Retinoids

Also known as vitamin A family, retinol, retinal, tretinoin, adapalene

What are retinoids?

Retinoids are the family of ingredients made from vitamin A. Retinol, retinal, and adapalene are sold over the counter, and tretinoin needs a prescription. They all speed up skin cell turnover and build collagen, and the stronger ones work faster with more dryness.
Best forWrinkles Acne Uneven texture Dark spots

Products with retinoids

Shop all 50
Biopelle Retriderm Serum Max 1% Retinol Biopelle 1 fl. oz. Shop at Exclusive Beauty Biopelle Biopelle Retriderm Serum Max 1% Retinol $94.50 Biopelle Retriderm Serum Plus 0.75% Retinol Biopelle 1 fl. oz. Shop at Exclusive Beauty Biopelle Biopelle Retriderm Serum Plus 0.75% Retinol $89.50 Derma Made Retinol + Bakuchiol Serum 0.5 shop at Exclusive Beauty Derma Made Derma Made Retinol+ Bakuchiol Serum 0.5 $54.00 Biopelle Retriderm Serum Mild 0.5% Retinol Biopelle 1 fl. oz. Shop at Exclusive Beauty Biopelle Biopelle Retriderm Serum Mild 0.5% Retinol $84.00

Pairs well with

  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides
  • Niacinamide
  • Peptides

Use with caution

  • AHAs and BHAs on the same night
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Waxing the treated area

Retinoids FAQs

Retinoid is the name for the whole vitamin A family. Retinol is one member of it.

Tretinoin is the strongest common retinoid and needs a prescription. Retinal is the strongest you can buy without one, followed by retinol.

Start with a low-strength retinol, like 0.25% or 0.3%. Adapalene is a good first pick if acne is your main concern.

Doctors advise against all retinoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Ask your doctor about alternatives like bakuchiol or azelaic acid.

Related reading

Retinoids: the gold standard for anti-aging Tretinoin vs retinol Bakuchiol 101: benefits, uses, and products

This content on this page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always speak to a dermatologist before starting a new skincare routine.