10 Best Retinols for Acne in 2022 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
Retinols are a sort of miracle chemical in the skincare world, having major positive physical effects like anti-aging and skin smoothing, and skin health benefits like speeding up cell turnover and improving collagen production. They also offer acne-fighting capabilities by keeping pores unclogged in addition to the other benefits. However, you have to be careful to select one that won't irritate your skin but will still get results.
To help you find the best option for your skin, we researched retinols for acne-prone skin. One of our picks is Paula's Choice's CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment. It has a high concentration of retinol to effectively clear acne while reducing aging signs. Check out our list of favorites for more choices, including strong and gentle formulas! You should also read our buying guide reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist to learn more about how to choose the right product.
Quick List - Top Retinols For Acne
Paula's Choice
Best Retinol With Soothing Ingredients Like Oat and Licorice Extracts
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
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How to Choose Retinols For Acne
It can be difficult to sort through skincare jargon and know what kind of retinol is best for you and your skin. The most important factors to keep in mind are your level of experience with retinol and the product's strength.
Find the Right Retinol Level for You
When introducing retinol to a skincare routine, it is important to start low and slow. You should start with a low dosage and apply it once a week or every three days until your skin is properly acclimated to the retinol. Generally, thick or oily skin can tolerate higher strength retinol, whereas thin or dry skin should start at a weaker concentration.
Check the Label to Determine the Percentage
Retinol concentrations among OTC products tend to range from 0.03 to one percent. If the concentration isn't specified on a product, it likely has about or less than 0.25 percent retinol.
Another way to know the retinol strength in an unspecified product is to scan the ingredients list. The strength of the type of retinol from weakest to strongest is as follows: retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinaldehyde, and adapalene. Adapalene is technically a retinoid, but it's the strongest OTC option and is effective even against inflamed acne like hormonal and cystic acne.
An important point that I make to my patients about the OTC option of adapalene is that it was a prescription medication for years and only became OTC in 2016. Adapalene is actually a retinoid that is stronger than a retinol and works better for acne than retinols.
Adapalene, although a retinoid, is less strong than other prescription retinoids, so it is definitely the right treatment choice to start for minor outbreaks, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Lower Concentrations Are Best for Most
Retinols can help prevent many types of acne, from blackheads, whiteheads, to cysts. They exfoliate the skin, decrease oil production, and alleviate inflammation to prevent future breakouts. And usually, the concentration of retinol that works the best for acne is from 0.5 to one percent.
But don't think that a higher retinol strength is always better. It's important to consider your skin type and concerns before choosing a product.
If you have severe wrinkles or uneven skin tone, you might want to go for a higher concentration of retinol. Products designed to reduce aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines can have a concentration of up to 2.5 percent retinol.
If you have sensitive skin that can’t get used to higher concentrations, use the highest strength that your skin can safely and comfortably handle. You should start with a low concentration like 0.025 percent first, and then increase the amount as your skin adjusts.
Also, for people with melanated skin, it's recommended that you use a product with less than 0.5 percent of retinol. A higher concentration might increase the number of melanocytes, or melanin-producing cells, and cause hyperpigmentation.
However, it is totally fine if you can't get used to a higher concentration product. There have been studies that suggest a concentration of at least 0.25 percent gives full benefits. But lower strength retinols can still benefit your skin by delivering other skincare products deeper into the skin, helping it absorb products more fully.
Chose a lower concentration of retinol if you have eczema or rosacea. You can always increase the strength once you finish the tube. I always tell my patients to start low and slow when starting a retinol or retinoid.
Eventually, your skin will be able to tolerate stronger products. Sometimes after taking a break from using a retinol or retinoid, like after pregnancy, you may want to start at a lower concentration to prevent irritation.
Gentler Formulas for Face, Stronger Ones for Body
Retinols bring great acne-treating benefits to your face, but there are products designed for body use as well. So if you're suffering from back acne, retinols can be of help! Besides reducing oil production to prevent acne, retinols also reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots that happen after acne lesions are healed.
They can help tighten sagging skin on your body, too. As we said already, retinol can potentially irritate the skin, so don't go for a concentration that's too high. A concentration of 0.25 to one percent should be enough to provide benefits to your body skin.
