10 Skincare Products To Shop on National Retinol Day

For National Retinol Day, we're spotlighting one of the most powerful ingredients in skincare. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol has been a game-changer in the skincare industry since its first use in the '50s for acne treatment. Over the years, scientific research has revealed its versatility, showing that it not only helps with acne but also tackles fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage and hyperpigmentation. But, why has it become a skincare staple?

"Retinol works by increasing skin cell turnover, encouraging the growth of new skin cells in the deeper layers of the epidermis. This helps to remove dead skin cells at the surface, resulting in a smoother, brighter complexion," says Dr. Renata Khelemsky, double board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon and founder of RENATA Facial Cosmetic Surgery.

This process also helps unclog pores, even skin texture and gradually fade hyperpigmentation. "In addition, retinol may also stimulate hyaluronic acid production, which can plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," says Eric Nietzel, RN and aesthetic nurse.

While retinol is a miracle worker for many, it's important to understand the different types, how to use it correctly and who can benefit most from its effects. This skincare solution is available in many different forms, including over-the-counter forms like retinol and retinaldehyde as well as prescription forms like tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene. "Retinaldehyde is more potent than retinol because it converts more easily into active retinoic acid. OTC options are milder, while prescription retinoids work faster and are more effective for acne and aging," states Dr. Khelemsky. "Tretinoin is a strong anti-aging treatment, adapalene is gentler with anti-inflammatory benefits and tazarotene is used for severe acne." She recommends continuous use to maintain results because stopping treatment leads to a gradual loss of improvements.

There are only a few limitations when it comes to the use of retinols. If you have rosacea, are pregnant or are breastfeeding, you may not be a candidate. "When starting patients on retinols for the first time, I always advise to start slow, applying one to two times a week. This allows us to see how the skin reacts and if there are any negative side effects such as redness and irritation," explains Nietzel. Whether you're a first-time user or a seasoned retinol enthusiast, today of all days, is the perfect time to start to experience its benefits.

In honor of National Retinol Day, we've rounded up some of our favorite retinoids, retinals and retinoic oils that help skin stay healthy and acne-free.

Keep reading below to learn more.

Augustinus Bader The Retinol Serum

[shoppable brand="Augustinus Bader" product="The Retinol Serum" link="https://augustinusbader.com/us/en/the-retinol-serum" store="Augustinus Bader" price="$350 USD"]

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Augustinus Bader's Retinol Serum works by renewing the skin with the power of its patented TFC8 technology. With this product, blemishes and wrinkles are reduced while the skin is kept hydrated.

Dior "Capture Totale Retishot" Retinol Night Treatment

[shoppable brand="Dior" product="Capture Totale Retishot Retinol Night Treatment" link="https://www.dior.com/en_us/beauty/products/capture-totale-retishot-Y0998011.html#highly-pure" store="Dior" price="$110 USD"]

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The new "Capture Totale Retishot" Night Concentrate is Dior Skincare's first intensive skincare product that is designed to address visible pores, dullness, roughness, uneven texture and hyperpigmentation. It's infused with 0.1% concentrated pure retinol and longoza extract, which assists in promoting skin renewal and refining skin texture.

Shani Darden "Retinol Reform" Anti-Aging Serum

[shoppable brand="Shani Darden" product="Retinol Reform Anti-Aging Serum" link="https://www.shanidarden.com/products/resurface-by-shani-darden-retinol-reform-1oz?" store="Shani Darden" price="$85 USD"]

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With this product, over time, skin quality visibly improves, leaving a more youthful, radiant complexion day after day. This anti-aging serum utilizes retinol for skin renewal and lactic acid to brighten, with two different skincare powerhouses delivering transformation over time.

Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide "Youth" Serum

[shoppable brand="Youth To The People" product="Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum" link="https://www.youthtothepeople.com/skincare/retinal-niacinamide-youth-serum/YTTP-17100.html?" store="Shani Darden" price="$72 USD"]

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This serum from Youth to the People is a game-changer for treating acne and making skin more firm. It tackles wrinkles with ease, allowing skin to look more youthful over time. Its addition of niacinamide and ceramides to its formula allows for skin to renew without irritation or inflammation.

Sunday Riley "Mini A+" High-Dose Retinol Serum

[shoppable brand="Sunday Riley" product="Mini A+ High-Dose Retinol Serum" link="https://sundayriley.com/products/a-high-dose-retinoid-serum?" store="Sunday Riley" price="$85 USD"]

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This powerful retinoid serum from Sunday Riley combines a 6.5% blend of stabilized retinoids and plant-based, retinol-alternative ingredients for a potent treatment that works deep within the skin. The formula targets signs of aging while improving the appearance of congested, sun-damaged skin.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal Age Defying Night Serum

[shoppable brand="Medik8" product="Crystal Retinal Age Defying Night Serum" link="https://us.medik8.com/products/crystal-retinal?" store="Medik8" price="$107 USD"]

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The beauty of Medik8's products is that you can choose the strength of your retinal — the brand has six different strengths. This formula helps reduce visible damage and enhances the skin's overall appearance, promoting a more even, radiant complexion.

Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil

[shoppable brand="Tata Harper" product="Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil" link="https://tataharperskincare.com/products/retinoic-nutrient-face-oil?" store="Tata Harper" price="$165 USD"]

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Allies of Skin "Multi Acids" Retinoid Brightening Sleeping Facial

[shoppable brand="Allies of Skin" product="Multi Acids Retinoid Brightening Sleeping Facial" link="https://us.allies.shop/products/multi-acids-retinoid-brightening-sleeping-facial?" store="Allies of Skin " price="$70 USD"]

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While this is not an overnight retinol treatment, this peel from Allies of Skin gives a plump and refreshed complexion after use. Made with a blend of AHAs and salicylic acid, this product removes the dead skin from the face to renew and clear pores.

Dr. Dennis Gross "Skincare Advanced" Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum

[shoppable brand="Dr. Dennis Gross" product="Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum" link="https://drdennisgross.com/products/advanced-retinol-ferulic-texture-renewal-serum?" store="Dr. Dennis Gross " price="$76 USD"]

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This formula combines a multitude of powerhouse ingredients including retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan and ferulic acid to work in harmony, promoting natural collagen production and refining skin texture. Additional superstars like squalane and hyaluronic acid give the skin much-needed hydration, locking in moisture and preventing water loss.

Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum

[shoppable brand="Glow Recipe" product="Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum" link="https://www.glowrecipe.com/products/blackberry-retinol-blemish-serum?" store="Glow Recipe" price="$48 USD"]

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The new Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum from Glow Recipe was designed to treat acne gently, as well as reduce fine lines. Made with 8% glycerin, squalane and ectoin, this product provides deep hydration while protecting the skin barrier.

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