10 Reviews: Best Retinol for Acne (Apr 2024)

Spread this retinol on your skin, tap tap, and let the magic happens!

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Comparison Table

Let's jump into the specs!
Product Image
1
10 Reviews: Best Retinol for Acne (Apr  2024): Exceptional
iS CLINICAL
2
10 Reviews: Best Retinol for Acne (Apr  2024): Clear pores and treat blackheads and whiteheads
La Roche-Posay
3
10 Reviews: Best Retinol for Acne (Apr  2024): Prevent and treat whiteheads and blackheads
Acne Free
4
10 Reviews: Best Retinol for Acne (Apr  2024): Preventing future breakouts
Differin
5
10 Reviews: Best Retinol for Acne (Apr  2024): Protecting your skin from environmental stresses
Naturium
6
10 Reviews: Best Retinol for Acne (Apr  2024): Ideal for all skin types
Poppy Austin
7
10 Reviews: Best Retinol for Acne (Apr  2024): Fight visible symptoms of aging
Peter Thomas Roth
8
10 Reviews: Best Retinol for Acne (Apr  2024): An excellent choice
First Aid Beauty
9
10 Reviews: Best Retinol for Acne (Apr  2024): Designed for nighttime use
Alpha-h
10
10 Reviews: Best Retinol for Acne (Apr  2024): Minimize the appearance of fine lines
The Ordinary
Product Name Pro-Heal Serum Advance Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment Gel Vitamin C Super Serum Face Serum for Acne Prone Skin Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum Skin Lab Retinol Serum Vitamin A Serum Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Features Exceptional Clear pores and treat blackheads and whiteheads Prevent and treat whiteheads and blackheads Preventing future breakouts Protecting your skin from environmental stresses Ideal for all skin types Fight visible symptoms of aging An excellent choice Designed for nighttime use Minimize the appearance of fine lines
Size 15 ml 1.58 Ounces 0.5 Ounce 15g 30 ml 60 ml 1 Oz 1 oz/ 30 ml 0.85 oz/ 25 mL 30 ml
Formulation Serum Gel Gel Gel Serum Serum Serum Serum Lightweight Serum Serum
Fragrance N/A Unscented Unscented Unscented N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Skin Type N/A Acne Acne Acne Dry Skin, Acne Prone Skin, Aging Skin, Combination Skin All Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily Normal Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily N/A
Specific Uses For Improve the appearance of blemish-prone skin Acne blemishes, blackheads & whiteheads Unclogs pores and clears acne Acne, clogged pores and inflammation Visually brightens, smooths, firms For hyperpigmentation, acne, and blemish-prone skin Fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and uneven texture Fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and uneven texture Fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and uneven texture Reduce the appearances of fine lines
price $95.00 $30.99 $9.47 $12.99 $24.99 $29.99 $65.00 $58.00 $64.00 $7.50
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Because the purpose of retinol is to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and indications of aging, it is often sought after by adults. Of course, individuals have varied skin types, so they must select the best one for their skin, especially those who have acne. If you’re seeking the finest retinol for acne, go no further than this post, as we’ve produced a list of the top 10 retinol for your needs. We carefully evaluated it, and all of the facts are included. Examine them out!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your information

Is there a difference between retinol and retinoid?

Although retinol and retinoid are both forms of vitamin A, they are not interchangeable. It’s vital to remember that although retinoid refers to a group of substances, retinol is a kind of retinoid derivative. Retinoids are not all retinol, and retinol is not all retinoids and vice versa.

What are the possible negative impacts of retinol use?

Because retinoid products accelerate skin cell turnover, they may cause your skin to become dry, red, and irritated, as well as feel and appear dry and red. When taking a retinoid product, some persons may suffer blistering and peeling as well as other side effects. The most effective strategy to reduce and alleviate these adverse effects is, to begin with, a modest dose of the medicine. If your skin becomes excessively dry or irritated as a result of the medicine, you may try combining it 50:50 with a moisturizer to make it more pleasant on the skin.

