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It’s no secret that retinol is one of the best anti-aging ingredients out there, but finding a quality retinol formula that won’t break the bank isn’t always an easy feat. Thankfully, some of the industry’s leading dermatologists were able to help us track down the best budget retinol serums that cater to a variety of skincare concerns.
Where To Find The Best Budget Retinol Serums
Keep scrolling to find out which ones they recommend for women over 50 that are struggling to combat fine lines, dark spots, adult acne, and more:
1. Best Drugstore Retinol Serum
TRY IT: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair ($17.84)
Product At A Glance
-Formula absorbs quickly to help combat the signs of aging to leave the skin smoother, firmer, and free of wrinkles.
-Retinol SA continuously renews skin to smooth wrinkles fast and diminish the look of age spots while hyaluronic acid adds line-plumping moisture to help hydrate, replenish, and rejuvenate the look of skin.
-Also works as a solution for dullness, uneven tone and texture, and crow's feet,
Why Dermatologists Love It:
"While retinol is the most powerful anti-aging ingredient that we have on the market, it's not quite as powerful as prescription strength retinoids in treating acne," dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, says. "That being said retinol is a great option for women with aging and acne-prone skin. I recommend Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum because it contains stabilized retinol and the formulation won't break you out."
2. Best Drugstore Retinol Serum For Wrinkles
TRY IT: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum ($14.49)
Product At A Glance:
-Helps visibly reduce the appearance of both fine lines and deep wrinkles.
-Designed to complement the skin's renewal process and deliver a complexion that is more radiant and firm in just four weeks.
-Formulated with retinol, magnesium, zinc, and copper to help bring newer skin to the surface and reduce the signs of aging.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
"A lot of my patients love this retinol. It helps to soften and smoothen skin, and fix sun damage," Jason Emer, a cosmetic dermatologist and aesthetic surgeon in Mountain View, California, says.
3. Best Affordable Retinol Serum For Adult Acne
TRY IT: Murad Advanced Acne & Wrinkle Reducer ($54)
Product At A Glance:
-Designed for adult acne-prone skin to prevent acne and hormonal breakouts.
-Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful-looking complexion without over-drying.
- Enriched with the brand's Kombucha Collagen Defense®, which is derived from nutrient-rich, black tea ferment.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
"I love Murad Advanced Acne and Wrinkle Reducer because it contains retinol, salicylic, and glycolic acids," explains Kenneth Howe, MD, of Wexler Dermatology. "The retinol modulates skin maturation and shedding, which prevents the formation of the plugs that cause acne. This is a medication-like effect. The addition of the glycolic and salicylic acid furthers shedding via loosening of the bonds between clumped dead skin cells, which is a chemical effect."
4. Best Affordable Retinol Serum For Sensitive Skin
TRY IT: First Aid Beauty FAB Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate ($58)
Product At A Glance:
-Created for those with sensitive skin and beginner retinol users and contains First Aid Beauty’s proprietary Skin Saver Complex to deliver the benefits of retinol with minimal irritation
-Helps smooth and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
-Also formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, aloe, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, and ceramides to help comfort, nourish, and support skin health.
Why Dermatologists Love It:
"This retinol-based formula is so gentle, it won't harm even the most sensitive skin," Dr. Zeichner says of the formula.
