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Retinol walked, so retinal could run. If you’re ready to level up from your beginner-level retinol serum, the best retinal serums and creams deliver faster results in your skin-care routine—think smoother skin, fewer breakouts, and a brighter, more even skin tone—without jumping straight to a prescription-strength retinoid like tretinoin or adapalene.
“Retinal—also called retinaldehyde—and retinol are both vitamin A derivatives,” says Asmi Berry, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. “However, retinal is one step closer to becoming retinoic acid, which is the active form that binds to receptors in your skin to stimulate collagen production and skin cell turnover.” Because of that, retinal can work more quickly and more efficiently than even the best retinol cream.
In fact, “retinal is 10 times more potent than retinol,” says Noah Levit, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut. It’s no wonder many dermatologists refer to it as liquid gold, and some even use a face serum with retinal themselves. “I’ve been using vitamin A for decades—it’s truly been my fountain of youth,” says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Danville, California. "Even in my late 40s, people still think I’m in my 20s or 30s.” While you won’t see results overnight, consistency can pay off.
Our Top Retinal Serums
- Best Overall: Medik8 Crystal Retinal, $85
- Best for Uneven Texture: The Inkey List Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum, $15
- Best for Dry Skin: KraveBeauty 24 Carrot Retinal, $28
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène Retrinal 0.1% Intensive Multi-Corrective Cream, $68
- Best for Beginners: Peach & Lily Retinal For All Renewing Serum, $55
- Best for Experienced Users: Remedy Science Super Stacked Healthy Aging Treatment, $38
- Best Eye Cream: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal, $17
Heads up: As with other retinol products, “retinal should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding,” Dr. Levit says. And, of course, it’s best paired with sunscreen (which is a must if you’re targeting signs of aging, but especially necessary alongside retinal, which can leave skin more sensitive to sunlight). If you have the green light, check out these derm-approved picks that deliver real results.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Retinal versus retinol: What's the difference?
- Is it better to use retinol or retinal?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Retinal Serum Overall: Medik8 Crystal Retinal
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Medik8
Crystal Retinal 6
Amazon
Dermstore
Medik8
Why we love it: With strengths ranging from 0.01% to 0.24% retinaldehyde, Medik8 Crystal Retinal has something for everyone, from sensitive skin newbies to seasoned retinoid pros. Its stability system sets it apart, which is essential to ensuring you’re getting an effective formula with minimal irritation. This formulation uses crystal encapsulation technology (like encapsulated retinol, just with retinal), a patented carrot seed oil complex, and airtight packaging—all designed to keep the retinal molecule ultra-potent and ultra-gentle. “It’s also formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to buffer any potential irritation, and the texture is creamy and fast-absorbing,” says Dr. Berry.
The gradual system has made it popular among multiple Allure editors. “The brand makes it simple to ease into retinal use: You start with level 1 (sensitive) or 3 (beginner), then graduate to higher concentrations once your skin can tolerate them,” says former Allure content director Kara McGrath. "I haven't experienced any irritation with level 3, a rarity for my sensitive skin.”
Allure features director Dianna Singh applying the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
Dianna Singh
Singh after applying the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
Dianna Singh
Tester feedback from Allure features director Dianna Singh
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“When vitamin A works, it really works—and this formula is a testament to the ingredient's line-smoothing prowess. Plus, it's one of the few that doesn't make my skin extra sensitive or turn my pillow yellow. Once I finish this bottle, I'm going to move up to the ‘advanced’ strength version.” —Dianna Singh, Allure features director
More to know
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- Retinal percentage: 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.06%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.24% twin-encapsulated retinaldehyde
- Other key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: beginner or expert retinal users
Best for Uneven Texture: The Inkey List Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum
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The Inkey List
Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum
Sephora
The Inkey List
Why we love it: While we’ve learned that encapsulated retinal can be gentle on sensitive skin, don’t mistake The Inkey List’s Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum for taking it easy on fine lines and wrinkles. The formula pairs a higher-strength (0.2%) encapsulated retinal with 2% sirtalice (the brand’s proprietary peptide complex) to help support firmness and elasticity, plus Bacillus ferment to smooth texture and leave skin looking more even and refined. It’s an ideal next step if you’re already comfortable with retinoids and ready to graduate from beginner retinal formulas. It’s especially well-suited if your goals lean toward visible smoothing, refining, and long-term skin renewal rather than simple upkeep.
