Retinol is the MVP of skincare – and if you haven’t added a standout serum to your routine yet, don’t stress! It’s never to late to get started, and once you do, you’ll never look back.
This powerhouse ingredient is like a personal trainer for your skin, working overtime to boost collagen, speed up cell turnover, and tackle everything from fine lines to stubborn breakouts. But let’s be real—walking into a beauty aisle (or scrolling endlessly online) can easily feel overwhelming. With so many options and products on the shelves, how do you really know which retinol serum is actually worth your time and money?
We get it, which is why we’ve done the hard work for you. Tapping our skincare-obsessed editors for their top performers, and sharing the most effective formulas that deliver real results, minus the dreaded irritation.
What Is A Retinol Serum?
Simply put, a retinol serum is a lightweight skincare product formulated with retinol, a derivative of vitamin A.
Serums are designed to penetrate the skin gently, yet effectively, delivering anti-ageing and skin-renewing benefits with minimal heaviness.
Unlike creams or gel-like formulas, serums tend to contain higher concentrations of active ingredients that are more easily absorbed, making them ideal for targeting specific skin concerns like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and acne.
Many market-leading retinol serums are also formulated to include hydrating and soothing components to counteract any potential irritation and support the skin barrier.
Retinol vs. Retinoids: What’s The Difference?
Retinol and retinoids are often used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same. Here’s how they compare:
Retinol: This is the over-the-counter (OTC) form of vitamin A that slowly converts into retinoic acid once applied to the skin. It’s gentler, making it ideal for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Retinoids: A broader term that includes both OTC retinol and prescription-strength options like tretinoin and adapalene. While retinoids work faster, they can be more irritating for the uninitiated, and also require professional input and continued care from a dermatologist or GP to ensure the product is being used safely and effectively.
In short, retinol serums offer a milder approach with consistent use over time, while prescription retinoids deliver stronger, quicker results, but often with an increased possibility of side effects.
Why Use a Retinol Serum?
Retinol isn’t just another skincare trend—it’s a beauty cabinet essential for a reason.
But why exactly does everyone—from dermatologists to skincare lovers—hail retinol as a beauty cabinet essential? It all comes down to its scientifically backed ability to stimulate collagen, fade dark spots, and keep pores clear. Unlike skincare fads that come and go, retinol is one of the most researched and dermatologist-approved ingredients in the game. And thanks to modern formulations, you don’t have to endure excessive peeling or redness to reap the benefits.
So what is it that makes retinol so effective?
- Works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production
- Fades dark spots, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation for a more even complexion
- Improves skin texture, making it smoother and more refined
- Controls breakouts by preventing clogged pores and reducing excess oil
- Firms and plumps the skin for a youthful, radiant glow
That being said, using retinol in Australia requires a little extra care. With our intense UV exposure, sun protection is non-negotiable—because while retinol works wonders at night, it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight during the day, so regularly applying a good quality sunscreen is an absolute must. Choosing a serum that balances efficacy with hydration is also key to ensuring your skin stays happy and healthy.
Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s dive into the best retinol serums to add to your skincare routine.
The Best Retinol Serums To Shop In 2025
Best for: Intermediate users looking for a glow-up
Designed to be a part of your evening beauty routine, this 0.1% retinol serum is lightweight and fast absorbing and suitable for all skin types. The serum contains both pure and encapsulated retinol, alongside niacinamide, zinc sulfate, and hyaluronic acid.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Serum
$135 at Medik8
Best for: Intermediate users looking for a glow-up
This effective, yet gentle, formula is the next step for someone who’s been on their retinol journey for a while, but is equally as perfect for skincare enthusiasts ready to begin. Formulated with 0.06% stabilised retinal that claims to work 11 times faster than less potent forms of retinol, Medik8 Crystal Retinal serum also includes key hydrating components such as hyaluronic acid, glycerine and vitamin E. brightening while keeping skin hydrated.
Retinol 1% in Squalane Retinol Serum
$14.80 at The Ordinary
Best for: Advanced users on a budget
Affordable yet effective, this high-strength retinol works hard to reduce wrinkles and smooth skin with a nourishing squalane base. Formulated to tackle signs of ageing, dryness and uneven skin tone, its oil-like serum is a go-to for all skin types. If you’re just starting out, there’s no need to fret, with multiple options under The Ordinary umbrella offering varying strengths suited to whichever stage you’re at in your retinol journey.
Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum
$74.95 at La Roche-Posay
Best for: Sensitive skin types
Introducing retinol into your skincare routine doesn’t have to come at a huge cost to your monthly budget. The La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum helps to revitalise skin using a gentle concentration of 0.3% retinol alongside calming niacinamide and Vitamin B3 to lock in moisture. This potent combination does a lot for the skin, softening, plumping, hydrating, and firming the complexion, while simultaneously minimising the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. The best part? You can find this petite powerhouse at stockists everywhere, including your local discount chemist.
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol
$85 at Sephora
Best for: Protecting your skin barrier
A sensitive-friendly formula, the Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum contains vegan squalane, jojoba seed oil, tomato fruit extract and evening primrose oil in combination with 0.5% retinol, to accelerate your path to smoother skin, all while protecting your skin barrier.
Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
$161 at Kiehl’s
Best for: Retinol newbies
New to the world of retinol? Let us introduce you to Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum, which has been formulated with a low concentration of retinol (0.1 to 0.3%) to ensure all skin types (including those with sensitive skin) can use the serum without experiencing dryness or flaking. The gentle formula also contains peptides and ceramides, which both aid in enhancing the skin’s integrity and strengthening the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Can You Use Retinol Serum Daily?
Yes—but with caution! Retinol is a powerful ingredient, and how often you use it depends on your skin’s tolerance. If you’re new to retinol, start with a lower concentration (0.3% or less) and apply it two to three times a week, gradually increasing usage as your skin adjusts. Overuse can lead to irritation, dryness, or peeling, so listen to your skin and take it slow.
As with any new skincare ingredient or product, it’s best to start by introducing it in stages, but sticking with it and your skin will thank you. “I would recommend starting with low percentages of retinol and adding it into your night-time skincare routine slowly by skipping days at the start,” shares marie claire beauty director, Sally Hunwick. “You can work your way up as your skin adjusts.”
For experienced users, daily application can be beneficial, but it’s still important to balance it with hydration and barrier-strengthening ingredients like ceramides and peptides. No matter your experience level, SPF is essential—since retinol increases photosensitivity, and Australia’s high UV exposure makes daily sunscreen application non-negotiable.
Related articles:
- New To Vitamin A? These Are The Best Retinols For Beginners
- The Plant-Based Alternatives To Retinol
- 7 Of The Best Facial Sunscreens To Shop Right Now
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