Shelf Pure

Retinol and retinal

From a first bottle to one percent, in the order to try them.

An unlabeled frosted bottle on a nightstand in lamplight with an eye mask and a glass of water, generated illustration
Only what fits you

Sort the retinol and retinal

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Retinol and retinal, ranked

5 picks · ordered by the rubric
First retinol
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#1 · Skin · Retinol

CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Encapsulated retinol with niacinamide and ceramides, for night use. Some reviewers call it a gentle first retinol, but the strength is not on the label.

Skip it if you already use a prescription retinoid

$21.99 MSRP · 1 ozAmazon →
For experienced users
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#2 · Skin · Retinol

The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

Retinal in a yellow night emulsion, the maker's strongest retinoid and meant for experienced users. Owners' biggest gripe is the color it leaves on their face and pillowcases.

Skip it if you are new to retinoids; the maker points you to milder ones

$14.90 MSRP · 15 mlAmazon →
Strong pick
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#3 · Skin · Retinol

Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

A stated one percent retinol with peptides and vitamin C in a light lotion. For skin already used to retinol, and priced like it knows that.

Skip it if you are new to retinol

$65 MSRP for the 1 fl oz · 1 ozAmazon →
Retinol serum
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#4 · Skin · Retinol

La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum

What the maker calls pure retinol with niacinamide, and it says the serum suits sensitive skin. The list has alcohol denat. high up and fragrance, and owners split between smoother skin and red, swollen faces.

Skip it if fragrance or alcohol bothers you; both are on the list

$44.99 MSRP for the 30 ml · 1 ozAmazon →
Luxury pick
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#5 · Skin · Retinol

Shani Darden Retinol Reform with 1% Encapsulated Retinol

An esthetician's retinol, stated at 1% encapsulated by the maker, with niacinamide and a tripeptide. Newcomers rate it well; people who used the old formula are its loudest critics.

Skip it if you loved the old version; owners say this one irritates

$75 MSRP for the 30 ml · 1 ozAmazon →