

Pros

• Gentle enough for daily use

Cons

• Tube can dispense a lot of product at once

Another RoC drugstore gem, this formula was designed to improve the lines and wrinkles that emerge under your eye, as well as dark circles that may form over time.

Key ingredients: Retinol, minerals

Size: 0.5 fl oz

Our expert says: “This retinol eye cream is gentle enough to use on the skin around the eyes and helps tackle concerns like crow’s feet, dark circles, and puffiness.”—Dr. Brendan Camp

5

Best Drugstore Retinol Body Wash

Olay Cleansing & Renewing Nighttime Body Wash with Vitamin B3 and Retinol

$9 at Target$9 at WalmartCredit: Courtesy of the brands

Pros

• Reduces breakouts

Cons

• Some reviewers dislike the strong fragrance

Try this Olay hydrating, retinol-infused body wash if you’re troubled with bacne. In addition to retinol, Olay’s Nighttime Body Wash is formulated with vitamin B3 to refresh and renew your skin so it’s left feeling soft and supple.

Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin B3

Size: 20 fl oz

Target rating: 4.6/5 stars

Our expert says: “I’ll admit it: TikTok made me do it. As someone who constantly breaks out on my chest and back, I was desperate for a formula that would clear my body acne fast. Olay’s retinol body wash not only helped to reduce my breakouts, but I believe its hydrating formula is the reason so many people have complimented me on how soft and clear my skin looks.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

6

Best Drugstore Retinol Serum

CeraVe Anti Aging Retinol Serum

Now 33% Off

$17 at Amazon$10 at Walmart$27 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Courtesy of the brands

Pros

• Great for mature skin

Cons

• May not be best for sensitive skin

If you’re a beginner looking for an affordable entry to retinol, drugstore favorite CeraVe has you covered. Along with encapsulated retinol to brighten and improve texture, this serum also has hyaluronic acid and ceramides, so you’re not left with an irritated, damaged skin barrier.

Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Size: 1 fl oz

Our expert says: “This retinol serum is formulated as an encapsulated retinol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dullness. It also incorporates niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and deliver all-day hydration as it is formulated with MVE technology,” says Dr. Garshick. Dr. Brendan Camp loves this serum for its hydrating properties. “Made with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, niacinamide to calm skin, and ceramides to improve moisture, this retinol serum helps address premature signs of aging,” he adds.

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7

Best Drugstore Retinol-Alternative Serum

Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum

$20 at Amazon$22 at Walmart$22 at versedskin.comCredit: Courtesy of the brands

Pros

• Improves texture

Cons

• Some reviewers note the smell is strong

As the name suggests, Versed Press Restart helps give your skin a second (or third, or fourth?) chance at renewal. Using bakuchiol, a retinol alternative, this serum smooths texture; chlorophyll is also in its make-up to enrich the skin with a boost of oxygen.

Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, chlorophyll

Size: 1 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “It is helpful in smoothing out rough patches, as I’m in my mid seventies and have some skin issues.”

8

Best Nighttime Retinol Serum

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 0.3% Pure Retinol Night Serum,

$32 at Amazon$20 at Walmart$40 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Courtesy of the brands

Pros

• Addresses deep wrinkles

Cons

• May not be best for sensitive skin

The antidote for a lifted, smoothed, soft face is found in this bottle. L’Oréal Paris’ Pure Retinol Night Serum works to gradually erase those pesky fine lines and wrinkles so you can maintain a more youthful appearance.

Key ingredient: Retinol

Size: 1 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “This is hands down the best retinol I’ve ever used! My skin is much more smooth and glowing! I keep a very simple routine and this is my magic serum! I recommend this always for OTC retinol.”

9

Best Retinol For Mature Skin

No7 Advanced Retinol 0.3% Complex Night Concentrate

Now 23% Off

$23 at AmazonCredit: Courtesy of the brands

Pros

• Peptides nourish the skin to prevent irritation

Cons

• Can make skin peel

Small but mighty, this concentrate primarily focuses on refining the look of pores and delaying any signs of aging with a formula that fuses retinol with peptides for extra cushion.

Key ingredients: Retinol, peptides

Size: 1 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “This retinol treatment is formulated with a retinol optimizer encapsulation system to enhance medication delivery and optimize effects.”—Dr. Brendan Camp

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10

Best Retinol For Acne-Prone Skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid Acne Treatment

$31 at Ulta Beauty$36 at Amazon$51 at WalmartCredit: Courtesy of the brands

Pros

• Clears existing acne

Cons

• Not best for cystic acne

How can one treatment target so many common skin care woes? The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel attacks breakouts—the main culprit of dark spots and deep scarring—head-on by helping unclog pores and prevent new acne.

Key ingredient: Adapalene

Size: 1.6 fl oz

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “Honestly this product is great and has helped cleared my acne scars so much and I barely break out, this is one of my favorites and I definitely recommend getting it!!”

11

Best Gentle Drugstore Retinol Serum

honest beauty Honestly Pure Retinyl Serum – Honest Beauty

$19 at WalmartCredit: Courtesy of the brands

Pros

• Gentle enough for every day use

Cons

• Takes time to see visible results

As you catch your Zzz, this gentle serum soothes and smoothes the skin to reveal a brighter, youthful-looking appearance over time.