Keep in mind that facial skin is the most sensitive skin in our body, so you shouldn't assume that a retinol body product is also safe to use on your face. Always check the instructions to make sure the product can be applied to your facial skin first!
Ensure the Formula Addresses Your Skin Concerns
Many retinols are formulated with extra beneficial ingredients to help address different skin concerns like acne, aging signs, sagging skin, and so on. So take into consideration what skin problems you have when choosing to pick the most suitable formula for you.
Acne-Fighting Ingredients Can Help With Stubborn Acne
Retinol is a powerful ingredient that can prevent and reduce acne outbreaks and acne scars. It works great for mild-to-moderate acne types such as blackheads and whiteheads.
But for inflamed acne types such as cysts and pustules, you might need extra help from anti-inflammatory ingredients. Salicylic acid or azelaic acid are some great options as they can unclog pores, reduce redness, and alleviate cystic acne. Niacinamide is a powerful antioxidant that can also alleviate inflammation.
Adapalene, a prescription-strength retinol that is now available OTC, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help target inflamed acne as well.
Soothing Ingredents for Sensitive Skin
Retinols are a strong chemical, so they already have a high likelihood of irritating skin on their own. Combining other harsh ingredients like alcohol, witch hazel, and astringents can be too much for most skin types to handle. Irritation can include redness, dryness, flakiness, or a burning sensation.
So, look for products that have calming ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, and aloe vera. Ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, peptides and ceramides can restore your skin barrier and prevent skin irritation. Botanical oils rich in fatty acids like argan, rosehip, or jojoba oils can strengthen your skin and prevent irritation.
You might also want to go for encapsulated retinol, which is essentially a retinol molecule surrounded by a phospholipid layer. Compared to regular retinol, encapsulated retinol takes a longer time to be completely absorbed into the skin layers. Therefore, it tends to be gentler on the skin and is less likely to cause overdrying.
Still, regardless of the type, retinol may trigger or exacerbate flare-ups for those with sensitive skin, so consult your dermatologist before introducing retinol into your routine.
Specific Formulas for Wrinkles, Oily Skin, or Other Concerns
It's important to take into consideration your skin concerns in order to choose a retinol that can effectively address them. For example, if you're suffering from aging skin issues like wrinkles and fine lines, consider a formula with anti-aging ingredients like niacinamide, argan oil, jojoba oil, rosehip seed oil, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C.
Are you suffering from hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone? Vitamin C helps speed up the lightening of hyperpigmentation from past acne due to its brightening properties. However, it can also cause acne when used with retinols, so use it with caution. Niacinamide can also effectively brighten dark spots and give you an even and clear complexion.
For those with oily skin, choose a non-comedogenic formula that doesn't contain any ingredients that might clog your pores and make your skin become greasy. Also, see if there are ingredients that can help regulate sebum production and reduce oiliness and shine. Salicylic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are some good examples.
Pick Between a Cream, Gel, or a Serum Retinol
Retinols tend to come in the form of serums, but lotions and creams with retinol in them are available. Depending on your skin type and needs, choose a form accordingly!
Serums are packed with potent ingredients and used to address certain skin concerns such as wrinkles and lines. However, they might contain comedogenic oils and might not be a good choice for those with acne-prone skin.
But don't worry! There are also serums that are non-comedogenic and do not clog your pores. So look specifically for those non-comedogenic serums.
Those with dry skin may prefer creams. They tend to contain many moisturizing ingredients and can prevent moisture loss.
Those with sensitive skin should opt for creams for extra hydration and slower delivery of ingredients, which makes the product gentler. Many creams are formulated with soothing ingredients to keep your skin healthy, too!
For those with oily skin, creams might be too moisturizing and end up making your face feel greasy. Instead, you might want to look for a gel. It absorbs quickly into the skin and won't leave any greasy residue behind.
For acne patients, I do not recommend using retinol in a serum form. A retinol serum, however, is great for anti-aging. Creams tend to be less drying than gels, but gels are more effective at drying up oily skin. Combination vitamin C and retinol serums can actually trigger acne outbreaks, so I suggest avoiding these in my acne patients.
Differin gel is a go-to in my practice for mild acne, whiteheads, and blackheads. It is incredibly effective and well-tolerated. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% is also a retinoid that I recommend often. The formulation is very gentle.
