Best retinol serums and vitamin A creams for women of all ages
We try the top-rated retinol serum that promises to "make a difference" to your skin.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
The golden age of skincare has well and truly arrived, with more and more people investing in multi-step regimens to boost their complexion.
When creating a skincare routine, it all comes down to a few key ingredients that work overtime to create that sought-after youthful glow – and one that’s creating quite a buzz is retinol.
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, also known as vitamin A. It’s actually one type of a larger class of potent chemical compounds frequently used in skincare called retinoids. As active ingredients, they increase skin elasticity, skin cell turnover and both collagen and elastin production, resulting in a more even complexion with minimised fine lines and wrinkles, reduction in enlarged pores, and reduced sebum (which contributes to oiliness).
Retinol creams and serums are products recommended for all skin types, from oily to sensitive skin and from dry skin to combination. This is because the powerful ingredient is literally like magic. For those with mature skin worried about fine lines and dark spots it helps to minimise wrinkles and pigmentation while for those with oily skin types, it can work to reduce oil production. It is seriously a product we can't live without.
Finding the best retinol serum for you though is the hard part. There are so many on the market now that it's difficult to know which one is best for your skin type. That's why we've done the hard work for you and put together our pick of the best retinol creams and serums to buy now including the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3. I tried and loved the top-rated pick for a totally smooth and radiant complexion.
BEST RETINOL SERUMS & RETINOL CREAMS
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST RETINOL SERUMS AND VITAMIN A CREAMS
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3, $99 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Medik8 offers a range of strength levels, depending on your skin's tolerance to retinol.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 30ml
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
If you're deep into the skincare world like me, you'll know a thing or two about the Medik8 retinol range. What I love most about it is the different levels of tolerance available.
I recently had a skincare break to repair my skin barrier and when I jumped back onto the retinol train for the first time, I went in with the Crystal Retinal 3 - but you can also opt for the Retinal 6 and Retinal 10.
The difference in my complexion I noticed the next morning was next to none - my skin looked totally smooth and radiant.
It's a medium strength retinal that should be a holy grail for those who have used retinol before, or a starting point for those without sensitive skin. The advanced vitamin A treatment works hard to resurface skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and overall improve your skin tone.
My fellow five-star rating Adore Beauty shoppers have given it a 4.8 rating out of five, and have described it as "gentle yet effective", noting that it "makes a difference to signs of ageing".
Very Amazing Retinal, $85 at Go-To Skincare
Why we love it: This is a potent anti-ageing serum that's also very gentle on the skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 30ml
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Acting Editor
I have been a big fan of Go-To Skincare for many years now. Case in point: my current skincare line-up includes their Brightening Vitamin C Serum, Face Oil and Eye Serum. So when I had the opportunity to test out their brand new vitamin A serum - Very Amazing Retinal - I jumped at the chance.
As someone who is rapidly approaching their mid-30s, a Vitamin A serum (most commonly known as a retinol or retinal) is a must-have in my skincare routine. Why? Because it actually makes a difference to my skin. I’ve been testing the Very Amazing Retinal for the past month and it has honestly transformed my skin. I don’t mean to brag but the other day I was mistaken for a 25-year-old (I am 33) so I was pretty chuffed to say the least.
The Very Amazing Retinal is a dream to put on; it has a deliciously silky texture that sinks into your skin so well, which feels different to other vit A products I’ve tried. With regular use - I’ve been using it two to four times a week at night, slowly increasing it every week - my fine lines have faded, my skin’s tone and texture has improved, and just generally my complexion is much brighter, smoother and clearer.
Go-To's Very Amazing Retinal is made with retinal rather than retinol, which works faster and is much less irritating on the skin. It’s also packed with two of my fave skincare ingredients - niacinamide (which brightens and strengthens skin) and peptides (to nourish and help reduce fine lines).
For those who have been scared of trying a vitamin A serum, I hear you. It took me many years of trialling different vitamin A products before I found the few that I could use regularly without breaking out or causing the dreaded skin flakiness. And I have to say, this retinal from Go-To has changed the game. It’s super gentle on skin, I had zero issues when I started using this, but it still has all the effectiveness and benefits of a vitamin A serum. Go-To, you’ve done it again! This has now slotted seamlessly into my nightly skincare routine.
CeraVe Retinol Serum for Post-Acne Marks and Skin Texture, $44 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Affordable price tag and travel-friendly bottle.
