Anyone at all interested in skincare has no doubt heard about the many benefits of using a retinol serum. The powerhouse ingredient is mostly known for its ability to address key signs of skin ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation, but also has benefits for congested and textured skin, too.
"Retinol is often used as a catch-all for products containing a retinoid. Retinoids come from vitamin A and there are many different types, all with different strengths," says dermatologist Sonia Khorana. "Retinol is actually just one type of retinoid. There are many others such as retinal, retinyl palmitate or retinoic acid." All retinoids work by increasing skin’s cell renewal process which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin in order to smooth, brighten, and even skin’s appearance.
I first started using retinol in my late twenties. Initially, I used it to help clear my acne breakouts and the stubborn hyperpigmentation they left behind. Over the years, I’ve also noticed that retinol has really helped to improve my overall skin tone and texture and to reduce the lines on my neck and forehead. To be honest, I can’t imagine a time when a retinol serum won’t feature within my daily skincare routine.
Of course, one of the main concerns people have before using a retinol serum is whether it's suitable for their skin. "It is generally safe for all skin types, but not recommended for pregnant women," says Khorana. "Temporary dryness, redness and irritation can occur as your skin adjusts to using retinol." It is very normal for retinol to cause some issues with sensitivity when you first start using them, however I’ve found that as long as the rest of my skincare routine is comprised of hydrating and barrier-strengthening products, then my skin is totally fine. The key, as well, is to start with a low dose retinol and build your skin up to using a stronger percentage.
While retinol can be found in everything from moisturisers to peels, it’s best applied via a serum. Serums are thin in texture and highly concentrated, which makes then a great vehicle for active ingredients like retinol as they can absorb quickly. They’re also formulated to be used daily, which allows you to maintain the consistency needed to achieve the promised results.
The thing about serums (and especially retinol-based serums) is that they can be pricey. So, below I’ve compiled an edit of the best affordable retinol serums. Expect all the results, minus the price tag.
How We Tested
As a beauty editor and esthetician, I've spent years testing retinoid serums. I also pass on products to my friends and family members with different skin types and tones to my own, to get their thoughts and feedback. I always do a deep dive into every product's ingredient list, and where possible look at results for clinical trials, user results, and customer reviews.
The Best Affordable Retinol Serums:
- The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion (£16)
- Naturium Retinol Complex Serum (£22)
- Beauty Pie Super Retinol
- CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
- Versed Press Start Gentle Retinol Serum
1. The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
This high-strength formula draws upon retinal, one of the stronger vitamin A derivatives to help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Retinal has the potential to work up to ten times stronger than retinol, making it more effective, but also potentially more irritating. For that reason, this serum is recommended to those who are already familiar retinoid users.
Pros: Quick and visible results
Cons: Not for sensitive skin
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: Previous retinoid users
Usage: Nightly
2. Naturium Retinol Complex Serum
In clinical studies, 97% of users found that this this affordable retinol serum delivered an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles in just four weeks, while 85% of users noticed firmer-looking skin within eight weeks. Impressive results, especially for a serum that costs just £22.
Pros: Quick results
Cons: May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: All skin types
Usage: Nightly
3. Beauty Pie Super Retinol
This popular retinol serum combines a gentle encapsulated retinol with hydrating hyaluronic acid and barrier-strengthening ceramides, making it an excellent choice for new-to-retinol users. The consistency is quite thick and creamy, so it’s especially beneficial for those with dry, sensitive, or mature skin.
Pros: Users see results quickly
Cons: Lower price only available to members
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: Mature skin
Usage: Nightly
4. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Specifically formulated with hyperpigmentation and post-breakout marks in mind, this serum sees retinol paired with niacinamide which also helps to even out tone and smooth skin texture. Plus, like all CeraVe products, the formula is packed with ceramides which help to prevent any dryness or irritation from occurring.
