Best Retinol Creams You Can Buy Over the Counter

The Best Vitamin A/Retinol Creams

If you want maximum anti-aging benefits from an OTC product, then retinol, a form of vitamin A, is where it's at. Retinol speeds up cell turnover, keeps pores clear, and stimulates collagen production, and it's less likely to cause irritation than prescription-strength retinoids.

Although retinol's less likely to irritate your skin, newbs should still proceed with caution. "You generally want to start with a lower strength and build your way up to a higher strength," says Shari Sperling, M.D. of Sperling Dermatology. (For reference, a 1.0 percent retinol cream is considered strong.) You should also gradually increase frequency to allow your skin to get used to it. "Start with a pea-sized amount for your face and apply two times a week," advises Dr. Sperling. "Gradually build up to every night, because it can be very irritating and make your skin break out and become very dry." Ideally, you'll be applying retinol at night, she says. (Sunlight can deactivate the ingredient.)

When it comes to choosing a retinol skin-care product, look to your skin type. "Creams are more hydrating, and they are good for dry and sensitive skin," says Dr. Sperling. "Serums have more of the active ingredients and they are lighter to the touch. They are good for oily or acne-prone skin." Check out these anti-aging serums if your skin is on the oily side, or keep reading for the best retinol cream options.

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Concentrate Face Cream with Retinol

Part of La Roche Posay's anti-aging Redermic line, this retinol cream is meant to suit sensitive skin. It contains lipo hydroxy acid (LHA), a derivative of salicylic acid with skin-renewing and acne-fighting properties that's been shown to stimulate collagen and elastin production.

Obagi Retinol 1.0

Obagi makes one of the best vitamin A creams. In addition to one percent-strength retinol, it delivers a boost of jojoba oil and vitamin E, two moisturizing ingredients.

SOL CBD Collagen Retinol Revitalizing Cream

Kim Kardashian, Kristen Bell, and Emma Roberts are all obsessed with CBD beauty products, so they must be worth trying, right? If you're still skeptical, know that this rich retinol cream has plenty going for it besides cannabidiol. Collagen and peptides make it a recipe for smooth, firm skin.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Like all of Drunk Elephant's offerings, this retinol cream is free from drying alcohols, fragrances, and everything else on the brand's "suspicious six." What it does contain? One percent-strength retinol, peptides, jojoba oil, and superfoods like kale and winter cherry.

Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

This treatment combines a one percent concentration of retinol with calming ingredients like oat and licorice extracts. Throw in peptides, vitamins C and E, and hyaluronic acid and you've got an all-around MVP.

Kate Somerville RetAsphere retinol night cream

Consider this retinol cream one way to get the anti-aging perks of retinol without causing dryness. It's is formulated to combat wrinkles, discoloration, and fine lines, but it also has ceramide 3 and hyaluronic acid-infused seaweed extract to lock in moisture.

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Night Cream

This is the nighttime version of the Charlotte Tilbury moisturizer that counts Kylie Jenner and Amal Clooney among its many fans. Just like the A.M. version, it's made with peptides, vitamin E, and several plant-derived oils.

RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Crème

One of the best retinol creams is probably hiding out at your usual drugstore. Not only is RoC's deep hydration face cream one of the best-selling moisturizers on Amazon, it's constantly getting hyped by skin-care junkies on the r/SkincareAddiction subreddit.