What to consider: Might not work as well for advanced retinol users.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: Acne-prone skin types
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
This CeraVe retinol is specifically designed for acne prone skin as it works to treat acne lesions and marks and improve skin texture, containing encapsulated retinol, niacinamide and CeraVe’s signature three essential ceramides to restore and look after the skin barrier.
Did we mention it has an average rating of 4.9 out of five on the Adore Beauty website?
"This is an affordable serum that works... a week is all it takes to see a difference," said one five-star reviewer.
Another commented, "this absorbs into the skin really fast and doesn't leave any sort of stickiness or texture."
Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules Rapid Skin Renewing Serum 60 Piece, $160 at Myer
Why we love it: Easy to use, plus it is super highly rated by Myer shoppers.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: Dry skin types
Size: 60 pieces
What You Need To Know
Containing 30, 60 or 90 capsules, individually sealed for optimal freshness and potency, Elizabeth Arden’s formulation contains wrinkle-smoothing retinol and moisture-boosting ceramides. Free from fragrance and preservatives, each capsule contains just enough to cover your face, neck and décolletage. Smooth over skin each night before moisturiser to help diminish lines and wrinkles and keep skin smoother, younger and more elastic.
This tub of hard-working capsules is super popular with Elizabeth Arden fans and has earned a 4.8 out of 5 star rating for quality on the Elizabeth Arden website. One shopper described the product as a "must buy" and left a review saying, "I received this for Christmas and I can’t live without it. My skin loves it."
Another customer was equally thrilled and left a review saying, "I can feel a difference especially on my forehead. I can see a difference on my forehead and my skin overall. I bought the 3 months supply to give it a good go and I have recommended to my friends. I thoroughly researched this product before purchasing and it hasn’t disappointed me."
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment, $92 at Paula’s Choice
Why we love it: This advanced treatment is a lightweight and fast-absorbing texture.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
The Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment is a potent yet light lotion that promises to absorb quickly into the skin, working to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone. Things like licorice and oat extract have also been included to help calm redness and increase hydration.
It’s racked up over 2500 five-star ratings on Google Reviews, with five-star rating Paula’s Choice customers calling it a “miracle in a bottle” and noting it’s the “best treatment” they’ve ever used.
If you’re interested, the brand also offers retinol propionate, and it comes in the form of the new Resist Triple Active Total Repair Serum. Retinol propionate is a derivative of Vitamin A that is generally considered to be less irritating than your traditional retinol serum.
BEST RETINOL FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol B3 Serum, $74.95 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Super gentle formulation that's specifically designed for sensitive skin types.
What to consider: Some users do not recommend this for dry skin.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: Sensitive skin types
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
Designed to soften fine lines and wrinkles, improve moisture retention and the appearance of uneven skin texture, La Roche-Posay’s Retinol Serum claims to provide visible results within a week. Added vitamin B3 soothes and softens skin and restores the skin’s natural moisture barrier, too.
On the Priceline website one happy customers noted: “The change to my skin is beyond words. I can’t wait to put it on each night as I’ve never felt so good. My skin looks and feels great."
Kiehl’s Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Retinol Serum, from $115 at Kiehl’s
Why we love it: Added peptides and ceramides makes it perfect for sensitive skin types.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 30ml or 50ml
What You Need To Know
This product is one of the brand’s bestsellers – and it’s easy to see why.
Not only does the potent retinol serum promote skin cell turnover, it also works hard to strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier, leaving you with a soft, healthy and youthful complexion.
Formulated with a bunch of skin-loving ceramides and peptides, the Kiehl’s Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Retinol Serum is perfect for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin and beginners.
It’s racked up an average rating of 4.5 out of five on the Kiehl’s website, with a whopping 2500 five-star ratings. Happy customers have said it’s an “easy addition” to their night time routine, a “great introduction to retinol and perfect for someone with sensitive skin”.
BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY RETINOL SERUM
The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane, $14.80 at Myer
Why we love it: Super affordable price tag.
What to consider: Some Myer shoppers did not enjoy the oily texture.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
The key ingredient of this cruelty-free and vegan solution from The Ordinary is a powerful one per cent of pure retinol, to reduce the appearance of fine lines, photo damage, and general skin ageing. Pure retinol is recommended by dermatologists as it usually more effective than retinol derivatives. However, pure retinol and in particular one percent of it is a high-strength formula, so it’s a good choice if you’ve tried lower strength retinol (like the brand’s 0.2% formulation) first to let your skin become accustomed. And while it is not technically a retinol oil, it has a similarly consistency because it is squalane.