10 Best Retinols For Acne Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Paula's Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment | | Best Retinol With Soothing Ingredients Like Oat and Licorice Extracts | |
2 | Simplified Skin Retinoid Cream | | Best for Reducing Wrinkles and Fine Lines | |
3 | Drunk Elephant Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum | | Best for Reducing Sun Damage to the Skin | |
4 | Murad Pro-Heal Serum Advance | | Best Gentle Formula With a Lightweight Finish | |
5 | Obagi Medical Retinol 1.0 | | Best Strong Retinol That Improves Your Skin's Dull Complexion | |
6 | Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% | | Best Prescription-Strength Retinol for Inflamed Acne Like Cystic Acne | |
7 | Philosophy Retinol Acne Clearing Oil | | Best for Targeting Congested Pores and Hormonal Acne | |
8 | Body Merry Rapid Wrinkle Repair | | Best for the Moisturizing, Lightweight, Non-Greasy Formula | |
9 | Nature Well Acne Control Skin Perfecting Lotion | | Best Retinol Cream for Body and Back Acne | |
10 | CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum | | Best for Targeting Post-Acne Marks |
Paula's ChoiceCLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment
Best Retinol With Soothing Ingredients Like Oat and Licorice Extracts
Pros:
- Has one percent retinol to reduce acne breakouts and treat wrinkles, acne scars, and dark spots
- Combination of oat, willow bark, and licorice extracts calms irritation
- Brightens your skin tone with the addition of vitamin C
- Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin
- It's said that the cream dries out the skin
This lightweight cream has a strong one percent retinol concentration, making this a good choice for fairly seasoned retinol users. The formula contains vitamin C to brighten your complexion and soothing ingredients like oat, willow bark, and licorice extracts to reduce redness and irritation. It's free from fragrance and suitable for sensitive skin.
The formula is too drying for some buyers, so make sure to follow up with a moisturizer after applying this cream. Overall, the majority of reviewers report smoother skin, lighter hyperpigmentation spots, and smaller pores. They further mention that the cream clears their acne and makes acne scars look less visible.
Best for Reducing Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Pros:
- A high concentration of retinol is effective for clearing acne as well as reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots
- Combination of antioxidant-rich and moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E further nourishes the skin
- Fragrance-free and suitable for people with fragrance sensitivity
- A few buyers complain that the cream leaves behind a white cast
This serum contains 2.5 percent retinol and is great for treating wrinkles and reducing hyperpigmentation. It also has hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E to moisturize the skin, improve its texture, and undo free radical damage. There are also green tea, shea butter, and jojoba oil to enhance your skin's protective barrier.
There are some reports noting that the product leaves white marks behind. Nevertheless, most have seen noticeable improvements in their acne, skin texture, and oiliness. They are happy that the cream is effective in fading their wrinkles and fine lines. Another plus point for many reviewers is that it doesn't make their skin feel greasy or irritate it.
Drunk ElephantPress Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
Best for Reducing Sun Damage to the Skin
Pros:
- Contains one percent retinol to reduce breakouts, improve your skin's uneven complexion, and neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals
- Effectively reduces sun damage and strengthens your skin's barrier with the addition of xanthophylls and a triple-peptide blend
- Includes soothing and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, olive fruit oil, rice bran extract, and avocado oil
- Some buyers report that it's irritating to their skin
This serum contains one percent retinol to improve your skin texture and repair sun damage. Xanthophylls further protect against UV-induced skin damage. The triple peptide blend helps strengthen the skin and reduce wrinkles. The addition of kale leaf extract, jojoba oils, and marula oil moisturizes and soothes your skin.
A couple of buyers find the formula too potent and further mention that it causes allergic reactions such as itchiness. Yet, the majority of buyers like its moisturizing properties. After using the cream, users have seen an improvement in their skin texture, pore size, oil, and acne.
MuradPro-Heal Serum Advance
Best Gentle Formula With a Lightweight Finish
Pros:
- Blend of niacinamide and picolinamide helps smooth the skin, fight aging signs, and reduce environmental damage to the skin
- Keeps the skin hydrated with ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and dimethicone
- Oil-free formula that absorbs nicely into the skin
- Some buyers don't like the overpowering smell
This cream combines retinol, niacinamide, and picolinamide to improve the skin's texture and enhance its protective barrier. It's oil-free and contains lightweight hydrators such as sodium hyaluronate and dimethicone to maintain healthy skin without making it feel greasy. The formula also addresses aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines.