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Inkey List Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum
Jessica Cruel
Cruel after applying the Inkey List Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum
Jessica Cruel
Tester feedback from Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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“I was always spotty when it came to locking in a retinol habit. Besides the slight burn on my face, it took months to know if it was working. This yellow-tinged retinal has shown improvements in my skin within weeks. I just use a few dots on my face and top with my favorite night moisturizer. I started to notice that my skin was looking radiant even before my morning serum-plus-sunscreen routine. I will also say this formula from Inkey List has none of the sting of other retinol creams I've tried.” —Jessical Cruel, Allure editor in chief
More to know
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- Retinal percentage: 0.2% encapsulated retinol
- Other key ingredients: 2% sirtalice, mango seed butter, Bacillus ferment
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people who are ready for more advanced retinoids
Best for Dry Skin: KraveBeauty 24 Carrot Retinal
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KraveBeauty
24 Carrot Retinal
Amazon
Why we love it: We’re always here for a good pun, but KraveBeauty’s 24 Carrot Retinal is more than just a clever name. It’s a wink to the formula’s star supporting player: carrot extract, which helps soothe stressed skin while delivering antioxidant protection. What really sets this serum apart, though, is its oil-entrapped approach. Retinal is notoriously sensitive to oxygen and only lightly soluble in water, which is why many retinal formulas lean creamy or lotion-like. KraveBeauty takes a different route with a gentle 0.05% retinal suspended in tiny droplets of yeast-derived torula oil inside an ultra-hydrating gel base. By keeping the retinal “entrapped” in oil, the formula stays stable and fresh, and the delivery feels cushier and less irritating on skin. That oil-based delivery also helps retain moisture and support the skin barrier, making the whole experience feel far more comfortable than you’d expect from a retinal.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the KraveBeauty 24 Carrot Retinal
Sarah Han
Han after applying the KraveBeauty 24 Carrot Retinal
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han
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"I am known to go a little overboard with retinol at times. And, with the cold winter weather and dry air making my skin more susceptible to irritation, I've been using KraveBeauty 24 Carrot Retinal on the reg to get the skin-care benefits I desperately need—hey, uneven tone and texture—with minimal (nay, nonexistent) redness. The 0.05% concentration of retinal is mild enough that I've even gotten my boyfriend (a vitamin A newbie) using it. It absorbs immediately and something about the gel-like texture makes it feel unlike a typical retinoid—it's hard to describe, but keeps me coming back for more. I love how intentional KraveBeauty's formulations are and how they often source/upcycle ingredients that would otherwise be discarded, such as wine byproduct/waste and "ugly" carrots (the latter for this retinal)." —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor
More to know
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- Retinal percentage: 0.05% oil-entrapped retinal
- Other key ingredients: carrot extract, torula oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with uneven tone, texture, or fine lines
Best for Sensitive Skin: Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
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Avène
RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: For sensitive skin types ready to dip a toe into the world of retinal, Avène Retrinal 0.1% Intensive Multi-Corrective Cream is a gentle yet effective place to start. “This is one of my favorite brands for mature or sensitive skin,” says Dr. Berry. “It uses retinaldehyde at a clinically backed concentration to smooth texture and even tone—without the irritation that often comes with retinoids.”
Like all of the brand’s products, it’s infused with their signature thermal spring water, which “has a calming effect on the skin,” adds Dr. Levit. He also notes that adding niacinamide and hyaluronic acid makes it especially nourishing—even for eczema-prone skin. We can attest to this: Our own tester didn't need much of an acclimation process, and it absorbs quickly and easily. It doesn't have a pleasant smell, but it's also not particularly off-putting.