Almost 300 Myer reviewers have given it a five-star rating, with one commenting: “I love this product and the difference it has made to the overall texture of my skin."
They added, “Definitely use SPF when using this treatment at night as it makes skin more sensitive but improves hormonal breakouts massively.”
BEST HYDRATING RETINOL SERUM
Paulas’s Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum, $72 at Paula’s Choice
Why we love it: Five-star rating shoppers report the formula is super hydrating and moisturising.
What to consider: Some user felt it was too heavy and greasy on their skin.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
Featuring stable retinol with a mid-strength 0.1 per cent concentration, this Paula’s Choice Serum also contains the key ingredients of vitamins C and E to brighten skin, and squalene to hydrate, leaving your face looking younger and glowy.
One of the hundreds of five-star reviewers called it a “holy grail”, adding: “I’ve been using this for a week and I’m kicking myself I didn’t find it earlier. I use after PC BHA Exfoliant and my skin has never looked better.
“It absorbs into the skin quickly and leaves it soft, plump and glowy without appearing greasy. My skin is super sensitive and this doesn’t irritate it at all, which never happens for me with products containing retinol. Highly recommend!”.
BEST PREMIUM RETINOL SERUM
The Retinol Serum, $583 at Augustinus Bader
Why we love it: It's a highly advanced and powerful formula, inspired by over 30 years of research, innovation and clinical study.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
Definitely a premium option at $583 for only 30ml but if you have the money to spend this serum is seriously worth it.
Made from pure retinol for healthier, rejuvenated skin, this lightweight formula is formulated for all skin types and in particular recommended for ageing, oily and blemish-prone skin. Like most retinols, it works to reduce the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles, as well as blemishes, this serum is also super hydrating and locks in moisture to keep the skin hydrated, radiant and plump.
97 per cent of people who trialled the serum say that the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines is reduced while 100 per cent say that their skin looked lifted, tighter and firmer.
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol, $84.95 at Myer
Why we love it: Medik8 offers a range of strength levels, depending on your skin's tolerance to retinol.
What to consider: Some users with sensitive skin types did not enjoy this formula.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 25ml
What You Need To Know
This rejuvenating night serum may not come cheap, but with a close to five-star average rating from over 100 reviews, it’s worth your spending. Containing retinol to increase collagen production, reduce sebum production, and improve skin tone and texture, it also features tomato seed extract to reduce redness, and squalene, evening primrose, and macadamia seed oil to hydrate.
“I’ve used this product every other night for about a month now and I noticed that my breakouts have healed faster and I also don’t break out as much. My skin feels so smooth the next day and less oily,” wrote one five-star reviewer.
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum, $105 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Added vitamin C and E for bonus antioxidant benefits and brigher-looking skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
This serum has over 600 reviews, with an average rating just shy of a full five stars – which makes its high price tag a lot less scary. Its advanced combination of 1.5 per cent retinol along with vitamins E and C encourage the skin’s renewal process, improving tone, texture, collagen production, and moisture.
One reviewer noted that its inclusion of hydrating oil saves you an extra purchase, writing: “This retinol is extremely non-irritating and effective (which is hard to find). If you’re starting to see some signs of ageing (30s, 40s or 50s) I highly recommend it.
“All of my fine lines fade to almost non existent and people think I look about 10 years younger than my age. I’ve tried other retinols, and they always irritate my skin. But not this one”.
Trinny London Overnight Sensation, $142 at Trinny London
Why we love it: Comes in travel-friendly packaging, and a refill system can also be purchased.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Serum
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
If you’ve ever wondered what Trinny Woodall has been doing since iconic 2000s TV show What Not To Wear ended, then you’re about to find out.
Turns out she’s been busy creating beauty brand Trinny London, which launched in 2017 and has achievable cult status, thanks in part to its stackable makeup pots.
Anti-flaking retinal+ and granactive retinoid are two of the key ingredients in Overnight Sensation and they work to target the appearance of wrinkles and firm skin.
BEST RETINOL CREAM
Why we love it: Affordable price tag that also goes on sale often.
What to consider: Some users did not enjoy the pressed jar style packaging.
Formulation: Cream
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
If you prefer your skincare routine to be as simple as possible then this night cream from L’Oreal will be right up your alley.
