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Last updated on January 11th, 2025 at 03:18 pm

If you’re ready to start using retinol but aren’t sure where to begin, you’re in the right place. Retinol serums are incredibly effective for reducing wrinkles, slowing down the signs of aging, clearing acne, and fading hyperpigmentation. These benefits have made retinol a staple in the skincare world, and it’s even earned FDA approval for its anti-aging effects.

Before we dive into the best drugstore retinol serums for beginners, it’s important to understand the difference between retinol and retinoids. If you’re unsure about the distinctions, I recommend reading The Complete Guide to Retinol for a comprehensive overview. Now, let’s explore some of the top beginner-friendly retinol serums you can find at your local drugstore.

Best Drugstore Retinol Serums

Retinol, a pure form of Vitamin A, is a proven ingredient that can effectively reverse signs of aging. While it’s less potent than prescription Tretinoin due to the conversion process in the skin, retinol still delivers significant results with less irritation.

The Ordinary Retinol 1% In Squalene

This Canadian brand, “The Ordinary,” has taken the beauty world by storm with its straightforward, effective formulations. The Ordinary Retinol 1% in Squalane is a standout product, featuring 1% pure retinol combined with hydrating squalane. However, if you’re new to retinol, The Ordinary suggests starting with their lower concentrations—Retinol 0.2% or 0.5% in Squalane—to build tolerance gradually.

Why It’s Great:

  • Affordable price point.
  • Contains no alcohol, silicones, or animal-derived ingredients (cruelty-free).
  • Packaged in an opaque bottle to protect retinol from degradation.

Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment 

Paula’s Choice is a brand known for its research-backed products, and their Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment is no exception. This lightweight treatment combines 1% retinol with advanced peptides and Vitamin C, making it a powerful yet soothing option for skin. It’s effective in improving fine lines and uneven skin tone, though it may be too strong for those with very sensitive or oily skin.

Why It’s Great:

  • Fragrance-free and non-irritating.
  • Effective for all skin types, particularly normal to dry skin.
  • Formulated with antioxidants and peptides for added skin benefits.

Dr Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid + Retinol Brightening Solution

Dr. Dennis Gross is known for high-quality, fragrance-free skincare products. This water-based serum features a tinted brown bottle to protect its active ingredients from light and air exposure. Key ingredients like Ferulic Acid, Retinol, licorice root extract, and bearberry leaf extract work together to brighten and even out skin tone.

Why It’s Great:

  • Includes powerful antioxidants like Ferulic Acid to boost retinol’s effectiveness.
  • Ideal for those with uneven skin tone.
  • Free from fragrances and harsh chemicals.

SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0

SkinMedica’s Retinol Complex 1.0 is an alcohol-free, fragrance-free lotion that’s perfect for normal to dry skin. This formula features retinol, niacinamide, squalane, and Bisabolol (derived from chamomile), which work together to provide a potent antioxidant and skin-restorative treatment.

Why It’s Great:

  • Provides excellent hydration and skin-soothing benefits.
  • Equivalent in strength to some prescription retinoids.
  • Available in lower concentrations (0.25% and 0.5%) for those new to retinol.

First Aid Beauty fab skin lab retinol serum 0.25% pure concentrate

This product is a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin who’s just starting with retinol. The formula combines 0.25% retinol with advanced peptides to soften fine lines and wrinkles while giving skin a firmer, smoother appearance.

Why It’s Great:

  • Designed for sensitive skin.
  • Free from alcohol, fragrance, and essential oils.
  • Provides gentle, effective results without irritation.

Best Retinol serum derivative – Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) products

If traditional retinol is too harsh for your skin, consider starting with a retinol derivative like Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR) or Bakuchiol, which offer similar benefits with less irritation. HPR is a non-prescription retinoid that delivers impressive anti-aging benefits with little to no irritation, making it ideal for beginners.

Product recommendations:

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

An alternative product to retinol if your skin cannot stand retinol. This product contains a high amount of squalane which is a natural skin moisturizer. Squalane is an awesome ingredient for the skin, it makes the skin feel nice and smooth. Not only does it contain Squalane, but there are also other ingredients in this product such as Tomato fruit extract and Bisabolol that act as an antioxidant. I believe “The Ordinary” is proud of this product.

Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum 

This fragrance-free formula comes with a lightweight fluid texture that is perfect for any skin type. The combination of HPR with Retinol itself is a smart move. More importantly, Sunday Riley did not stop with retinoids, this serum comes with a combination of Ubiquinone (an antioxidant found naturally in human cells, in skincare; it helps to reduce wrinkle appearance) and sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid; an antioxidant as well as a moisturizer).

Mad Hippie vitamin A serum

First of all, I love the colour variant of this product package. This serum is absolutely perfect if you have dry skin. It contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid and acetyl glucosamine which helps the skin to stay hydrated. It also combines antioxidants such as Safflower oil. Not to forget the star ingredient HPR to help even out skin tone and reduce skin aging.

Retinol serum derivative – Bakuchiol products

Bakuchiol is a special snowflake ingredient that acts similarly to Retinol. It comes from a plant extract that is native to Indian and Chinese medicines. It has a lot of benefits which include anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-tumour, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. Bakuchiol stimulates the production of collagen and inhibits the enzyme that breaks down collagen.

Product Recommendation:

Herbivore Bakuchiol Alternative Serum

This brand harnessed the powerful natural effects of the Ayurvedic Babchi plant. The plant has a magical purple hue to it that does not normally occur in the botanical world. Herbivore uses powerful effects to make this serum which helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This serum is Alcohol, fragrance, and essential oil-free. Not only is the serum featuring Bakuchiol, but it also contains glycerin (for moisture), Tumeric root extract (an antioxidant), and Glucono Delta Lactone (a PHA; the next generation AHA which is a gentle exfoliant). The product is good for all skin types.

Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil

Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil is a lightweight oil that is easily absorbed by the skin. It comes with a nice blend of antioxidants such as rosemary leaf extract and vitamin E. I like this product but the one thing I don’t like is the fragrance in the serum. Over time, the fragrance could lead to skin sensitivity. However, users claim this product worked wonders on their skin. You should see the reviews on Amazon.

Conclusion

Drugstore retinol serums are powerful anti-aging ingredients that have been proven effective through extensive research. If you’re just starting with retinol, consider beginning with retinol derivatives or lower concentrations to minimize irritation and maximize results. As you build tolerance, you can gradually increase the strength of your retinol product.

Have you tried any of these retinol serums? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to like and share this post with others looking to enhance their skincare routine!

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16 Comments

  1. I love that you share a wide variety of options. I have just recently started thinking about skincare. I turn 35 next week and am starting to really see a need. I know, a little late on this lol. I wish I had been more proactive before lines, dryness, and age really started to show. And taking care of your skin is important! Great informative post!

    1. It is never too late to start retinoids and this is actually the best time to start. I would recommend you start with sunscreens with antioxidants as they are important to protect from UV light during the day, then retinoids later in the evening. I am glad you found this post helpful, thank you.

  2. I wasn’t familiar with any of these products or their benefits so I really appreciate you sharing this information… I wear sun protection, but never gave it much more thought, looking forward to trying some new products!

    Pixee xo | Thats What Pea Said

  3. I use Herbivore Bakuchiol Alternative Serum and love it. I thought I could only get it at Sephora. I clicked your link and found there were two other items that are usually purchased with it. Thank you so much!!

  4. I found this post really helpful. I’ve tried a couple of retinol products and decided they weren’t for me so i’m looking for something new. I think I will try the ordinary one. I must be the only person who finds retinol give them more fine lines instead of less! Hopefully i’ll find a product that works for me. Thanks for writing such an informative post – it’s really helpful. xx

    1. You could try the HPR/Bakuchiol type before going for Retinol, that might with fine lines.
      I’m so glad you found this helpful, thank you

  5. This was so helpful, I really love the small description for each product. I am currently looking for a retinol product for my mom for mother’s day. Thank you soooo much

  6. I haven’t used any of these products before, but they all sound amazing! I need to try one out!

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