Vogue Names Seven Best Retinol Serums and Creams for 2026, From $22 CeraVe to $102 SkinCeuticals
In Vogue's 2026 guide, seven premier retinol products have been recommended by both dermatologists and editors. The top serum is Medik8 Crystal Retinal Serum ($66), while SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 ($102) is recognized as the best cream. For K-beauty enthusiasts, IOPE Expert Retinol RX%1 Superbounce Serum ($49) stands out, and Celimax The Vita-A Retinal 0.1% Shot Booster Treatment ($24) is ideal for targeted spot treatment. Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Face Treatment with Peptides ($65) is noted for its firming effects, and CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Cream ($22) is the best drugstore choice. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($30) is recommended for addressing deep wrinkles. Insights were shared by dermatologists Y. Claire Chang, Whitney Bowe, Noah Gratch, Maryam Safaee, Lauren Penzi, Dara Spearman, and Blair Murphy-Rose.
Key facts
- Vogue published a 2026 guide to the seven best retinol serums and creams
- Medik8 Crystal Retinal Serum ($66) was named best retinal serum
- SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 ($102) was named best retinol cream
- IOPE Expert Retinol RX%1 Superbounce Serum ($49) was named best K-beauty retinol
- Celimax The Vita-A Retinal 0.1% Shot Booster Treatment ($24) was named best for spot treating
- Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Face Treatment with Peptides ($65) was named best for firming
- CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Cream ($22) was named best drugstore retinol
- RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream ($30) was named best for deep wrinkles
- Dermatologist Lauren Penzi said over-the-counter retinol strengths range from 0.25% to 2%
- Dermatologist Y. Claire Chang said retinal is one conversion step closer to retinoic acid than retinol
Entities
Artists
- Y. Claire Chang
- Whitney Bowe
- Noah Gratch
- Lauren Penzi
- Maryam Safaee
- Dara Spearman
- Blair Murphy-Rose
- Brendan Camp
- Audrey Noble
- Beatrice Zocchi
Institutions
- Vogue
- Condé Nast
- Union Derm
- MDCS Dermatology
- Radiant Dermatology Associates
- Medik8
- SkinCeuticals
- IOPE
- Celimax
- Paula's Choice
- CeraVe
- RoC
- Vogue Italia
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Long Island
- New Jersey
- Los Angeles
- Indiana