Is it safe to use retinol serum on all skin types?

All skin types may benefit from retinol serums, which are safe to use. If you have sensitive, reactive, or dry skin, however, you should search for a solution that has some of the moisturizing and calming components listed above.

Is it okay to use retinol serums when pregnant or breastfeeding?

No, it is not recommended to use retinol products when pregnant. Smoothing, brightening, and complexion-clearing advantages may be obtained by substituting vitamin C, B vitamins (such as niacinamide), glycolic acid, lactic acid, and antioxidants into your skincare program.

10 Reviews: Best Retinol for Acne (Apr 2024)

Here are the best retinol for acne
iS CLINICAL Pro-Heal Serum Advance - Best Retinol for Acne: Exceptional
https://www.amazon.com/

1.
iS CLINICAL
Pro-Heal Serum Advance

Exceptional

1  visitors like this
price from
$95.00
Our opinion:

iS Clinical’s scientifically advanced L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is mixed with exceptional Olive Leaf Extract and pure Vitamins E and A in the Pro Heal Serum Advance+. Antioxidant protection is greatly improved while the texture of damaged, blemish-prone, and aging skin is improved with this better formulation. Antioxidant protection is provided by this retinol, which also helps to enhance the appearance of skin that is prone to pimples, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and revitalizes the appearance of skin that is aging or challenged.

Promising review:

"This product is worth EVERY penny. I had really bad cystic acne that would not heal and after using this serum for a couple of days it has cleared up. It makes my skin glow and feel SO soft. I would definitely recommend this product."

by Amazon Customer

Size 15 ml
Formulation Serum
Fragrance N/A
Skin Type N/A
Specific Uses For Improve the appearance of blemish-prone skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment - Best Retinol for Acne: Clear pores and treat blackheads and whiteheads
https://www.amazon.com/

2.
La Roche-Posay
Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Clear pores and treat blackheads and whiteheads

1  visitors like this
price from
$30.99
Our opinion:

A retinoid is a Vitamin A derivative. Retinol and adapalene are both retinoids, produced from Vitamin A. Retinol is a mild retinoid often used in anti-aging lotions and serums. Dermatologists prescribe Adapalene, a prescription-strength retinoid, to treat acne. Adapalene is a very powerful derivative of Vitamin A. The brand claims it has 0.1 percent adapalene to clear pores and treat blackheads and whiteheads. People who have compared Differin Gel to La Roche-Adapalene Posay’s Gel say that La Roche-gel Posay’s is somewhat milder and more hydrating.

Promising review:

"No before or after but I this product really works. Has gotten rid of alot of my acne. Adult acne ive had forever, is now gone. I can't use it everyday bc it begins to dry my face out. Otherwise this product works great."

by amber

Size 1.58 Ounces
Formulation Gel
Fragrance Unscented
Skin Type Acne
Specific Uses For Acne blemishes, blackheads & whiteheads
Acne Free  Adapalene Gel 0.1% - Best Retinol for Acne: Prevent and treat whiteheads and blackheads
https://www.amazon.com/

3.
Acne Free
Adapalene Gel 0.1%

Prevent and treat whiteheads and blackheads

price from
$9.47
Our opinion:

Adapalene gel 0.1 percent, a retinoid component, is a vitamin A derivative that was previously only accessible by prescription. Dead skin cells buildup in the pores is slowed down by retinoids, which in turn help prevent outbreaks. To prevent and treat whiteheads and blackheads, retinoid helps to enhance cell turnover. Adapalene gel 0.1 percent has been demonstrated in studies to produce less skin irritation than another retinoid. There are no oils or fragrances in this Adapalene gel that was designed by dermatologists.

