Best Retinols for Mature Skin, According to Skin Pros (2025)

In a world of hundreds of skincare ingredients and thousands of products, it can feel overwhelming knowing what you should and shouldn’t use. But if there is one ingredient that science has repeatedly proven you can rely on, it’s retinol. The anti-aging superhero is backed by dermatologists, estheticians and everyday consumers alike, and can do wonders for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, treating acne, boosting collagen production and more. Retinol is an ingredient that almost everyone can benefit from using, no matter if you’re in your 20s or those with mature skin and everyone in between. To give you a better understanding of retinol and all of its skin-loving benefits, we talked to four skin experts about their thoughts on the ingredient, as well as the best retinol products to try.

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What is retinol?

You may hear the word “retinol” used by skin experts and influencers plenty, but you may be wondering what exactly retinol is. Retinol is a form of vitamin A and “is commonly used in skincare products due to its ability to improve the appearance of the skin,” says Dara Spearman, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. “It is so beloved because of its myriad of uses: it can treat acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and it actually works.”

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There are a few different forms of vitamin A that are in the retinol family—the umbrella term being “retinoids”—with the main difference between them being the level of strength. “Retinoic acid is the active form of this compound, most commonly found in the prescription cream Retin-A aka Tretinoin, and all other vitamin A derivatives must be converted in the skin to this active form to function,” explains Connie Yang, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and Dermstore Medical Advisory Board Founding Member. “Retinol is one of the most common forms found in over-the-counter skin care. It requires two conversion steps to become active, thus it is less potent and gentler on the skin. Retinal is another popular form that requires only one conversion step to become active, thus it is slightly more potent but still gentler than prescription strength retinoic acid.”

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Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, APRN, FNP-C is a big fan of prescription vitamin A, such as tretinoin, but thinks OTC retinols are great for beginners. “More studies are needed to investigate the efficacy and claimed clinical benefits of over-the-counter vitamin A derivatives. This is more reason to use prescription-based vitamin A products (e.g. Retin-A®), however, when starting out (first timer!) retinol is a great place to begin.”

Benefits of using retinol

We could go on and on about the benefits of retinol because it truly is a powerful, superhero ingredient. It’s the ultimate multitasker, treating a wide range of skin concerns. One of retinol’s most well-known benefits is its ability to target fine lines and wrinkles and reverse signs of photoaging by “increasing cell turnover, exfoliating and escalating skin’s collagen production,” says Dr. LoGerfo. Aside from this, retinol is also known for helping treat acne since it unclogs pores and helps regulate oil production. Even more, all of our experts tell us that retinol can also help improve skin texture and tone and tackle hyperpigmentation.

Why retinol works well for mature skin

When it comes to mature skin specifically, retinol can be a game-changer. As previously mentioned, retinol helps boost skin’s collagen production, which in turn smooths fine lines and wrinkles and helps with skin’s elasticity.

“When we treat mature skin, we are typically addressing concerns like dryness, fine lines and loss of elasticity. Retinoids encourage cellular turnover and collagen synthesis which slows dramatically in our 40s,” affirms Kristin Gunn, BS, CLT, LMA, celebrity esthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa.

Plus, as aforementioned, retinol can help treat acne, which is a common symptom of menopause and perimenopause. “Retinol can serve two purposes in adults with acne: helping to clear acne breakouts while helping to alleviate some of the existing signs of aging… 2 for 1!” says Dr. LoGergo.

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How and when to apply retinol

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With any skincare product, it’s important to know when you should be applying it, how often and in what order in your skincare routine. With retinol, all our experts advise applying retinol at bedtime since the ingredient can make your skin sensitive to the sun. Further, they recommend easing into the use of retinol if you’re a beginner, starting with 1-2 times a week and then eventually working your way up to every night if your skin can tolerate it.

