Retinoids (retinol and adapalene)
Vitamin A-based creams and gels. Over the counter you can find retinol, retinal, and adapalene. Stronger prescription versions include tretinoin and tazarotene.
Why it helps
Retinoids are among the most useful skin products. They treat and prevent acne, smooth rough texture, soften fine lines and sun-related changes, fade dark marks and uneven tone, and help the skin build collagen over time. They do not prevent skin cancer in any proven way, so they do not replace sunscreen or skin checks.
Look for
- Adapalene gel or cream (the over-the-counter retinoid with the best acne evidence)
- Retinol or retinal for texture, fine lines, and tone
- Fragrance-free formulas in a gentle base
- Opaque tubes or pumps that protect the ingredient from light and air
- Low strengths if you are new to retinoids
Avoid
- Using more than one retinoid product at once
- Using them on sunburned, cut, or very irritated skin
- Waxing or harsh scrubs on treated skin
Caution
Do not use retinoids if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding unless your clinician says otherwise; they can also dry the skin and raise sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen matters.
Worth asking a clinician about
Prescription retinoids such as tretinoin, tazarotene, or trifarotene are stronger and can work better for stubborn acne, deeper sun damage, and dark marks, so they are worth asking a clinician about.
Sources
Products
Differin
Differin 0.1% Adapalene Treatment Gel
Price: medium price · For face
An over-the-counter gel with 0.1% adapalene, a vitamin A-related retinoid, sold in a 15 gram tube.
- Adapalene
CeraVe
Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Price: medium price · For face
A leave-on serum with encapsulated retinol, niacinamide, and three ceramides.
- Paraben free
- Retinol
- Niacinamide
- Ceramides
- Non-comedogenic (brand)
La Roche-Posay
Retinol B3 Pure Retinol Serum
Price: higher price · For face
A leave-on face serum with pure retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, sold in a dropper bottle.
- Retinol
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- For sensitive skin (brand)
- Non-comedogenic (brand)
The Ordinary
Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
Price: low price · For face
A water-free serum with 0.2% retinol in a squalane base, sold in a 30 ml bottle.
- Alcohol free
- Retinol
- Vegan
Neutrogena
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Renewal Serum
Price: medium price · For face
A leave-on serum with pure retinol and an antioxidant, sold in a 1 fluid ounce bottle.
- Paraben free
- Dye free
- Retinol
Acure
Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum
Price: medium price · For face
A dual-phase face serum with bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, plus botanical extracts.
- Vegan
These are products Dr. Haque has reviewed and recommends for different reasons. Unless a product is clearly marked 'Affiliate link,' it is not one. Most are not.