The Beginner’s Guide To Retinol Products

A retinoid is one of the best, scientifically-backed products you can use to keep your skin looking youthful. These vitamin A derivatives are among the very few skin-care products that can boost collagen, minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines.

In this episode, we’re bringing on two experts to help you determine the type of retinol product that’s best for you. Boardcertified dermatologist Dr. Nikhil Dhingra () , of Spring Street Dermatology, explains how retinoids work and how to decide between using overthecounter (OTC) and prescriptionstrength products. Wirecutter editor Rory Evans () shares the top OTC products from Wirecutter’s extensive testing.

This episode covers

• Retinoids stimulate collagen, helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. They can also help with hyperpigmentation, protect the skin against sun damage, and thicken skin that’s starting to thin with age.

• The difference between prescription-strength and OTC retinoids: Prescription-strength retinoids are generally more powerful and can also be more irritating to the skin. Some, such as tretinoin, are already in their active form, retinoic acid, while others bind directly to retinoid receptors in the skin. OTC retinol products, by contrast, are generally less potent and often less irritating because they must be converted by the skin into active retinoic acid before exerting their effects.

• The difference between OTC ingredients: Although OTC products are often referred to as retinols, they feature a range of active ingredients. Retinal (short for retinaldehyde), requires one conversion step to become retinoic acid. Retinol needs two conversion steps, while retinyl palmitate requires three. Adapalene doesn't convert to retinoic acid and interacts differently with skin to limit oil production and minimize inflammation (which is why it’s mostly used in acne treatment).

• Tips for using retinol products: Dr. Dhingra recommends starting with a pea-sized amount only a few times a week. To reduce irritation, you can also use the sandwich method—apply moisturizer, layer your retinol product, and top it with moisturizer again to safely dilute the product.

• OTC retinol products, by skin type: Rory walks us through the top OTC products from Wirecutter’s extensive testing.

Products we recommend:

• Best for mature skinSkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0 ()

• Best for adjustable potencyMedik8 Crystal Retinal 3 ()

• Best for sensitive skinYouth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum ()

Best for dry skinLilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream ()

• Best adapalene for acneLa RochePosay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% ()

• Best valueTrader Joe’s Retinol Night Serum ()

• Best drugstore retinolL’Oréal Paris Revitalift 0.3% Pure Retinol ()

• Rory lovesWander Sports Sun Visor ()

Additional reading:

• The 7 Best Retinol Products of 2026  ( )

• Simple and Affordable SkinCare ()

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› ()

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, Catherine Anderson, Rowan Niemisto and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.

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