Allure contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman applying the Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
Annie Blackman
Blackman after applying the Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
Annie Blackman
Tester feedback from contributor Annie Blackman
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“I’m still early on in the old-enough-to-use-retinol phase of my life, but I have a nasolabial line that I’m trying to soften, and I feel hopeful about the trajectory of this product. It’s also hydrating and airy, and I feel like there’s definitely a bit more evenness to my skin.” —Annie Blackman, Allure contributor
More to know
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- Retinal percentage: 0.1%
- Other key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, thermal spring water
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: all skin types, especially people with mature or sensitive skin
Best for Beginners: Peach & Lily Retinal For All Renewing Serum
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Peach & Lily
Retinal For All Renewing Serum
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: If your complexion goals include brighter, more even-looking skin—but your skin is notoriously sensitive to actives—this serum makes retinal feel surprisingly doable. Peach & Lily Retinal For All Renewing Serum uses 0.1% encapsulated retinal, which releases slowly into the skin to help smooth uneven tone and boost radiance. “It’s potent yet gentle, with the help of ectoin, which has been clinically proven to reduce retinoid-related irritation,” says Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
Plenty of retinoid serums say they’re friendly to sensitive skin, but this one backs it up: In the brand’s clinical testing, the formula showed zero (!) water loss after application and virtually no skin-barrier disruption. A calming lineup of heartleaf extract, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants does the behind-the-scenes work to keep irritation at bay while results build. “Together, it improves texture and tone with minimal side effects,” says Dr. Karcher.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Peach & Lily Retinal For All Renewing Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Peach & Lily Retinal For All Renewing Serum
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“The bright yellow hue of Peach & Lily’s Retinal All-Renewing Serum isn’t just to cheer up your day—it turns out retinal in its pure form naturally runs that color (and yes, it disappears as soon as you rub it in). The texture hits a sweet spot too: not so watery it drips off before you can get it on your face, but not so thick you’re massaging forever. Instead of leaving a glassy sheen, it feels like it’s sinking deeper and leaving things plush and cushioned from within. After a few nights, my skin felt baby-soft with zero hint of irritation.” —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Retinal percentage: 0.1% encapsulated retinal
- Other key ingredients: ectoin, heartleaf extract, ceramides
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with sensitive skin
Best Eye Cream: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal
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Beauty of Joseon
Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal
Amazon
Sephora
Why we love it: If your under-eyes are starting to rat you out for your doom-scrolling and repeat pizza nights, Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream is one of our favorite Korean eye creams for faking the look of eight hours of sleep—though maybe hydrate and log off once in a while, yeah? Inspired by traditional Korean hanbang skincare, this silky cream blends ginseng (the OG brightener and circulation booster) with gentle, effective retinal to smooth fine lines and depuff tired eyes. The lightweight, serum-like texture melts right in, leaving your eye area looking firmer, glowier, and way more put-together than you feel.
Han applying the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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"I'm unconvinced eye creams provide long-term, visible results (e.g. minimizing the look of fine lines) without retinoids involved. Beauty of Joseon's Revive has been a staple in that regard. The custardy formula absorbs almost immediately and makes my undereyes look refreshed and slightly brighter. I even dab some onto my forehead lines (not super noticeable as of now, but you can't be too preventative)." —Han, Allure commerce editor
More to know
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- Retinal percentage: not disclosed
- Other key ingredients: ginseng, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: all skin types
More retinal serums we love:
Best for Experienced Users: Remedy Science Super Stacked Healthy Aging Treatment
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Remedy
Super Stacked Healthy Aging Treatment
Amazon
Why we love it: If you’re already well-versed in the benefits of retinal and ready to streamline your routine, Remedy Science Super Stacked Healthy Aging Treatment makes a strong case for doing more with less. It combines 0.1% encapsulated retinol and 0.05% retinaldehyde—“a formulation recommended for more experienced retinol users to help smooth fine lines and improve texture,” says Patricia Oyetakin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Newnan and Stockbridge, GA. From there, it layers in peptides like argireline and matrixyl 3000 for firmness, glycolic acid for gentle resurfacing, niacinamide for brightness, and ceramides to keep skin comfortable. “It’s truly a one-and-done option for busy people who want visible results without a complicated routine,” says Dr. Oyetakin.