Promising review:

"This is the best retinol to use! There's no reason to spend more money on name brands when this is the exact same thing and is very effective. Works great for wrinkles/ fine lines as well as acne."

by TAR

Size 0.5 Ounce
Formulation Gel
Fragrance Unscented
Skin Type Acne
Specific Uses For Unclogs pores and clears acne
Differin Acne Treatment Gel - Best Retinol for Acne: Preventing future breakouts
https://www.amazon.com/

4.
Differin
Acne Treatment Gel

Preventing future breakouts

price from
$12.99
Our opinion:

Deep in the pores, acne outbreaks are eliminated and future breakouts are prevented, resulting in the restoration of skin texture and tone; Acne induced by the use of face masks or facial covers may also be treated with this product. Other acne remedies do not function like Differin, which normalizes skin cell turnover and efficiently combats acne’s two fundamental causes: blocked pores and inflammation. For better tolerance than other prescription retinoid medications without Adapalene, Adapalene was developed; you may take it in the morning or the evening as part of your skincare routine.

Promising review:

"This product is well liked by dermatologists for its ability to lessen acne while providing a form of retinal that that general public can afford without a prescription. Also, unlike prescription strength retin a, this doesn’t damage skin barrier."

by princess poppy

Size 15g
Formulation Gel
Fragrance -
Skin Type Acne
Specific Uses For Acne, clogged pores and inflammation
Naturium  Vitamin C Super Serum  - Best Retinol for Acne: Protecting your skin from environmental stresses
https://www.amazon.com/

5.
Naturium
Vitamin C Super Serum

Protecting your skin from environmental stresses

price from
$24.99
Our opinion:

Antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and other skin-plumping ingredients in this face serum help brighten, smooth, firm, and reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles while protecting your skin from environmental stresses. Stable l-ascorbic acid is the only ingredient in this product (vitamin C). This vitamin C is 10 times more potent, increases skin penetration, and delivers 100% antioxidant protection to eliminate fine wrinkles and boost overall complexion. Retinol aids in the formation of collagen and the regeneration of cells. It is well-known that the antioxidant niacinamide reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as enlarged pores in order to give the skin a more youthful appearance.

Promising review:

"I am really liking this product so far. It feels light on my skin. I have very acne prone skin and havent had any issues thus far. I feel it is still too early to decide if it is working on lightening my scars on my face. The packaging looks very chic and expensive."

by Buddygrover13

Size 30 ml
Formulation Serum
Fragrance Unscented
Skin Type Dry Skin, Acne Prone Skin, Aging Skin, Combination Skin
Specific Uses For Visually brightens, smooths, firms
Poppy Austin Face Serum for Acne Prone Skin - Best Retinol for Acne: Ideal for all skin types
https://www.amazon.com/

6.
Poppy Austin
Face Serum for Acne Prone Skin

Ideal for all skin types

1  visitors like this
price from
$29.99
Our opinion:

Using the appropriate skincare basics may help you achieve a brighter, firmer, and younger-looking complexion. All of Poppy Austin’s acne skin serum ingredients work together to give you cleaner, brighter, and hydrated skin. Combining potent A-listers like Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, 3.5 percent Niacinamide, 2 percent Retinol, and 2 percent Salicylic Acid in the perfect proportions is what they’ve done there. This acne serum for the face is made with naturally-occurring components and extracted from botanicals, making it ideal for all skin types, even the most sensitive. This skin lightening serum for acne-prone skin is ideal for those with hyperpigmentation, acne, and blemishes. You’ll notice a noticeable improvement in the look of black spots, as well as an overall return to your young glow.

Size 60 ml
Formulation Serum
Fragrance N/A
Skin Type All
Specific Uses For For hyperpigmentation, acne, and blemish-prone skin
Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum - Best Retinol for Acne: Fight visible symptoms of aging
https://www.sephora.com/

7.
Peter Thomas Roth
Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum

Fight visible symptoms of aging

price from
$65.00
Our opinion:

Peter Thomas Roth’s Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum contains retinol. A strong serum that fights visible symptoms of aging by providing a steady stream of non-irritating retinol all night long, thanks to its 1.5% time-released microencapsulated retinol. Visibly enhance the look of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, texture, and radiance with this strong solution of 1.5 percent time-released microencapsulated retinol. Squalane, bisabolol, and vitamins C and E are all included.

