If you’re into skincare like we are, then your routine is probably already stuffed with cleansers, toners, acids, essences, and face masks. But if there’s one product you absolutely must make room for, it’s a retinol serum.
As makeup outlets across the nation are bombarded with tweens in the fight to get their hands on the must-have Drunk Elephant retinol cream, it is only right that we share the best of retinol serums as fight-worthy as they are accessible.
So, if you are in the market, you have come to the right place. We’ve opened the vault of cosmetic secrecy, and have found the best retinol serums for every skin type and budget to shop.
2025’s TOP RETINOL SERUMS
- La Roche-Posay redermic retinol B3 serum, $74.95, Adore Beauty (here’s why)
- Ella Bache retinol night treatment serum, $148, Adore Beauty (here’s why)
- Retinol 1% in squalane, $14.80, The Ordinary (here’s why)
The best retinol serums 2025
01
La roche-posay redermic retinol B3 serum
$74.95 at Adore Beauty
If a renewed complexion is in the books for ’24, then this instant and gradual release active is a must. Designed with sensitive skin types in mind, the instant release of high efficacy and gradual retinol with progressive release is key to building tolerance.
Ingredients: antioxidants and vitamin A | Skin type: dry, normal to dry, normal to oily, and oily
Key features:
- 30ml
- Sulphate free
- Designed for sensitive skin
Also available at:
- $74.95 from La Roche-Posay
- $51.99 (usually $74.95) from Chemist Warehouse
02
Ella Bache retinol night treatment serum
$148 at Adore Beauty
The crème de la crème of aussie made skincare, Ella Bache knows just what the people want. And what is that you may ask? A smooth and glowy complexion of course.
Ingredients: antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and vitamin A | Skin type: dry, normal to dry, normal to oily, and oily
Key features:
- 30ml
- Australian made
- Mineral oil free
- Paraben free
Also available at:
- $148 from Ella Bache
03
Retinol 1% in squalane
$14.80 at The Ordinary
Unlike the name, this is not just any ordinary skincare. Targeting texture and tone all the while enhancing surface-level hydration, it’s safe to say this squalane and one per cent retinol combo was a match made in heaven.
Ingredients: retinol and squalane | Skin type: all skin types
Key features:
- 30ml
- Do not use with retinoids, direct vitamin C, direct acids, or copper peptides
- Use in PM skincare routine
Also available at:
- $14.80 from Adore Beauty
04
1% retinol treatment
$92 at Paula’s choice
Not only Paula’s choice but with over 90 per cent agreeing that “their skin felt smoother”, and 85 per cent seeing “an improvement in the look of fine lines & wrinkles” this one is really a people’s choice as well.
Ingredients: retinol, vitamin C and licorice extract | Skin type: normal, dry, combination and oily
Key features:
- 5ml or 30ml
- Light-lotion texture
- 2022 NewBeauty Award
05
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
from $135 at The ICONIC
Best for: A powerful hit of Vitamin A
Consider Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 as the stronger older sister of your standard retinol. Formulated with a powerful 0.06% stabilised retinal — which is a powerful derivative of vitamin A — expect some solid anti-ageing results. We will note here that due to its potency, the Crystal Retinal 6 is ideal for anyone who wants to up their retinol game (read: not for beginners).
Ingredients: Clinical grade vitamin A, hyaluronic acid, glycerin and vitamin E | Skin type: Blemish prone and mature
Key features:
- Clinical grade vitamin A
- Overnight serum
06
Dr Dennis Gross advanced retinol + ferulic
$144.08 at Amazon
Working magic in cosmetics across the board, the quality of this product is no different. Expect a visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Ingredients: retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, and ferulic acid | Skin type: all skin types
Key features:
- 30ml
- Free from parabens, sulphates, phthalates and silicon
- Strengthen skin’s moisture barrier
07
Neutrogena retinol regenerating cream
$37.33 (usually $55) at Amazon
Dermatologist tried and tested, this hydrating retinol blend helps to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin without the irritation of the active ingredient.
Ingredients: 0.13 per cent retinol, glucose complex and skin-nourishing emollients | Skin type: dry, normal to dry, normal to oily, and oily
Key features:
- 48g
- Dermatologist tested
- Free from parabens, mineral oil and dyes
08
Ultra care retinol booster
$80 (usually $100) at Nutrimetics
Featuring a natural retinol alternative harvested from the Mediterranean Mastic Tree, you’ll be able to keep the Euro summer glow going all year round.
Ingredients: mastic tree extract, encapsulated retinol, and Tazman pepper extract | Skin type: mature-aged skin
Key features:
- 30ml
- Restoration process takes between 6-12 weeks
- Use in PM skincare routine
What is a retinol?
Retinol is an ingredient made from vitamin A. It has many claims, but mostly is used in beauty treatments to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, even out dark spots and discolouration, and smooth out rough skin.
How does a serum differ from other kinds of skincare products?
‘Serum’ is the term given to skincare products that are packed with active ingredients. Basically, you can get a more concentrated dose with less product. Plus, serums usually eliminate any ‘filler’ liquids, so they’re lighter and more easily absorbed than other types of skincare products.
Because of this, serums are a great way to address specific skin issues and support your skincare routine. Depending on your skin’s needs, you can get serums with vitamin C, vitamin E, niacinamide, and (of course) retinol.
How to add retinol to your skincare routine?
The best way to minimise the negative side effects of retinol (which can include skin ‘purging’ and irritation) is by applying it properly. Here are a few tips!
- Apply retinol only at night, and make sure to avoid the sun and use sun protection the following day.
- Start off slow; apply a small amount of retinol product to your skin a couple of times a week and slowly increase the frequency until you’re using it every other day or daily.
- Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. Have a good moisturiser to reduce drying out your skin, or choose a retinol serum that already has moisturising ingredients like vitamin E or squalane oil.
- Apply retinol serum after toning (or after cleansing, if you don’t use a toner) for maximum results. However, if you have sensitive skin, you can ‘buffer’ it by applying a thin layer of moisturiser, waiting until it absorbs into your skin, and then applying the retinol serum.
- Before applying retinol, make sure your skin is completely dry. This could take anywhere from 15-30 minutes.
- Find the right formula for you. Not all retinol products are the same, and some may have other ingredients that are better for your skin.
Related articles:
- Top Ten Vitamin C Serums In 2024
- Best Most Affordable Skincare Brands To Shop In Australia
- Age Gracefully Alongside A Foundation Designed For Mature Skin
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