A few buyers complain about the strong fragrance of this cream. But overall, most buyers confirm that it works well for improving their skin tone and treating existing acne and acne scars. They also praise that it doesn't irritate their skin. Many buyers also like its lightweight consistency that doesn't leave behind any greasy residue.
Best Strong Retinol That Improves Your Skin's Dull Complexion
Pros:
- Formulated with one percent retinol to effectively target aging spots, brighten the skin, and improve its texture
- Includes nourishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil, shea butter, glycerin, and matricaria flower extract
- It's said to effectively reduce acne
- Many buyers say the cream doesn't leave the skin feeling greasy
- Some buyers find the formula too strong and irritating
Obagi's Retinol 1.0 cream with one percent retinol penetrates the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve your overall complexion. It also contains shea butter, glycerin, and jojoba seed oil to moisturize the skin, enhance its protective barrier, and improve its texture. Attach the included airless pump to the top of the tube to dispense the cream.
For some buyers, the cream is too potent and causes allergic reactions like redness. Meanwhile, the majority report improvements in breakout frequency and severity. They note that it reduces their dark spots and diminishes wrinkles and fine lines effectively. Reviewers like that the cream formula absorbs quickly into the skin, too!
Best Prescription-Strength Retinol for Inflamed Acne Like Cystic Acne
Pros:
- Contains 0.1 percent adapalene, which can reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and prevent acne breakouts
- It's said to work well in treating cystic acne
- Lightweight gel that's free from comedogenic ingredients and suitable for oily skin
- There are some reports saying that the product is drying to the skin
If you're looking for a strong, specialized retinol for acne, this gel might be a good choice. It's formulated with 0.1 percent adapalene, a prescription-strength retinol that's highly effective against inflamed acne. Besides treating acne, it can also treat uneven skin tone and improve your skin's texture. This works well for oily skin as it's non-comedogenic.
According to some reviewers, it tends to dry out their skin, so staying on top of moisturization is important. However, many are happy that it effectively shrinks their pores, reduces acne breakouts, and eventually leads to clear, smooth skin. A lot of buyers confirm that it helps with cystic acne.
Best for Targeting Congested Pores and Hormonal Acne
Pros:
- Works effectively in clearing congested pores, reducing acne breakouts, and smoothing the skin
- Combines vitamin C and vitamin E to reduce the damaging effects of environmental stressors
- It's said to work well against hormonal acne
- Encapsulated retinol doesn't dry out your skin excessively
- Some buyers say it may take longer to work than other products
This retinol treatment unclogs your pores, reduces acne breakouts, and treats discoloration and fine lines. It's infused with vitamin C and vitamin E to protect your skin against free radical damage and reduce unevenness in skin tone. The retinol is encapsulated and absorbed gradually into the skin, so it's less likely to dry out your skin.
A few reviewers say they say no results for a while. Overall, though, most report an improvement in skin texture. Those suffering from hormonal acne confirm that the formula works great in treating their acne and prevents breakouts. Many also praise the lightweight texture that doesn't make the skin feel greasy.
Best for the Moisturizing, Lightweight, Non-Greasy Formula
Pros:
- Lightweight lotion that doesn't make the skin feel greasy
- Has great moisturizing effects thanks to the combination of jojoba oil, aloe vera, green tea, and sunflower oil
- Contains antioxidants like vitamins A, E, and B5 to help brighten your complexion and reduce wrinkles and age spots
- Irritated some reviewers with sensitive skin
- A few thought it was too thick and didn't absorb well
Body Merry's Retinol Surge Moisturizer is a lightweight lotion that can be applied to the face, neck, and eye areas. It can help reduce acne breakouts and is packed with antioxidants like vitamins A, E, and B5 to improve your complexion and reduce aging signs. Ingredients like green tea, jojoba oil, and aloe vera soothe and moisturize.
Some reviewers experienced reactions and more breakouts, even after using it for several weeks. However, many others say that this moisturizer works well in preventing acne while keeping their skin feeling moisturized. They're pleased with how soft, smooth, and supple their skin feels after applying the cream. They comment that it reduces wrinkles and fine lines as well.