Promising review:

"This is the best retinol I have ever used. It transformed my skin in less than a week. It faded red marks and made my skin silky smooth. It didn’t make me break out or irritate my sensitive skin either. I’ve been using it a couple weeks now and I love how it melts into your skin and doesn’t dry it out as much as other retinols do."

by MollyO89

Size 1 Oz
Formulation Serum
Fragrance N/A
Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Specific Uses For Fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and uneven texture
First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum  - Best Retinol for Acne: An excellent choice
https://www.sephora.com/

8.
First Aid Beauty
Skin Lab Retinol Serum

An excellent choice

price from
$58.00
Our opinion:

If you’re searching for a retinol serum for sensitive skin and newbies, FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum from First Aid Beauty is an excellent choice. To combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and to expose a smoother-looking skin texture, this solution mixes pure retinol with sophisticated peptides. The patented First Aid Beauty Skin Saver Complex provides the advantages of retinol without inflammation.

Promising review:

"I have super sensitive skin and my last foray into retinol was a disaster. My dermatologist encouraged me to try again and go slower. This product has not irritated my skin at all! I started out as recommended - just a few days a week and now I use it every day. Highly recommend this product if you are curious about retinol and have irritable skin like me."

by lolo5000

Size 1 oz/ 30 ml
Formulation Serum
Fragrance N/A
Skin Type Normal
Specific Uses For Fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and uneven texture
Alpha-h Vitamin A Serum - Best Retinol for Acne: Designed for nighttime use
https://www.sephora.com/

9.
Alpha-h
Vitamin A Serum

Designed for nighttime use

price from
$64.00
Our opinion:

Retinol 0.5% Vitamin A Serum by Alpha-H is rich in Australian botanicals and is designed for nighttime use to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as noticeable skin tone, texture, and wrinkle depth issues. Antioxidant-rich Australian botanicals and retinol in a non-irritating serum (jojoba, macadamia, and sweet almond oil). Designed to encourage skin regeneration, minimize the appearance of uneven skin tone and texture, soften the sight of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as increase apparent elasticity for smooth, radiant skin.

Promising review:

"Amazing little powerhouse serum! Great beginner Retinol and super lightweight consistency, and just glides right on.Its become part of my nightly routine 3/4 times a week."

by Heertu

Size 0.85 oz/ 25 mL
Formulation Lightweight Serum
Fragrance N/A
Skin Type Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Specific Uses For Fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, and uneven texture
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane - Best Retinol for Acne: Minimize the appearance of fine lines
https://deciem.com/

10.
The Ordinary
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Minimize the appearance of fine lines

price from
$7.50
Our opinion:

This water-free solution includes 0.5 percent pure Retinol, a substance that has been shown to minimize the appearance of fine lines, UV damage, and overall skin aging in clinical studies. In spite of the fact that Retinol has been widely researched, it is irritating to the skin. Newer technologies are now available that imitate the visual benefits of Retinol without causing skin irritation. In order to avoid this problem, we normally suggest that you use Granactive Retinoid 2 percent or Granactive Retinoid 5 percent instead of the recipe above.

Promising review:

"I’m onto my 2nd bottle & truly love this product. I’m 68 & have been using retinols for many years & at great expense. This leaves my skin feeling nourished due to the oil & definitely refreshes the quality & texture of my skin & reduces the fine lines. All without having to pay a small fortune. Well done The Ordinary."

by Deb

Size 30 ml
Formulation Serum
Fragrance N/A
Skin Type N/A
Specific Uses For Reduce the appearances of fine lines

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