What are the benefits of retinol?

If you’re looking for a beauty product that works powerfully, combats a variety of skin concerns, and is easy to apply regularly, retinol cream may be the answer. “Retinol is quite a powerhouse ingredient known for its anti-aging properties,” explains Banner. She says that the ingredient has been proven to increase collagen production and cell turnover, while reversing the signs of sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles. "When used appropriately it can also reduce the appearance of blemishes and help prevent future breakouts,” she adds.

What is the best way to use retinol before my wedding day?

According to Banner, it is best to use retinol at night as it can cause the skin to become more sensitized to environmental factors. She emphasizes the importance of using sunscreen during the day, as retinol can cause the skin to become more photosensitive. However, she says that it’s never too early to start using a retinol. “Depending on the skin's conditions, you can expect to see the benefits within 12 weeks of consistent use,” she adds.

The 8 Best Retinol Creams for Brides, Tested and Reviewed

As you embark on your journey to the altar, you might be considering some upgrades to your beauty routine. While you’ll already be glowing on the big day, creating a pre-wedding skincare regimen can help you feel more confident and beautiful as you walk down the aisle. One product worth considering? Retinol cream.

Whether you want to reduce the appearance of fine lines or are just looking for an extra boost of brightness, using a retinol cream in the weeks and months leading up to your wedding day might help you achieve your skincare goals.

To help you find a retinol cream that works for you, we researched the best options for various skin types and spoke with an industry expert about the benefits of retinol and how to incorporate it into your bridal beauty routine. Not only that, but we also tested a few of the most popular options for ourselves. We made our final selection based on ingredients, absorbency, effectiveness, and overall results.

Read on for the best retinol creams for brides-to-be.

Our Top Picks

Best for Sensitive Skin:

Summer Fridays Midnight Ritual Retinol Renewal Serum at Kohls.com

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Best Splurge:

Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum at Amazon

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Best for Fine Lines:

RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Anti-Aging Cream at Riteaid.com

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Best for Uneven Texture:

Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum at Amazon

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LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer at Amazon

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Best Retinol Alternative:

Goldfaden MD Wakeup Call Overnight Facial Treatment at Bloomingdales

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Best for First Timers :

DR. LORETTA DR. LORETTA Firming Serum at Nordstrom

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Best Budget:

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Sephora

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Cult-favorite beauty brand Summer Fridays recently released its own retinol product that’s perfect for those with skin on the more sensitive side. Gentle yet effective, this serum works to smooth the appearance of fine lines and improve uneven texture. Bonus: The formula is vegan and cruelty-free, featuring ingredients like vegan retinyl linoleate, hyaluronic acid, tiger grass extract, and an oatmeal blend.

We tested this cream formula on sensitive skin. Although we usually have irritation and dryness with potent retinol products, we had no negative side effects when using this. In fact, it has become a part of our weekly nighttime routine. We apply this two to three times per week before bed, and we’ve noticed how it helps our skin feel and look more youthful and bright.

Price at time of publish: $69

Use: 1 to 2 pumps nightly | Formulation: Cream

Amazon

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This luxurious formula will be your new favorite part of your pre-wedding beauty regimen, and based on our testing, it’s sure to deliver results by the big day. When we tested this serum, it absorbed beautifully into the skin. There was no residue and it left our skin feeling soft and not sticky. The best part is that it caused no irritation or unusual dryness. As for the final result? Our skin felt softer and plumper, and it looked poreless and more radiant.

Price at time of publish: $88

Use: Apply 1 to 2 nights per week | Formulation: Serum

Ulta

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Clinically proven and dermatologist-tested, this fast-acting formula offers benefits that work for a range of skin types. In addition to retinol, the key ingredient in this pick is hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates the skin for 24 hours. Applying this to the face and neck once a day (the brand recommends every other day to start) can deliver results in as little as a week—use it for at least eight weeks for the best results before the big day. When testing this for ourselves, we loved it so much that we made it a part of our daily skincare routine. We especially appreciate that its hydrating ingredients allow us to use it both in the morning and at night, making it easy to fit into our self-care rituals.

Price at time of publish: $30

Use: Use morning and/or night | Formulation: Cream

Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum

Sephora

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We love this Youth To The People serum because it blends well into our nightly beauty routine when combined with other products. After testing, we found that the serum worked very well for evening out our skin tone and texture. We were initially afraid of the thin consistency for dry skin, but it worked well and didn’t cause any irritation or sensitivity. Our pores shrank, our skin felt firmer, and our complexion looked more radiant, which is why we recommend this for future brides.