Key ingredients: Retinyl linoleate, hyaluronic acid

Size: 1 fl oz

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer said: “I’m consistently surprised at how much better my skin looks the morning after I use this serum. I also love the consistency and how nicely it soaks up into your skin without leaving it feeling sticky/tacky. You’re able to apply other serums/moisturizer over it without that annoying “pilling” of product. I’m struggling with hormonal acne as I turn 30 and this stuff is the only thing that keeps it at bay. There is an instant improvement overnight, every single time. As with all retinols, this will cause some irritation when not introduced to your skin slowly. But it is completely worth it for the results you get.”

12

Best Drugstore Moisturizing Retinol Cream

Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream + Pro-Retinol Facial Cream

$12 at Amazon$16 at WalmartCredit: Courtesy of the brands

Pros

• Nourishing ingredients

Cons

• May not be best for acne-prone skin

When using retinol, the key to protecting your skin is to sandwich it with a hydrating moisturizer as a protective barrier. Good thing Eucerin did the hard work for you. The anti-wrinkle cream gradually fades wrinkles with pro-retinol and nourishes the skin with vitamin E and macadamia nut oil.

Key ingredients: Pro-retinol, vitamin E, macadamia nut oil

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I’ve used this, along with other Eucerin skin products, for several years. After removing makeup at night and cleaning my face, applying this cream is my gift to my face. It has a pleasant scent and a rich texture. The cream easily absorbs into my face and neck, where it can work its magic all night long. Reasonably priced, there’s no excuse for not using this anti-wrinkle cream.

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13

Best Drugstore Retinol For Firming

Olay Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer

$40 at Ulta Beauty$30 at Walmart$30 at OLAYCredit: Courtesy of the brands

You can’t talk about staple drugstore skin care without mentioning Olay. The Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer is the superhero your routine has been missing; its powers include brightening, lifting, and firming, in addition to wrinkle and pore reduction.

Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin B3

Size: 1.7 fl oz

Ulta rating: 4.5/5 stars

Our expert says: “Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer is my favorite drugstore brand retinol for many reasons. It contains a blend of their proprietary retinoid complex, niacinamide, and amino peptides that help revive and rejuvenate the skin. It penetrates deep into the skin surface to address many concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, smoothness, brightness, firming, dark spots, and pores. It also hydrates the skin and helps to maintain the natural skin barrier.”—Dr. Lauren Penzi

14

Best Drugstore Retinol For Makeup Lovers

e.l.f. Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum

$22 at AmazonCredit: Courtesy of the brands

You can always count on E.L.F for your makeup needs, but the brand also has your skin care covered. Featuring a blend of retinol, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid, this serum plumps and hydrates the skin while improving texture.

Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid

Size: 2.15 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “The serum has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that glides smoothly onto the skin. I appreciate that it doesn’t leave a sticky residue or cause any discomfort upon application. It’s also fragrance-free, which is a plus for those with sensitive skin. I’ve been using the e.l.f. SKIN Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinoid Serum for about eight weeks now, and I’ve noticed some positive changes in my skin. My complexion appears smoother, and fine lines around my eyes and mouth have become less noticeable. I did experience some mild peeling and sensitivity during the first two weeks, but it subsided as my skin adjusted to the retinoid.”

15

Best Drugstore Retinol Body Cream

Advanced Clinicals Retinol Body Lotion Moisturizer Face Lotion & Body Cream

Now 28% Off

$18 at Amazon$18 at Walmart$15 at advancedclinicals.comCredit: Courtesy of the brands

Pros

• Firming

Cons

• Will have to rub it in for a while

Wrinkles, scars, and crepey skin don’t only appear on the face—the body gets its fair share, too. Thanks to this firming cream from Advanced Clinicals, your body can be as smooth and blemish-free as your face.

Key ingredients: Retinol, ferulic acid, green tea, aloe vera

Size: 16 fl oz

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “I was skeptical at first but after using this product I have to admit it works. I have extremely dry skin on my legs and after using the lotion for less than a week my skin looks so much better. You’d never know there was a problem. I definitely recommend it for others.”

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16

Is drugstore retinol as effective as higher-end ones?

While drugstore retinol products may have great benefits, Dr. Marisa Garshick says not all formulas are made equally.

“Retinol may exist in different concentrations, which may impact both efficacy and tolerability. However, some retinols may also be combined with other ingredients to help maximize benefits and enhance tolerability. Additionally, prescription retinoids tend to be more effective than over-the-counter retinols, but ultimately it comes down to tolerability,” she explains. If over-the-counter products aren’t yielding the results you desire, Dr. Garshick advises visiting a dermatologist for a more effective treatment plan.

17

What should you look out for in a drugstore retinol?

“When considering a drugstore retinol, it is important to not only look for a brand and product that is backed by clinical studies, but also to consider the type of retinol, the concentration and any other ingredients in the formulation, such as ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid to help minimize irritation,” Dr. Garshick offers.

18

Meet the experts

Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell New York Presbyterian Medical Center.

Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.

Dr. Lauren Penzi is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.