The Best Retinol Serums For Every Skin Type

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Retinol is a tried-and-true ingredient among dermatologists and skin-care experts, and there's a reason it's recommended as a step in your skin-care routine time and time again. It's a multifunctional and versatile ingredient that can handle antiaging concerns, diminish dark spots and hyperpigmentation, prevent and treat acne, and smooth out uneven texture. Retinol can do it all. However, finding the right formula for your individual skin type and concerns is important. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you shouldn't use a retinol serum that's too strong because you'll risk irritating your skin. That's why we rounded up the best retinol serums for all skin types, whether you have acne-prone skin or dry skin.

If you're a beginner to the retinol game, the Bliss Youth Got This Serum or The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum are great options. (Just make sure you gradually build up to using them every day.) Need something to smooth out your complexion and even out your skin tone? Try the StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum or the Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum. If you have sensitive skin, try a gentler formula like the Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum With Ceramides and Peptides.

No matter what you're looking for, there's a suitable retinol serum for your skin type and needs. Shop our top picks ahead.

Best Retinol Serum For Dry Skin: Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Serum
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Best Retinol Serum For Dry Skin: Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Serum

If you have dry skin, the Vichy LiftActiv Retinol HA Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Serum ($45) is loaded with hyaluronic acid and Vichy volcanic water to keep the skin hydrated. The retinol serum is perfect for those who need a boost of plumpness in their skin. It's a lightweight, fast-absorbing serum.

Best Retinol Serum For Antiaging: Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
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Best Retinol Serum For Antiaging: Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment

The Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment ($60) is a potent treatment meant for those who can handle retinol. The 1-percent high-strength treatment is ideal for those with visible signs of aging like fine lines and loss of firmness.

Best Retinol Serum For Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
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Best Retinol Serum For Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum ($20) not only helps prevent acne but also treats post-acne marks and texture. It has encapsulated retinol, licorice root extract, ceramides, and niacinamide to help brighten, resurface, and balance out the skin.

Best Retinol Serum For Oily Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum
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Best Retinol Serum For Oily Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum

The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum ($72) will reduce the appearance of your pores while targeting texture and fine lines. It has a blend of retinol, bakuchiol, and rambutan that will help to prevent and diminish breakouts and support collagen production.

Best Retinol Serum For Oily Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum
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Best Retinol Serum For Oily Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum

The Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum ($65) is a potent product for those who want to target texture issues and uneven skin tone. It's a serum that's best for those who can tolerate strong formulas, since it has a 15-percent glycolic acid complex and 1.5-percent time-released retinol. It's suited for those with oily to normal skin.

Best Retinol Serum For Beginners: The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum
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Best Retinol Serum For Beginners: The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum

The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum ($10) is a great, affordable option for those who are starting out their retinol journey. The simple formula has a blend of retinol and squalane to revive and hydrate the skin.

Best Retinol Serum For Beginners: Bliss Youth Got This Serum
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Best Retinol Serum For Beginners: Bliss Youth Got This Serum

If you're new to the retinol game or have sensitive skin, the Bliss Youth Got This Serum ($25) is something you'll want to incorporate into your routine. It's got moisturizing ingredients like amino acids, peptides, and squalane to balance out and support your skin. You get all the benefits of retinol without the irritation.

Best Retinol Serum For Dark Spots: StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum
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Best Retinol Serum For Dark Spots: StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum

Brighten your complexion and diminish dark spots with the StriVectin Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum ($72). Vitamin C and retinol work together to revive your skin for an even-toned complexion. You can use this morning and night, as long as you wear sunscreen.

Best Retinol Serum For Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Serum
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Best Retinol Serum For Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Serum

The La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Serum ($50) is a lightweight and nongreasy formula that is effective but gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. It's noncomedogenic and helps with acne and antiaging concerns.

Best Retinol Serum For Sensitive Skin: Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum
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Best Retinol Serum For Sensitive Skin: Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum

If you have sensitive skin, the Kiehl's Since 1851 Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum ($62) is loaded with ceramides and peptides to soothe and hydrate the skin. The microdose formula will deliver retinol results without the irritation, dryness, and flakiness.