“You’ll find a bit of a love-hate relationship with your retinol is normal,” reassures Gunn. “It works, but it takes some getting used to. You want to work up to nightly use, but start every third day after cleansing at night. You will want to slowly titrate your way up to every other day, then daily. I’d recommend pausing your other active products such as cleansers, serums or moisturizers that contain AHAs, BHAs and/or benzoyl peroxide.”

Start with cleansing your face, ridding your skin of any makeup, dirt and grime. Apply any serums, such as hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, skipping any that contain active exfoliants (as mentioned above). Wait 5-10 minutes to let your serums dry, then apply a pea-sized amount of retinol to your entire face, allowing it to dry completely. Lastly, follow with a nourishing moisturizer. “If you have sensitive skin or are getting irritation from the retinol, you can also consider sandwiching the retinol between two layers of moisturizer,” suggests Dr. Yang. “The moisturizer will help provide a buffer and decrease irritation.”

9 best retinol products for mature skin

Keep reading for the best retinols that are expert-recommended and especially great for mature skin.

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La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3

One of Gunn’s picks, La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3 stands out because of its retinol and niacinamide combo, which is “a must for improving skin elasticity and barrier function, reducing fine lines and producing a more even skin tone,” she says. “This serum is wonderful for sensitive skin, packed with potent retinol, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. La Roche-Posay is a trusted brand with great active ingredients and efficacy. If you were my sister, I’d tell you to get this one!”

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Skinceuticals Retinol 0.5

While a bit pricey, Skinceuticals Retinol 0.5 is one of Dr. Spearman’s favorites. She recommends it because it’s a “stabilized formulation that improves fine lines and wrinkles and is great for hyperpigmentation.” Another plus is that it’s super easy to apply since it comes in a precise, squeeze-tube packaging.

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Saint Jane Beauty Sacred Sleep Overnight Repair with Retinol

For a rich, nourishing retinol-containing cream, Dr. LoGerfo turns to Saint Jane Beauty Sacred Sleep Overnight Repair with Retinol. “It feels plush on the skin—when you wake up, your skin is hydrated and renewed. It’s especially good for very dry and damaged skin,” she says.

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Medik8 Crystal Retinal Serum

“I love this OTC retinol (Medik8 Crystal Retinal Serum) for many reasons,” Dr. Yang tells us. “It’s formulated with retinal, which is the strongest form of retinoid that can be obtained over the counter, yet it is generally well tolerated. The Medik8 line contains multiple different strengths, allowing you to customize your regimen based on your skin sensitivity and experience with retinoid use. As your skin adjusts to the retinal, you can slowly move up the ladder of strengths.”

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Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% is especially great for acne (and as someone who struggles with acne and uses this to treat it, I can tell you it works), and is one of Dr. Spearman’s favorites. “This was originally prescription only but now is available OTC,” she explains. “It’s great for sensitive and acne-prone skin and is affordable.”

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Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream

Gunn crowns Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream as her all-time favorite retinol that doesn’t cause sensitivity. “I have never found a retinol this incredible,” she affirms. “I had no ‘break in’ period, no skin purge, etc. This whole line will transform your skin.”

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Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum

You may be familiar with Summer Fridays because of their viral Lip Butter Balms, but did you know they make an excellent retinol serum as well? Dr. LoGerfo is a fan of Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum, telling us, “It feels good on my skin, making it look smooth and hydrated, yet it is lightweight.”

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Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment

For the dry, cold seasons, Dr. Yang recommends Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment. “This over-the-counter option is equally gentle as it is effective. I like to use this in the winter months when my skin is more dry and sensitive, and not able to tolerate prescription-strength retinoids,” she says. “This is formulated with retinal, which is the strongest form of retinoid that can be obtained without a prescription, yet gentle enough for sensitive skin.”

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NatureWell Clinical Retinol Advanced Moisture Cream

An incredible budget-buy option, NatureWell Clinical Retinol Advanced Moisture Cream is available on Amazon for $18 and can be used on the face, body and hands. It has over 10,000 5-star reviews on Amazon and users swear by its effectiveness and gentleness.

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Best Retinols for Mature Skin, According to Skin Pros (2025)
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