Price at time of publish: $69

Use: 1 night per week | Formulation: Serum

Amazon

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This vegan retinol moisturizer works to diminish fine lines, lift and firm the skin, smooth texture, and restore radiance. But does it actually work? According to our test, absolutely it does! We loved that it was lightweight and absorbed easily into the skin during application. Plus, it layered well with other products. We noticed the fine lines on our neck seemed to be less noticeable and it left our skin feeling softer. It also helped to fade dark spots and made our skin appear brighter.

Price at time of publish: $22

Use: Morning and/or night | Formulation: Moisturizer

Bloomingdale's

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For those with extra sensitive skin, using a retinol alternative might be the best option for you. The good news? They can work just as well! According to Sasha Banner, a licensed esthetician, “brides with more sensitive skin can still enjoy the benefits of a retinol or a retinol alternative.” She recommends looking for products with ingredients like bakuchiol or retinyl palmitate as a gentler alternative to retinol with the same great benefits.

Her go-to pick is the Goldfaden MD’s Wakeup Call Overnight Facial Treatment. This luxurious and creamy facial moisturizer is made to rejuvenate and hydrate the skin and improve skin texture overnight, leaving you with a supple, replenished complexion.

Price at time of publish: $88

Use: Nightly | Formulation: Moisturizer

Nordstrom

View On Nordstrom View On Dermstore View On Drloretta.com

For brides-to-be who are new to the retinol game, Banner recommends trying the Dr. Loretta Concentrated Firming Serum two to three times per week. The key benefit of this innovative formula is that it moisturizes the skin, while also minimizing the appearance of pores and wrinkles. This serum reduces the irritation that can sometimes come with using retinol by delivering a boost of hydrating lipids to the skin—it’s a win-win!

Price at time of publish: $80

Use: 2 to 3 times per week | Formulation: Serum

L'Oreal Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer (Fragrance-Free)

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target View On Ulta

Beauty products can be expensive, but there’s no need to dip into your wedding budget. Instead, opt for a cost-effective choice like L’Oreal’s Revitalift Moisturizer. Made with pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, this cream works wonders for dry skin. It delivers a dose of hydration while also working to smooth lines and firm skin texture.

Price at time of publish: $19

Use: Use morning and/or night | Formulation: Moisturizer

What to Look for in a Retinol Cream

Ingredients: No matter what your skin concerns may be, it’s always a good idea to look at a product’s list of ingredients. If choosing an all-natural, animal friendly option is important to you, then go with a retinol cream made with vegan ingredients, such as the LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream for Face. Do you tend to have dry skin? Opt for a retinol that’s combined with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Potency: If you’ve never used a retinol cream before, Banner recommends opting for a lower potency of 0.01% to 0.03% and using it only once per week to build up a tolerance to its effects. “When starting a retinol, slow and steady is the name of the game,” she says. She recommends gradually increasing the potency and frequency in which you use the product (about two to three times per week) as your skin starts to respond well.

FAQ

What are the benefits of retinol?

If you’re looking for a beauty product that works powerfully, combats a variety of skin concerns, and is easy to apply regularly, retinol cream may be the answer. “Retinol is quite a powerhouse ingredient known for its anti-aging properties,” explains Banner. She says that the ingredient has been proven to increase collagen production and cell turnover, while reversing the signs of sun damage, fine lines, and wrinkles. "When used appropriately it can also reduce the appearance of blemishes and help prevent future breakouts,” she adds.
What is the best way to use retinol before my wedding day?

According to Banner, it is best to use retinol at night as it can cause the skin to become more sensitized to environmental factors. She emphasizes the importance of using sunscreen during the day, as retinol can cause the skin to become more photosensitive. However, she says that it’s never too early to start using a retinol. “Depending on the skin's conditions, you can expect to see the benefits within 12 weeks of consistent use,” she adds.

Why Trust Brides

Chloe Caldwell is a Commerce Writer for Brides. She has six years of journalism experience writing about beauty, fashion, accessories, travel, and weddings. As an avid beauty and self-care enthusiast, she personally uses retinol on a regular basis. For this article, the team tested a range of retinol options and narrowed them down based on ingredients, absorbency, and effectiveness. Chloe also spoke with an industry expert for their insight: