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It’s not especially hard to find a good retinol. But determining the best retinol for mature skin can be more of a challenge. Retinol, for the unfamiliar, is a powerhouse for all signs of aging: It has ample research behind it to support its ability to address multiple signs of aging, such as fine lines, lax texture, and age and sun spots. And though there are countless retinol products out there, those intended for aging skin take into account the skin changes that occur over time—namely, an increase in dryness and sensitivity. To that end, “for mature skin, the winning formula blends efficacy with gentleness, hydration, and cosmetic elegance,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Haven, CT.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Retinol for Mature Skin
Featured in this article
In this article:
- What is retinol?
- Does retinol work on mature skin?
- Which form of retinol is best for anti-aging?
- What percent of retinol is best for aging skin?
- What to look for in a retinol for mature skin
- Meet the experts
In any formula, retinol works by speeding up cellular turnover and stimulating the extracellular matrix, which thins with age. This, combined with increased collagen production, can give skin a radiant, resilient look and feel.
However, the best retinols for mature skin not only deliver those benefits, but they do so in a way that actively supports aging skin—for example, using encapsulated retinol to bypass irritation, or supplementing it with antioxidants to better repair damage. With that in mind, scroll ahead for dermatologist-loved picks.
Best Overall: SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex .25
- Why We Love It: The beauty of this formula is that it belongs to a line of retinol products with increasing strengths, so “you can work your way up through as your skin gets used to using retinol,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. She also likes that it’s formulated with antioxidants to counteract free radicals—unstable molecules created by sun damage and pollution that can harm healthy collagen and elastin—as well as ingredients that offset irritation, such as ceramides and niacinamide.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, niacinamide, ceramides
- Retinol Concentration: 0.25
- Size: 1.0 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Minimal sensitivity | Requires more time to see results than higher-strength options |
| Airtight packaging |
Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules
- Why We Love It: Rather than a jar or cream, these clever capsules are fully sealed in order to preserve the freshness and therefore the potency of the retinol within—ensuring maximum efficacy. It buffers potential dryness with ceramides (a key lipid for the skin barrier) as well as dimethylmethoxy chromanol, an antioxidant closely related to vitamin E.
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, soybean oil, dimethylmethoxy chromanol
- Retinol Concentration: Not listed
- Size: 30 capsules
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Ample product in each capsule | It’s hard to customize your dosage |
| Capsules are especially hygienic |
Best for Beginners: Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream
- Why We Love It: For those new to retinol, Dr. Castilla points to this cream as a good option, since “it is gentle and unlikely to cause irritation,” she says. Plus, she adds, it also contains antioxidants to help prevent free radical damage. Instead of retinol, however, this formula uses retinaldehyde, a different derivative of vitamin A that s more closely related to retinoic acid than retinol. In other words, it s more potent—but in this formula, still not overly harsh.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, peptides
- Retinol Concentration: 1.0
- Size: 1.0 fl. Oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Also contains antioxidants | It’s fragrance-free, but there’s a slight smell |
| Mild enough for more people, including those with sensitive skin |
Best for Existing Users: SkinCeuticals Retinol Cream 1.0
- Why We Love It: Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY, points to this range from SkinCeuticals as a good option for those looking to steadily increase their retinol concentration, as it s available in 0.3%, 0.5%, and 1.0% concentrations. This particular formula is the most powerful of the three, and therefore a good option for those looking to pivot their retinol to one that addresses signs of aging. It s fragrance-free, and paired with brightening ingredients like niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and kojic acid–making it especially powerful for lightening dark spots.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, tranexamic acid, kojic acid
- Retinol Concentration: 1.0
- Size: 1.0 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Applicator tip makes for precise dosing | Might be too harsh for some skin types |
Best for Brightening: Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum
- Why We Love It: Dr. Camp points to this option as a perfect balance between efficacy and tolerability. While it has a relatively high concentration of retinol, the ingredient is microencapsulated, which allows for absorption through the upper layers of skin that’s both gentler and more gradual. This “allows for improved tolerability through the slow release of retinol into the skin,” he says. It also contains vitamins C and E, two antioxidants that work synergistically to firm skin and even out tone.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, squalane
- Retinol Concentration: 1.5
- Size: 1.0 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Absorbs quickly and without residue | May still be too strong for sensitive skin types |
| Also contains antioxidants |
Best for Smoothing: Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream
- Why We Love It: This beloved wrinkle cream is a favorite among dermatologists—understandably. Despite its long list of active ingredients, which include glycolic acid, peptides, and vitamin C, it s not at all irritating to skin, thanks in part to a soothing blend of bisabolol, niacinamide, and allantoin. Behind its ability to address both sun spots and wrinkles is the formula s unique AlphaRet, a combination of retinoic acid and lactic acid that can penetrate skin with irritation so minimal, it s practically nonexistent.
- Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, peptides, vitamin C
- Retinol Concentration: Not listed
- Size: 1.0 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Packed with numerous other actives | Nothing to note |
| Targets both wrinkles and dark spots |
Best for Crow’s Feet: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
- Why We Love It: Retinol can be irritating on skin, especially around the delicate eye area. But this gentle, lightweight gel uses “a proprietary retinol blend—including retinol-like, plant-based bakuchiol—to improve firmness and reduce the appearance of crepey skin and wrinkles,” says Dr. Camp. In fact, it’s even mild enough for the eyelids.
- Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, rambutan, ferulic acid
- Retinol Concentration: Not disclosed
- Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Sinks in quickly and doesn’t pill under makeup | Not as hydrating as a typical eye cream |
Best for Sensitive Skin: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum
- Why We Love It: K-beauty has always emphasized the skin barrier, so it s little surprise that one of the best known Korean retinols is similarly easygoing on skin. Experts love it for its Quadruple Retinoid Complex, which pairs retinol with encapsulated retinol, granactive retinoid, and bio-seletinoid—albeit in very low percentages so as to not irritate skin. Despite its soothing profile, it s highly effective and can leave skin plump and soft.
- Key Ingredients: Squalane, shea butter, sunflower seed oil
- Retinol Concentration: 1.0
- Size: 30 ml
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Actively hydrates skin | Nothing to note |
| Suitable for most skin types |
Best Soothing: Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.5
- Why We Love It: Alastin stands out for its ability to deliver a mid-strength level of retinol with little to no irritation. That’s because it “delivers encapsulated retinol with peptides and antioxidants, offering potent anti-aging power while soothing and supporting the skin barrier,” explains Dr. Gohara. “Think of it as high-performance retinol dressed in a cashmere wrap—ideal for skin that wants results without the roughness.” Some may not even need an acclimation period; it’s that gentle.
- Key Ingredients: Silver mushroom, oat extract
- Retinol Concentration: 0.5
- Size: 30 ml
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Suits most skin types | Nothing to note |
| Gentle enough for beginners |
Best for Dry Skin: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ 0.3% Night Cream
- Why We Love It: Dr. Gohara points to this moisturizer for mature women with dry or reactive skin, as it “combines stabilized retinol with glycerin and emollients, making it powerful yet gentle,” she says. She also appreciates that it’s fragrance-free and fast-absorbing, so it won’t leave a sticky residue behind. That said, it may still require an acclimation period, especially if you have sensitive skin or are new to retinoids.
- Key Ingredients: Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate
- Retinol Concentration: 0.3
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Actively hydrates (though you may still need a separate moisturizer) | Might be too powerful for beginners |
| Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth |
Everything You Need to Know
What is retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, or retinoic acid. Once in the skin, it’s converted into retinoic acid, which can work on multiple levels to improve skin. “The long-term, consistent use of retinoids can increase collagen production, which helps improve the firmness of skin and the appearance of fine lines,” says Dr. Camp. They also regulate cell turnover, which can help smooth uneven skin texture, and they have “been found to aid in the correction of blemishes and sun spots,” he says.
That’s what makes retinol particularly helpful for mature skin. For one, our natural production of collagen—skin’s supportive protein, or “scaffolding”—”starts to decline as we age, starting in our 20s,” says Dr. Castilla.
Moreover, the actual layers of our skin—the epidermis, which makes up the outermost layer, and the dermis—become thinner with age. “This leads to decreased function of the skin barrier, crepiness, fragility, and increased dryness,” says Dr. Castilla. “Retinols stimulate cell production in these layers and help thicken the epidermis and increase blood supply to the dermal layer.”
Does retinol work on mature skin?
Absolutely, says Dr. Gohara. “The science is solid, the proof is in the pudding—it works,” she says. “Retinoids are the best collagen boosters we’ve discovered to date, helping to soften fine lines, fade sun spots, smooth texture, and firm skin.” It’s a proven and reliable way to support skin renewal over time, she adds. And since it can take time to yield results, the sooner you start using one in your routine, the better.
Which form of retinol is best for anti-aging?
In general, the stronger, the better—assuming your skin can handle it, says Dr. Gohara. Prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin and tazarotene are ideal, but they can be too harsh for some skin types. Most people can tolerate over-the-counter formulas. “Work your way down the vitamin A-derivative ladder until you find your perfect match—whether that’s retinal or over-the-counter retinol,” says Dr. Gohara.
What percent of retinol is best for aging skin?
Generally speaking, retinol concentrations can range between 0.025 to 1%. “When starting out, a good rule is to use the lowest percentage—especially for dry or sensitive skin types,” says Dr. Castilla.
That’s because “retinol can be associated with side effects like skin irritation, redness, and flaking,” Dr. Camp says. So, in beginning with a lower concentration and starting with less frequent application—such as once or twice a week—you may be able to better tolerate it.
Then, once you’re able to tolerate a given concentration, you can consider increasing it for even better benefits. “Those who have already been using retinol regularly or who do not have skin sensitivity issues may benefit from products with higher concentrations of retinol, such as 0.5 to 1.0%,” says Dr. Camp.
What to look for in a retinol for mature skin
First, consider the type of retinoid you’re using. (A point of nuance: Retinoid is the umbrella term for all vitamin A derivatives, including retinol, but also refers to prescription-level forms.) There’s a lot of variation between the retinoids available over-the-counter. For instance, “retinal is different from retinol because it does not need to undergo the same number of conversion steps to form the active compound retinoic acid,” says Dr. Camp. “As such, retinal products may offer more potency than those that contain retinol.”
On the other hand, “retinyl esters, such as retinyl acetate or palmitate, are less irritating—but also likely less effective,” says Dr. Castilla. This may work in your favor if you have very sensitive skin, but the results may be underwhelming if you don’t have concerns about tolerability.
Consider the concentration as well. For one, each retinoid molecule is different, so “you can not compare concentrations between different products,” says Dr. Castilla. “They are all different strengths when compared at the same concentration.” For instance, a 0.025% retinol is different from tretinoin at 0.025%. So, once you determine the retinoid you prefer, then factor in the concentration. (The recommendations we share above are for retinol specifically.)
And finally, it also helps to look for a formula that you enjoy using, because retinol is very much a long game. “You may start to see signs of improvement about 12 weeks after starting to use retinols consistently,” says Dr. Castilla. “However, the true benefit is consistent use over years.”
Meet the experts
- Carmen Castilla, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY.
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY.
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New Haven, CT