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The 10 Best Retinol Products for Ultimate Acne Control
From serums to moisturizers, skin pros share their top picks for clearer, smoother skin
Retinol is probably best known as a key ingredient for stimulating collagen production while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. But did you know the expert-approved anti-aging ingredient also has impressive breakout-fighting benefits, too? “Dermatologists love retinol for acne as it increases skin cell turnover, exfoliates dead skin cells, and removes oil and dirt from pores, thereby not only clearing acne but preventing new lesions from forming,” dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum tells Bazaar.
Shop the Best Retinol for Acne
Best Night Cream with Retinol
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Anti-Wrinkle Night Moisturizer
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As a reminder, retinol is a type of retinoid, which refers to the various vitamin A derivatives found in popular serums, creams, and treatments. Some retinoids are prescription-strength only, while others (like retinol, retinal, and adapalene) can be found in over-the-counter formulations. The right pick for you depends on factors like your skin concern, your skin’s ability to handle the ingredient (which has a reputation for being slightly irritating), and perhaps even other skincare products in your lineup.
There is no shortage of retinol formulations, which is why we tapped leading skincare experts for their thoughts on the best retinol for acne overall. Keep scrolling to shop their recommendations from top brands like La Roche-Posay, Shani Darden Skincare, Paula's Choice, and more. Plus, learn more about incorporating the key ingredient into your routine.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Anti-Wrinkle Night Moisturizer
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May be too strong for sensitive skin
You can rest easy knowing Neutrogena's nighttime face cream targets concerns like discoloration and signs of aging without contributing to pimples in the process. One of Nussbaum's favorites, its formula is not only non-comedogenic (meaning it’s formulated not to clog your pores), but also holds a potent dosage of retinol at 0.3 percent, and is infused with hyaluronic acid to deliver thirst-quenching hydration.
Customer review: “This is a great product that I have added to my nighttime skincare routine. Leaves my skin smooth and hydrated. A thick layer goes a very long way.” —iamelrey__
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3
Pros
- Works quickly
- Bazaar-approved
Cons
- Over $60
Medik8's Crystal Retinal serum is available in three strengths, with level three being ideal for beginners. It uses a potent form of vitamin A—retinaldehyde to be specific—which means you’re getting a lot of skincare bang for your buck. It also features a crystal encapsulation method to slowly release the ingredients throughout the night and ensure your skin is never overwhelmed or irritated.
“Downtown New York facialist Sofie Pavitt, who has a devoted following among fashion people, told me to try Medik8 about a year ago, and I’ve never looked back,” digital director Izzy Grinspan explains. “The formula is super gentle—I’ve never had any flaking or peeling—but it seems to be keeping my elder-millennial skin clear, bouncy, and happy.”
Customer review: "I started on the lowest, used two tubes, and am now on my second bottle or R3. I’m being careful as I have fair skin and nothing has been so good ever! It’s made a huge difference. I pair it with the night cream which in itself is gorgeous." —Alison H.
Paula's Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment
Pros
- Encapsulated retinaldehyde helps minimize irritation
- Helps minimize blemishes
Cons
- May be too strong for sensitive skin types
“If you can’t get in to see a dermatologist and can’t tolerate adapalene, you can always try a retinal,” dermatologist Madalyn Nguyen suggests. Also known as retinaldehyde, the main ingredient is one step closer in form to the version that our skin actually uses (known as retinoic acid) and is also slightly more potent than your average retinol. Paula's Choice's formula uses a blend of calcium-encapsulated retinal and adapinoid (an oil-soluble retinoid) to fight breakouts, smooth uneven skin texture, and boost radiance all at once.
Customer review: "I’ve noticed that it has diminished fine lines and toned down more noticeable wrinkles. It has helped my breakouts and made my skin more glowy!" —Sam123568
Differin Acne Treatment Gel
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Over-the-counter and prescription-strength
Cons
- May be drying for sensitive skin types
When it comes to drugstore acne treatments, Differin is an expert favorite, thanks to its proven track record for preventing breakouts and clogged pores by increasing cell turnover. Back in 2016, the FDA approved the prescription-strength formula for over-the-counter use. It utilizes adapalene (a type of retinoid) as its active ingredient. Dermatologist Melanie Palm calls Differin “an incredibly effective and affordable way to incorporate retinoids into your skincare routine, especially if you have acne-prone skin.” One tube of the clear gel rings up to about $12.
Customer review: “I've had hormonal cystic acne all over my jawline for like three years. I started using Differin gel only on my jawline a few months ago, figuring I might as well try it... I'm SO glad I did. I'm sitting here right now just running my fingers along my jaw, excited to find NO bumps forming.” —Clara
Pros
- Brightening
- Helps soothe irritation
Cons
- Some customers find the product’s scent to be unpleasant
Board-certified physician’s assistant Paula Brezavscek says this product from ZO Skin Health is ideal for those with acne-prone skin and hyperpigmentation. The lightweight formula exfoliates, smooths, and brightens the skin, thanks to ingredients like bakuchiol and 0.5 percent retinol.