Key ingredients include anti-ageing holy grails retinol, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to intensely hydrate the skin.
One of the coolest features about this night cream is its push-down dispenser which gives the product in an even single dose and is more hygienic.
BEST RETINOL ALTERNATIVES
While retinol is one of the most clinically proven skincare ingredients for anti-ageing benefits, it isn’t for everyone. It can be too harsh for sensitive skin types and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, will need to be avoided.
JSHealth Luminous Vitamin Oil, $59.99 at JSHealth Vitamins
Why we love it: It's an award-winning formula that's clean, vegan and Australian made.
What to consider: Some users did not notice a big difference in their skin after using.
Formulation: Oil
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 30ml
What You Need To Know
This skin oil from JSHealth may not be a retinol oil but it does contain bakuchiol, a natural antioxidant that’s widely considered a retinol alternative (although you should check with a medical professional if you’re unsure about use).
It also contains nourishing key ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin A rich buriti oil, pomegranate for antioxidants and marula oil.
Five star reviewers say it leaves skin “so dewy and hydrated”, with one shopper writing: “My skin has never looked so radiant. I’m obsessed!”
Beauté Pacifique Super 3 Booster Night Cream, $104 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: The formula contains two forms of anti-ageing vitamin A.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Cream
Skin Type: All skin types
Size: 50ml
What You Need To Know
The Beauté Pacifique Super 3 Booster Night Cream contains two forms of stable vitamin A which target uneven texture and dark spots, while the addition of squalene helps to hydrate your skin so it works great as a retinol alternative.
It also contains Propolis Cera Water Extract which has natural antimicrobial properties. 100 per cent of Adore Beauty customers who purchased the cream would recommend it, with one five star review describing it as a “fabulous product that does what it says”.
HOW WE CHOOSE OUR PRODUCTS
To help you find the best retinol products for your needs and budget, we asked Daniel Isaacs, Chief Product Officer at Medik8, and Desiree Stordahl, director of applied research and education at Paula’s Choice, for their recommendations on what to look for when buying a retinol serum. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best retinol serum from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is retinol?
Retinol is the most well-known form of vitamin A. Daniel says, "When retinol is applied to the skin, it goes through two conversion stages. First, it is converted to retinaldehyde and then to retinoic acid.
"Retinoic acid is the active form of vitamin A; the form that can actually be utilised by the skin to give the amazing age-defying effects," he continued. There is also pure retinoic acid which is found in prescription products like isotretinoin.
He says Vitamin A (retinoids) provides a multitude of benefits to the skin, including:
- Help combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Increases the production of skin cells for a visibly brighter skin tone
- Helps provide an even, more youthful-looking complexion
- Helps minimise the appearance of blemishes on acne prone skin
- Promotes and maintains overall healthy-looking skin
Are retinol and vitamin A the same thing?
Not quite – retinol is a type of retinoid, which in turn is one form of vitamin A. "Vitamin A is an umbrella term for a family of skincare ingredients known as retinoids," says Daniel.
"When vitamin A is introduced to skin, it is converted to its active form, retinoic acid. This action triggers the smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles, improved skin tone and texture, and a reduction in blemishes, dark marks and age spots."
What age should you start using retinal?
Daniel recommends starting to use retinol products once your skin has fully developed. This is normally around 18 or older. He also says you could start when you start to see visible signs of ageing that you'd like to target.
But, he also says it's important to remember there’s no right or wrong answer here.
"Everyone’s skin journey is different. It’s not one size fits all when it comes to skincare."
Can everyone use retinol?
According to Daniel, yes everyone can use it. He says in particular, that everyone can use a Medik8 retinol because of the "time release technology in their formulas to slowly release the active ingredient into the skin, so as not to overwhelm it".
Medik8 serums also contain encapsulated retinol which "significantly minimises the risk of irritation and ensures that visible skin benefits are received slowly over a prolonged period of time". Daniels says it has been designed so that as the serum is mechanically rubbed into the skin, the encapsulated retinol shell breaks down and the retinol is slowly released into the skin.
However, he says that "if in doubt, always ask a qualified professional therapist". Plus, there are retinol alternatives available if you're unsure.
What's the best way to get started on retinol?
“If you’re new to retinol, it’s smart to start with the ‘low and slow’ method,” Desiree said.
According to Desiree, you should start with a low concentration (somewhere in the 0.01 per cent to 0.03 per cent range) and slowly introduce it into your routine.