More to know
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- Retinal percentage: 0.05%
- Other key ingredients: 0.1% encapsulated retinol, 2% argireline, glycolic acid, 2% niacinamide, matrixyl 3000
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: people with mature skin
Best for Crepey Skin: Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment
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Murad
Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: If your skin is starting to look (and feel) a little at the mercy of gravity, Murad Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment is made for the areas that tend to show it first—namely, the neck and jawline, as skin here is thinner, drier, and naturally lower in elasticity than the face. The formula uses encapsulated retinal to help smooth and support collagen over time, paired with kangaroo paw flower extract, a plant ingredient known for helping improve the look of elasticity and firmness. Olive, oat, and alpha-glucan help keep skin hydrated and comfortable, which matters when you’re using retinal on more delicate skin. “It improves elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles while maintaining skin hydration and minimizing irritation,” says Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Consistency is key here—while you might not feel tightening right away, the real lift shows up over time with regular use.
More to know
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- Retinal percentage: undisclosed
- Other key ingredients: kangaroo paw flower extract, olive extract, shea butter, oat extract
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: people with saggy or crepey skin
Best for Mature Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Retinal Advanced Serum
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Isdin
Isdinceutics Retinal Advanced Serum
Amazon
Dermstore
Why we love it: Not your first rodeo with retinal? Then Isdin Retinal Advanced Rejuvenating Facial Night Serum is a great next step to level up your routine. “It’s a dual-phase formula with both an oil phase and an aqueous phase, leaning more toward the hydrating and moisturizing side,” says Dr. Levit. “The oil phase delivers the key actives—including retinaldehyde and bakuchiol—while ingredients like dimethicone help protect the skin and glycerin boosts hydration. Melatonin is another standout for its skin-repairing benefits,” he says. If you have sensitive skin, just a heads-up: It’s lightly fragranced. But, according to Dr. Levit, “most of my patients find the scent pleasantly subtle—and they actually appreciate that it tones down the overly ‘clinical’ smell you sometimes get with fragrance-free treatments.”
More to know
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- Retinal percentage: not disclosed
- Other key ingredients: bakuchiol, melatonin
- Fragrance-free: no
- Who it’s for: all skin types
Best for Dark Spots: Allies of Skin Retinal 0.1% & Peptides Advanced Repair Night Cream
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Allies of Skin
Retinal 0.1% & Peptides Advanced Repair Night Cream
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why we love it: From dryness and breakouts to fine lines and dark spots, Allies of Skin Retinal 0.1% & Peptides Advanced Repair Night Cream is your skincare all-in-one. It blends encapsulated retinal (for a gentler retinoid experience), six firming peptides, and 11 antioxidants and brighteners to smooth texture, give an even tone, and bring out your skin’s glow. “This serum is great for anyone looking for retinal paired with barrier-loving ingredients like ceramides, and peptides,” says Dr. Berry. “It’s powerful but gentle, feels soft on the skin, and layers well with other actives. I especially recommend it for patients with drier skin.”
More to know
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- Retinal percentage: 0.1%
- Other key ingredients: peptides, ceramides, omegas
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Who it’s for: all skin types, especially for dry skin
Frequently Asked Questions
Retinal versus retinol: What's the difference?
“Retinal and retinol are both vitamin A derivatives, but retinal is one step closer to retinoic acid—the active form your skin uses. That means it works faster and is typically more potent than retinol,” says Dr. Levit. While retinol needs two conversions in the skin to become active, retinal only needs one, so you’ll often see quicker results when smoothing fine lines, improving texture, and fading dark spots. That said, “retinal can also be slightly more intense, so it’s usually recommended for those who’ve already built some tolerance to retinoids,” he says.
Is it better to use retinol or retinal?
It depends. “If you have sensitive skin or are brand-new to retinoids, retinol is a great place to start,” says Dr. Berry. “If you're already tolerating retinol well, or you're targeting deeper wrinkles, pigmentation, or acne, retinal can offer faster and more noticeable results with less irritation than prescription-strength options.”
Meet the experts
- Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf expert based in Danville, CA
- Asmi Berry, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in LA
- Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Center Aesthetic & Dermatology based in New York City
- Noah Levit, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut based in Fairfield, Hamden, and Norwalk, CT
- Patricia Oyetakin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Epiphany Dermatology based in Newnan and Stockbridge, GA
- Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Turner Dermatology based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best retinal serums, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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