Customer review: “My skin is looking better every day. My sun damage is fading, my skin looks more moisturized, and my fine lines seem to be smoothing out in the almost two months that I have been using the products.” —Bev W.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Combines retinol and lactic acid to minimize irritation while smoothing skin
Cons
- Over $100
A retinol-infused face cream provides the skin-smoothing, acne-fighting benefits of vitamin A without adding yet another step to your evening routine. A beauty editor and skincare expert favorite, this formula features a patented ingredient called AlphaRet, which is essentially a combination of retinol and lactic acid, an AHA. The brand claims that the combination of these ingredients helps to limit the irritation while still addressing uneven skin texture and fine lines. It also boasts a number of other highly-regarded skincare ingredients, like vitamin C, vitamin E, ceramides, and glycolic acid. According to Palm, the glycolic acid “acts as a gentle exfoliant and has mild anti-acne properties,” while the formula’s moisturizing ingredients help with retinol tolerance.
Customer review: “The AlphaRet OC has truly done wonders for my skin! Love love love this product.” —abby_gootman
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Made with moisturizers and calming ingredients to help with retinol irritation
- Available in two strengths
Cons
- May not be potent enough for some
“Alastin Retinol Renewal is consistently in my skincare rotation,” Palm adds. “This particular product has several moisturizers that also help improve the skin barrier, including glycerin, ceramide, and triglycerides. This combination helps to decrease retinol irritation such as redness and dryness of the skin.” As for how it can address your acne? Palm says the formula, which is available in 0.25 and 0.5 percent retinol strengths, also features niacinamide, an anti-acne agent that nicely brightens post-inflammatory pigmentation caused by breakouts.
Customer review: “Been using this for five years and love it.” —Lindsay
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Fast-absorbing gel texture
- Helps unclog pores
Cons
- Some customers find it to be too harsh on their skin type
Did you know La Roche-Posay has a 0.1 percent adapalene gel under its acne-fighting Effaclar line? Brezavscek notes that the gentle, fragrance-free formula can help smooth skin texture, fade post-acne marks over time, and reduce oiliness. You can also count on it for unclogging congested pores too. The brand recommends working it into your routine after cleansing and before slathering on moisturizer.
Customer review: “This is my favorite retinoid and adapalene product I've found. Will continue buying as long as they make it!” —Jenna
Pros
- Brightening
- Formulated to be non-irritating
Cons
- Over $80
Retinol alone already works exceptionally well for fighting acne breakouts, but paired with an alpha hydroxy acid? Clogged pores and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation don’t stand a chance. This cult-favorite formula from Shani Darden Skincare pulls double-duty to keep your skin clear and even-toned without any trace of irritation.
Customer review: "Honestly, I really love this product. Using one bottle has given my skin a new lease on life! A very gentle intro into retinoids!" —JuniperB
Pros
- Features skin soothing bisabolol
- Helps smooths fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Some customers say it’s drying
“SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3%, another great product to start with as it not only brightens the skin but decreases breakouts and fights acne with other anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile-derived bisabolol and Boswellia serrata,” Nussbaum says. As a bonus, the packaging is specifically designed to help preserve retinol potency, with a pointed tip that also prevents you from wasting precious product.
Customer review: “This retinol is very gentle and doesn’t break out my sensitive skin. I recommend pairing it with a thick moisturizer as it can dry out your skin a little bit.” —Ashley
Meet the Experts
- Marnie Nussbaum, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and the founder of LINES.
- Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD in Solana Beach, California.
- Madalyn Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas.
- Paula Brezavscek, PA-C, is a board-certified physician’s assistant based in Miami, Florida.
- Dara Spearman, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
How should you incorporate retinol to your skincare routine?
When it comes to adding retinol to your routine for the first time (or any retinoid, for that matter), remember these words of wisdom: Start slowly. "If you’re new to retinol, start slow," Palm explains. "Use it every few days and slowly increase the frequency of use over time." She also suggests being conservative when pairing retinol with other acne-fighting ingredients in your routine, like BHAs, AHAs, and benzoyl peroxide. "Overdoing it can compromise your skin barrier, which can make skin worse in the long run." A board-certified dermatologist can help you determine which acne-fighting ingredients belong in your specific routine and when to apply them.
Retinoids can also have a drying effect on the skin, so it's generally recommended to apply moisturizer after using a serum or treatment. Dermatologist Dara Spearman notes that if your skin is really dry, you can also apply a moisturizer prior to your retinoid. "Retinols increase the skin’s sensitivity to sun, so daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is very important," she says. "I usually recommend SPF 30 or higher."
Plus, if you're dealing with an active acne breakout and your skin is sensitive, Spearman suggests possibly holding off on starting a new retinol until the skin calms down. Ultimately, retinoids require consistent use to yield desirable results. "With retinol, consistency is key, so I recommend applying it to the skin during a breakout and when your skin is clear to prevent future breakouts," Palm says. "During a breakout, consider incorporating a spot treatment in addition to your retinol serum to treat any trouble spots."
How does retinol compare to other acne-fighting ingredients?
If you've ever purchased a cleanser or a spot treatment formulated for acne-prone skin, chances are you've seen ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide listed on the bottle. So how does retinol compare?
"Retinol works in a completely different pathway than salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide," Nussbaum explains. "Retinol encourages new skin cell development by increasing skin cell turnover and removing dead skin cells and dirt. This makes it a great treatment for both comedonal acne—blackheads and whiteheads—as well as cystic acne." Salicylic acid, on the other hand, penetrates the skin, dissolves dead skin cells, and unclogs pores, making it a great choice for mild comedonal acne.
Benzoyl peroxide fights breakouts by targeting the bacteria that causes acne. "It also helps to reduce inflammation and oil production," Spearman explains. "It has mild exfoliating properties, and is best for active breakouts like inflammatory pimples and cystic acne."
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