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If you’re dealing with rough, dull skin, there are plenty of products out there that promise to help. Sadly, the problem is that many of them are smoke and mirrors. There is one ingredient, however, that dermatologists and beauty experts agree is a miracle worker for skin: vitamin A. Vitamin A, better known as retinol, can truly level up your skin care routine. Not only does it work to slough off dead skin cells and brighten skin, but it also improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
“Retinol increases skin cell turnover to improve skin texture and unclog pores, even tone and discoloration, and address the appearance of fine lines,” says Dr. Sara Hogan, MD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Our top picks for the best vitamin A serums of 2024
We spoke to a trusted dermatologist, had editors test formulas on their skin, and searched for rave online reviews to bring you this guide to the eight best vitamin A serums on the market. Brighter, more youthful-looking skin is only a click away.
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Pros
- Peptides and vitamin F help make this serum tolerable for all skin types
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
This vitamin A serum is extremely well-tolerated by even the most sensitive skin types. While vegan retinol works to smooth and brighten skin, this serum is also full of calming and moisturizing ingredients like vitamin F and peptides.
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin F, peptides
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “This is the first retinol I ever used, and I think it’s a really great option for anyone who either isn’t used to using a retinol or has sensitive skin. It doesn’t dry out skin like some harsher retinols can, but it still works to refine skin texture and brighten.” —Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum
Pros
- Sinks in quickly and easily
Cons
- Some say it can sting sensitive skin
With this retinol serum, a little goes a long way. You only need a pea-sized amount for your face and neck, and the silky texture sinks into the skin instantly. It’s also formulated with hyaluronic acid, which ensures that your skin won’t dry out.
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
Our expert says: “This serum is affordable and effective if used properly and consistently. It is non-greasy and contains hyaluronic acid to mitigate skin irritation.” —Dr. Sarah Hogan
RoC Retinol Correxion
Pros
- Pre-dosed amounts are easy to use
Cons
- Some find the consistency a bit oily
The best thing about this retinol serum is that it comes pre-dosed, so you never have to worry about using too much or too little. It’s also formulated with antioxidants and vitamin E, so it leaves skin soft.
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “Each biodegradable capsule contains the recommended amount for one application, so there is no overthinking. This lightweight formulation contains antioxidants, retinol, and ceramides to smooth and moisturize. ” —Dr. Sarah Hogan
CeraVe Acne Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum
Pros
- Formulated for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Some say it can sting sensitive skin
If you struggle with acne, this is the ideal vitamin A serum to try. Thanks to calming ingredients like ceramides, licorice root extract, and ceramides, it brightens skin, reduces the appearance of acne marks, and helps restore the skin barrier.
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Retinol, ceramides, licorice root extract, ceramides
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “The consistency of this serum is more like a gel and blends well into the skin. In addition to retinol, this contains ceramides and calming licorice root extract. ” —Dr. Sarah Hogan
Pros
- Moisturizing
Cons
- May take time to see results
For dermatologists, this retinol-infused cream is the gold standard. It’s packed with skin-friendly ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and squalene to nourish and moisturize skin, while actives like retinol, lactic acid, and glycolic acid help slough off dead skin cells and brighten skin.
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid
SkinBetter rating: 4.6/5 stars
Our expert says: “Though technically a cream, it is the consistency of a thick serum and comes from a science-backed, medical-grade skin care company. AlphaRet contains a stabilized form of retinol, lactic, and glycolic acids, which also smooth skin, and ceramides, fatty acids, and squalene that make this surprisingly tolerable for most skin types. I personally use this product most nights of the week.” —Dr. Sarah Hogan
Paula’s Choice Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment
Pros
- Two different retinols help brighten and refine skin
Cons
- Must be used consistently
If you want the benefits of a prescription retinol without going to the pharmacy, this dual-retinol formula is as close as it comes. Made with both retinaldehyde and adapinoid, it’s a powerhouse for clear, bright, and smooth skin. Read our full review of the Paula’s Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment.
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Retinaldehyde, adapinoid
Sephora rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “After just two weeks of consistent use, I noticed a dramatic improvement in my skin's texture! It feels noticeably smoother and more refined, and those pesky bumps are starting to fade. This treatment has no strong smell and is easy to incorporate into any skin care routine.”
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol
Pros
- Helps rebuild a damaged skin barrier
Cons
- Some say you need more than the recommended amount
Not only does this serum help refine skin texture and brighten, it also helps repair damaged skin barriers. Ingredients like evening primrose oil and tomato fruit extract work together to calm inflammation and encourage a healthy skin barrier.
Size: 0.85 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Evening primrose, tomato fruit extract
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This serum is wonderful for exfoliating my skin and increasing the cell turnover so my skin remains smooth and plump. I like to apply this nightly after my skin has been cleansed, and it applies so well and absorbs nicely. There is no strong smell, and the serum does not cause me irritation or redness, so it is gentle enough to use everyday even if you have sensitive skin.”
Shani Darden Retinol Reform
Pros
- Brightens dark spots
Cons
- May take time to see results
This retinol is a great option if you have more sensitive skin or are trying to get rid of pesky dark spots. The formula features encapsulated retinol that doesn’t irritate skin and AHAs to help smooth texture and brighten uneven skin tone.
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Key ingredients: Peptides, antioxidants
Sephora rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I’ve been using this for a few weeks now, and I can honestly say my face looks plumper. My skin also looks very hydrated, and I always follow up with sunscreen. I have sensitive skin and did not have any problems with this.”
Meet the Expert
Dr. Sarah Hogan is the assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Is a vitamin A serum different from retinol?
Vitamin A and retinol are essentially interchangeable. “Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is an ingredient in skin care creams, lotions, and serums,” says Dr. Hogan. “When applied, retinols are converted in the skin through a two-step process into retinoic acid, which is the same as retinoids. Retinoids, which are also Vitamin A derivatives, are much stronger and work faster than retinol, but can be more irritating, and are available as a prescription.”
What should someone look for in a vitamin A serum?
Dr. Hogan explains that the amount of vitamin A in a serum is an important consideration. “Over-the-counter Vitamin A serums range in strength from 0.01 percent to 1 percent,” she says. “If someone has sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea, select a serum with a lower retinol concentration or one with a formulation that contains moisturizing ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid. Acne-prone skin and mature skin may do better with higher retinol concentrations.”
What’s the best way to apply a vitamin A serum?
First of all, always make sure that your skin is clean and dry before applying vitamin A. For retinol, you only need a small amount for it to be effective. “Avoid application too close to the eye, around the nose and mouth, as these areas can easily become irritated,” says Dr. Hogan. “Start only a few nights a week, then slowly increase to every other night, then nightly as tolerated. If redness, flaking, or irritation develops, hold the Vitamin A serum until these symptoms resolve. Layer with a moisturizer to decrease the risk of irritation.”
Why trust ELLE beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE beauty editor Katie Berohn interviewed a dermatologist and tested the best vitamin A serums on the market.
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