5 best drugstore retinol serums and creams

5 best drugstore retinol serums and creams (Image via Sportskeeda)
5 best drugstore retinol serums and creams (Image via Sportskeeda)

One can incorporate retinol into their skincare regime through drugstore retinol creams, capsule formulations, and serums, or through luxury brand skincare products infused with the vitamin-A derivative. However, drugstore retinol is less expensive and has fewer skin-irritating side effects.

Retinol is one skincare ingredient that constantly receives praise from dermatologists and estheticians, as it is the gold standard when it comes to getting rid of acne and anti-aging. Retinol has the ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production as well as to jumpstart cell turnover which, is the skin’s natural renewal process.

Incorporating retinol into the skincare regime helps exfoliate the skin and remove dead keratinocytes. Moreover, retinol also reduces visible fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation. But one must make sure that the vitamin-A derivate is not ideal for someone with super-sensitive skin, pregnant or nursing women.

This listicle is an amalgamation of the five best drugstore retinol serums and creams.


Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum Capsules to No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream: 5 best drugstore retinol serums and creams explored

1) Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Serum Capsules ($17):

Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Serum Capsules target fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and skin elasticity. The drugstore retinol serum capsules leave the skin feeling instantly softer, smoother, and more radiant within a week’s use, leading to a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles within four weeks of use.

The formulation features water-biodegradable seaweed-based capsules with a lightweight, non-greasy serum that is free of alcohol, mineral oil, parabens, and silicone and is hypoallergenic as well.


2) L’Oréal Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum With 0.3% Pure Retinol ($39.99):

L'Oréal’s Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum with 0.3% Pure Retinol is a PM serum with 0.3% Pure Retinol, as the name suggests. According to the brand, 100% of the women who clinically tested the product showed a reduction in wrinkles, including the deep ones.

The pure retinol used in the formulation is known to be more effective than other vitamin-A derivatives. Additionally, the drugstore retinol serum is formulated using soothing ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid. It is paraben, silicone, and fragrance-free and doesn’t clog pores.


3) The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane ($8):

The Ordinary is known for its wide range of skincare products consisting of active and vitamin derivatives, like Retinol 0.2% in Squalene serum. The serum features a water-free formula with 0.2% of the Vitamin-A derivative that reduces the appearance of photodamage, signs of textural irregularities, and signs of aging.

The serum is vegan and cruelty-free, making it ideal for all skin types.


4) No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream ($16.98):

No7 is one of the UK’s best-kept beauty secrets, with over 85 years of expertise in the beauty arena. The brand believes that exceptional beauty should not be a luxury, and hence its effective formulations are budget-friendly.

This vitamin-A derivative eye cream consists of pure retinol that helps accelerate surface skin renewal. The eye cream enhances pure retinol delivery to the delicate skin around the eye and also includes bisabolol and shea butter, along with MATRIXYL 3000 PLUS- it is the brand’s next-generation collagen peptide-based technology.


5) La Roche-Posay Retinol Face Serum With Vitamin B3 ($44.99):

La Roche-Posay’s face serum is an anti-aging drugstore retinol serum infused with pure retinol and vitamin B3. The serum has a lightweight and hydrating texture that works to reduce the look of premature sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles.

The serum is oil-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist-tested. Additionally, it features the combination of gradual-release retinol with the pure form of the vitamin-A derivative, which impacts enhanced efficacy and tolerability on the skin.


The abovementioned drugstore retinol serums and creams are ideal for those looking to incorporate anti-aging ingredients in their skincare regime. Additionally, the formulations mentioned in this listicle offer the benefits of the vitamin-A derivative without having to splurge a fortune.

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