“Limit initial use to just a couple times per week and assess how your skin is doing. If you don’t experience any signs of irritation, gradually increase frequency of application,” she said.
“Some people can use retinol every day, others only a couple times per week. It all comes down to your skin’s tolerance and the strength of the product that you’re using.”
Daniel also suggested starting with a low strength and once your skin has built up a tolerance, then moving onto a higher strength.
He also said that you should always use a sunscreen the next morning after using vitamin A. But let's be honest, living in Australia (or anywhere!) you should be applying sunscreen every morning.
How do I choose a retinol product?
"Choosing the right vitamin A product is completely dependent on your skin type and your skincare concerns," says Daniel.
For most people, it's best to start on a low dose and slowly introduce it into your skincare routine so as not to overwhelm the skin.
Are there side effects to retinol?
They’re not necessarily bad (and scary) side effects, but there are some things you should look out for when incorporating retinol treatments into your skincare routine.
“If the retinol formula that you’re using is too powerful for your skin, you’ll see signs of irritation like redness, flaking or uncomfortable feeling skin, in which case you should scale back how often you’re using it or switch to a lower strength,” Desiree said.
“Some people experience a purging phase when first starting on retinol or prescription retinoid products. This can present itself as breakout-like dots and bumps across the skin. Eventually, as your skin gets acclimated, the purging tapers off and you see results from the product.”
Is it ok to use retinol every day
Yes, as long as you phase it in gradually says Daniel.
WHEN SHOULD YOU APPLY RETINOL?
Daniel says that retinol should be applied only at night because it isn't a photostable ingredient. "This means it is deactivated when exposed to direct sunlight," he explains.
IS RETINOL SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
Daniel says that although retinol is a powerful ingredient it is suitable for sensitive skin. In particular, he notes that even ultra sensitive skin types can use a Medik8 retinol.
"This is because we formulate with climbazole which has been found to boost the activity of retinoids in the skin, giving the power of higher percentages without the irritation," he says.
"We also use time release technology in our formulas to slowly release the active ingredient into the skin, so as not to overwhelm it. By encapsulating retinol in a polymer shell, it significantly minimises the risk of irritation and ensures that visible skin benefits are received slowly over a prolonged period of time."
CAN I USE HYALURONIC ACID AT THE SAME TIME AS RETINOL?
Yes, and according to Daniel, it is actually very important that you do use both retinol and hyaluronic acid.
"Because retinoids can be drying it's important to keep the skin hydrated during usage. To get the best results from your retinol we’d recommend utilising the moisture sandwich method, applying a hyaluronic acid before your retinol and then following with a nourishing night cream," he says.
"This hydrating layering will keep skin moisturised and protect the skin barrier from any potential damage."
WHAT OTHER SKINCARE PRODUCTS SHOULD I USE WITH RETINOL?
Maintaining the skin's hydration is of vital importance when using retinol products. Products that contain vitamin E or aloe vera are great because they are super nourishing and soothing so will help to combat any irritation caused by retinol and leave you with smoother skin. Apart from vitamin E, other important products to use include a hydrating serum and moisturiser.
It's best to avoid using products that contain AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) like lactic acid and glycolic acid as well as other exfoliating acids when using retinol. This is because both lactic acid and retinol are quite strong key ingredients and may be too irritating for the skin. So if you have acne-prone skin ( or even if you don't) and want to use both, we recommend following the skin cycling routine where you use sparingly and on alternative days.
Daniel Isaacs
Daniel Isaacs is the Chief Product Officer at Medik8. After studying chemistry at the University of Leeds, he joined his brother Elliot’s company, Medik8, as a product formulator in the research and development department. During his career, Daniel has developed over 80 unique formulations and is considered an industry expert in sunscreens and pigmentation. He is also the inventor of two patents in skin brightening.
Desiree Stordahl
Desiree Stordahl is the director of applied research and education at Paula’s Choice, with over 12 years of experience. Her mission is to cut through the hype and help consumers understand what their skin needs to thrive based on research and facts — not gimmicks. She’s co-authored many of Paula’s best-selling books and has written many of the brand’s skin care advice articles that cover the beauty industry’s most complex issues.
More Coverage
To save on beauty products, check out news.com.au Coupons for the best discounts and deals at stores like Adore Beauty, Sephora, Myer, The ICONIC, The Ordinary and many more.
And sign up to our newsletter for all the latest shopping tips and news.