Nature Well Acne Control Skin Perfecting Lotion
Best Retinol Cream for Body and Back Acne
Pros:
- Contains micro-encapsulated retinol to soften, and smooths the skin while reducing acne breakouts
- Moisturizes the skin effectively with ingredients like coconut oil and grape seed oil
- It's mentioned that the cream absorbs well without leaving any greasy residue behind
- Pump bottle is easy to use
- A few reviewers experienced breakouts or allergic reactions when they used it on their face
- The scent is too overpowering for some buyers
This cream is formulated with micro-encapsulated retinol that can penetrate deeply into your skin and is less likely to cause flaking or dryness. The addition of ingredients like grape seed oil and coconut oil helps keep the skin moisturized. This cream is designed for body use, and can effectively enhance your skin's texture.
Many love that it's moisturizing and highly effective in improving their skin's texture. After using this cream, most buyers find their skin smooth, supple, and soft. They further mention that the formula doesn't make their skin feel greasy and it helps reduce acne well.
Best for Targeting Post-Acne Marks
Pros:
- Features a blend of retinol, niacinamide, and licorice root extract to brighten the skin and reduce the look of post-acne marks
- Repairs the skin's protective barrier with three types of ceramides
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
- It's said to work well for sensitive and oily skin
- A few buyers with dry skin say the formula dries out their skin more
This retinol serum is designed to minimize the look of post-acne marks and pores. It contains three types of ceramides to maintain and protect the skin's natural barrier. Meanwhile, ingredients like niacinamide and licorice root extract soothe, brighten, and smooth skin. Plus, it's fragrance-free and won't clog pores, so it's suitable for sensitive and oily skin.
If you have dry skin, a follow-up moisturizer is necessary, according to reviewers. On another note, this serum leads to smoother skin, lighter post-acne marks, and smaller pores for many. This was particularly popular with those with oily skin because of its smooth, non-greasy texture and ability to keep oily skin under control.
What Are Retinols?
Looking to get the most out of your retinol for acne? It's important to understand how retinols work in order to select the best option.
Understand the Benefits of Retinol
Retinols are a part of a family of chemicals called retinoids that are derived from vitamin A. They reduce acne by preventing the buildup of acne-causing oil and debris in the middle layer of skin called the dermis. Since they can reach deep layers of skin, they can help other skincare products penetrate better.
Retinols in general are great for overall skin health and appearance because they can even out skin tone by lightening hyperpigmentation left behind by past acne, preventing wrinkles, and promoting skin cell turnover. They decrease inflammation and can help control excess oil production, too.
Although topical retinols are likely safe, it is still important to avoid them if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, as there is a chance they may affect the baby.
Tips to Use Retinol Safely
Doing a patch test before fully introducing retinol to your skincare routine is important to avoid painful and potentially irreversible irritation or damage. If you are new to retinols, slowly introduce them to your skin to get it used to retinol and avoid painful irritation.
Start with applying the retinol at bedtime every third night for two weeks. If your skin seems happy with that and your dermatologist gives you the green light, try applying it every other night for another two weeks. At that point, you can go for using the retinol every night or continue applying it every other night.
Retinols are best used at night because they can make your skin sensitive to UV light, but low-concentration retinols during the day are okay as long as you're consistent with applying your SPF afterwards. Some retinols can even be deactivated by the sun, so it is recommended to stick to using it at night.
In a multistep skincare routine, a retinol serum should go on after the toner and before the moisturizer. If you're using a retinol cream, it should go on after the serum or toner and can act as the moisturizer itself. If more hydration is needed, additional moisturizer can go on top.
You should use your retinol at night since UV light from the sun can make the retinol unstable and ultimately less effective. I always recommend discontinuing medicated acne washes (like BPO and salicylic acid) or acid washes (glycolic acid) when first starting a retinol.
I suggest waiting for your skin to get used to the retinol, which can be drying initially, before re-introducing these products.
Some More Products to Help You Treat Your Acne!
Looking for something else to add to your routine to fight those stubborn spots? Check out more of our product guides to get you closer to clear, healthy skin.
In Collaboration With Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Levy
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary, as well as extra tips and advice. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Retinols For Acne
No. 1: Paula's Choice｜CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment
No. 2: Simplified Skin｜Retinoid Cream
No. 3: Drunk Elephant｜Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
No. 4: Murad｜Pro-Heal Serum Advance
No. 5: Obagi Medical ｜Retinol 1.0
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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