8 Best Drugstore Retinols for Smoother, Brighter, and More Even Skin

01.10.2025, 19:46 allure.com

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Retinoids (a broad category of vitamin A-derived ingredients) span everything from prescription treatments to the over-the-counter retinol creams you’ll find on drugstore shelves. And the best drugstore retinols prove that powerful formulas don’t have to come with a luxury price tag. These affordable picks still deliver the hallmark benefits—smoothing fine lines, brightening uneven tone, and refining texture—all without the splurge.

What makes these retinol serums and creams stand out is their mix of accessibility and efficacy. Many are designed with gentle delivery systems or soothing ingredients, such as niacinamide and ceramides, to minimize irritation while still delivering results. You can even find options for every experience level at the drugstore (think: gentle, low-strength serums for sensitive-skin types or beginners and stronger formulas for more seasoned retinol users).

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best drugstore retinols worth adding to your nightly routine, whether you’re just dipping your toes in or ready to take things up a notch.

RoC

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: If you have mature or sensitive skin that’s easily aggravated by too many products, RoC Retinol Correxion Serum is one that dermatologists say people stick with. “The texture is lightweight and smooth, which makes it especially nice for mature or drier skin types that don’t tolerate heavier or sticky products,” says Erum Ilyas, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in King of Prussia, PA. Alongside pure encapsulated retinol for gradual delivery, the formula includes glycerin for hydration, antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E to brighten and protect, and soothing agents like allantoin and bisabolol to help calm potential irritation. It also contains zinc, copper, and magnesium—minerals that support skin’s overall health. “This serum offers the most consistent results I see in smoother texture and improvement in overall brightness and evenness. It’s a great starting point for beginners, but it also works well for long-time users,” says Dr. Ilyas.

Contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the RoC Retinol Correxion Serum

Lee after applying the RoC Retinol Correxion Serum

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

“This serum goes on silky-smooth and never gives me that stingy, irritated feeling, even on my sensitive skin. I’ve been dealing with melasma after pregnancy and constant dryness, and this has really helped even things out while keeping my skin soft and hydrated. It just makes everything look smoother and glowier.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

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Naturium

Amazon

Why it's worth it: Naturium’s Retinaldehyde Cream Serum has a silky, cream-serum texture that feels both lightweight and nourishing, making it easy to incorporate into your nightly routine. It comes in three strengths—0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.15%—so you can start slow and increase as your skin adjusts. The star ingredient is retinaldehyde (often called retinal), a form of vitamin A that’s one quick conversion step away from retinoic acid. Because of that, retinal can work more quickly and more efficiently to smooth fine lines and wrinkles than retinol. To balance out the potency, the formula is infused with skin-loving extras, including glycerin for hydration, peptides and amino acids to support a stronger, healthier skin barrier, and antioxidants such as tocopherol (vitamin E) and pomegranate extract to defend against environmental stress.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.15%

Han after applying the Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.15%

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

“Naturium makes some of the chicest, sensorially-pleasing skin care in the affordable-priced market, and the Retinaldehyde Cream Serum is proof. I've been using this cute tube since it first launched with the 0.05% concentration. Since then, it has expanded to 0.10% and 0.15%, and my skin has become more comfortable with all sorts of vitamin A derivatives, so I'm moving up to the higher doses. The punchy neon-yellow-green formula feels like a gel-serum, so it absorbs almost immediately, and it's just all-around refreshing to apply. Because my nighttime skin-care routine can get pretty long, I really like how low-key and layerable this one is. My entire face gets product love, but I do like spending a little extra time on my forehead (hello, faint lines). Does it really do anything? Who knows, but I like believing that it will make a difference in the long run.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

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Eau Thermale Avene

Amazon

Dermstore

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Our sensitive-skin editors never miss a chance to test Avène: The French brand has built its reputation on a gentle touch, weaving its soothing thermal spring water into every formula—yes, even those with heavy-hitters like vitamin A. RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream is proof: Packed with 0.1% retinaldehyde, it delivers on firmness, brightness, and overall glow, all wrapped up in a velvety, cushiony texture. To round out the formula, evening primrose oil keeps skin nourished, peptides help with bounce, and antioxidants like vitamin E offer an extra layer of protection. After consistent use, skin looks smoother and more radiant, and even the most sensitive among us can get in on the glow.

Allure contributor Annie Blackman applying the Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream

Blackman after applying the Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream

Tester feedback from contributor Annie Blackman

"I'm new to retinoids, plain and simple. I've been more aware of my frown lines recently and wanted to start my retinol journey. This bottle of Avène goes easy on my skin, has a lovely light and creamy consistency, and paired with my Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer, it's a total breeze. I've noticed some amped-up glowiness and am eager to see where the whole thing goes." —Annie Blackman, contributing commerce writer

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La Roche-Posay

Amazon

Dermstore

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: If uneven texture and fine lines are your main concerns, La Roche-Posay’s R Retinol Cream is a derm-approved way to tackle both without overwhelming sensitive skin. “This serum combines pure retinol with retinyl linoleate, which gives a gradual-release effect that’s less irritating for sensitive skin,” Hannah Kopelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. To further boost results, the formula also includes lipo-hydroxy acid, a gentle exfoliant that helps smooth skin’s surface and enhance radiance without the sting of harsher acids. This combination makes it a more approachable option for those nervous about irritation. “It’s a good choice for someone newer to retinol but ready for more than an entry-level formula,” says Dr. Kopelman.

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CeraVe

Amazon

Dermstore

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: While retinol alone can be a game-changer for hyperpigmentation, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum brings backup support with niacinamide to calm, brighten, and even skin tone. “Niacinamide is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich vitamin B3 derivative that has been scientifically shown to help with redness and discoloration in the skin,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Marchbein previously told Allure. The formulas also feature ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and licorice root extract for added brightening powers. And because it’s fragrance-free, it’s especially friendly to sensitive skin types—helping you work toward a more even, radiant complexion over time.

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Olay

Amazon

Why it's worth it: If you’re new to retinol, Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum is an easy place to start. This silky, fragrance-free formula delivers all the benefits of retinol—like smoothing fine lines, refining texture, and evening skin tone—without a heavy or irritating feel. “It uses a blend of retinol and retinyl propionate, which makes it potent but still very tolerable for daily use,” says Dr. Kopelman. To keep skin calm and supported, it’s infused with niacinamide (vitamin B3) to brighten and soothe, plus peptides help improve firmness over time. The addition of hydrating ingredients like glycerin gives the formula a silky, fast-absorbing texture that glides on smoothly and layers under moisturizer without a hint of greasiness.

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Neutrogena

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream is a retinol wrapped up in the comfort of a moisturizer, making it an approachable and beginner-friendly way to ease into vitamin A. The formula pairs pure retinol with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep skin hydrated, soft, and comfortable while targeting fine lines, uneven texture, and dullness. “Hyaluronic acid adds moisture to the skin, which helps with any potential dryness,” says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, Alabama. And while most retinols are reserved for nighttime use, the brand notes that this cream is gentle enough to use during the day. Just be sure to follow up with SPF, as retinol can make skin more sensitive to the sun.

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L’Oréal Paris

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum with 0.3% Pure Retinol is one of the most potent drugstore retinol formulations, making it ideal for advanced users who have already built up tolerance. With a high 0.3% concentration of pure retinol, it targets deep wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven texture for more dramatic results. There’s also “a higher percentage of glycerin, which tells me it’s going to have a nice hydrating and smoothing feel to it,” David Petrillo, a cosmetic chemist ba