Pros: Great for acne-prone skin
Cons: Often sold out
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: All skin types
Usage: Day and night
5. Versed Press Start Gentle Retinol Serum
This affordable retinol serum from Versed is another great pick for sensitive skin or retinol newbies. It’s full of skin-soothing ingredients like rosehip seed oil, chamomile, and aloe vera to help minimise the risk of irritation. Made with encapsulated retinol and bakuchiol, it helps to smooth, refine, and plump skin over time.
Pros: Great for sensitive skin
Cons: May take time to see results
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: All skin types
Usage: Nightly
6. The Inkey List Super Solutions 1% Retinol Serum
Designed with stubborn scars, marks, and wrinkles in mind, this potent retinol serum was created in partnership with dermatologists to deliver the best results possible without compromising skin. The lightweight and fast-absorbing formula contains 1% retinol as well as nourishing squalane and apricot kernel oil.
Pros: Hydrating formula
Cons: Often sold out
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: Hyperpigmentation and texture
Usage: Nightly
7. Byoma Sensitive Retinol Oil
With a very gentle form of retinoid and a nourishing oil-based formula, this is a great introduction to retinol for sensitive skin types—or even those who have tried the ingredient in the past and found it irritating.
Pros: Nourishing and gentle
Cons: May take time to see results
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: Dry skin
Usage: Nightly
8. The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane
The Ordinary have a whole host of retinoid serums, each with a different strength so you can start low and build up to a stronger strength as your skin's tolerance improves. Thanks to nourishing squalane (an oil-like substance which won't clog pores), this purse-friendly buy is a great option for all skin types.
Pros: Very affordable
Cons: May take time to see results
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: Dry skin
Usage: Nightly
9. Super Facialist Retinol+ Anti-Ageing Restoring Serum
Formulated with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, this is a great option for mature skin types who specifically want to address signs of skin ageing like fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and sagging skin.
Pros: Hydrating formula
Cons: Not suitable for sensitive skin
Fragrance-free: No
Suitable for: Mature skin
Usage: Nightly
10. Minimalist Retinol 0.3% Face Serum
Aside from retinol, this multitasking serum contains antioxidants (vitamin E and coenzyme Q10), plus bakuchiol and squalane to help address all aspects of skin ageing. The minimal ingredient list will appeal to those with reactive skin types.
Pros: Great for new retinol users
Cons: May take time to see results
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: Mature skin
Usage: Nightly
11. e.l.f. Cosmetics Youth Boosting Advanced Night Retinol Serum
Despite costing just £22, this serum combines two particularly potent derivatives of vitamin A, making it one of the most effective affordable retinol serums out there. Whether your concerns are signs of ageing, clearing breakouts, or simply maintaining good skin health, this formula will deliver impressive results.
Pros: Hydrating formula
Cons: Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: All skin types
Usage: Nightly
12. Face Theory Retinol Ester 2% Renewing Serum
Alongside a firming and brightening 2% retinol ester, this serum is also boosted with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
Pros: Great for beginners
Cons: May take time to see results
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: All skin types
Usage: Nightly
13. Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum
This potent serum is powered by sustained-release retinaldehyde. This unique ingredient converts directly to retinoic acid, offering a more effective treatment than a regular retinol. Over time it helps to target the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and texture.
Pros: Active and potent formula
Cons: May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: Mature skin, dull skin
Usage: Nightly
14. COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream
Dry skin types will favour this option. The retinol is supported by a nourishing cream formula that hydrates skin in order to prevent dryness and irritation.
Pros: Hydrating formula
Cons: Not suitable for acne-prone skin
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: Dry skin
Usage: Nightly
15. RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Night Serum Capsules
If you don't wish to use a retinol on a daily basis, these capsules are a great way to enjoy the benefits of the ingredient when and as needed. The individual doses ensure the ingredient is kept fresh and potent, and prevent over application when used.
Pros: Ingredient is kept fresh
Cons: Only a 30-day supply
Fragrance-free: No artificial fragrance
Suitable for: Mature skin
Usage: Nightly
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