It’s not especially hard to find a good retinol. But determining the best retinol for mature skin can be more of a challenge. Retinol, for the unfamiliar, is a powerhouse for all signs of aging: It has ample research behind it to support its ability to address multiple signs of aging, such as fine lines, lax texture, and age and sun spots. And though there are countless retinol products out there, those intended for aging skin take into account the skin changes that occur over time—namely, an increase in dryness and sensitivity. To that end, “for mature skin, the winning formula blends efficacy with gentleness, hydration, and cosmetic elegance,” says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Haven, CT.

Vogue’s Guide to the Best Retinol for Mature Skin

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In any formula, retinol works by speeding up cellular turnover and stimulating the extracellular matrix, which thins with age. This, combined with increased collagen production, can give skin a radiant, resilient look and feel.

However, the best retinols for mature skin not only deliver those benefits, but they do so in a way that actively supports aging skin—for example, using encapsulated retinol to bypass irritation, or supplementing it with antioxidants to better repair damage. With that in mind, scroll ahead for dermatologist-loved picks.

Best Overall: SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex .25

SkinMedica

Age Defense Retinol Complex .25

• Why We Love It: The beauty of this formula is that it belongs to a line of retinol products with increasing strengths, so “you can work your way up through as your skin gets used to using retinol,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY. She also likes that it’s formulated with antioxidants to counteract free radicals—unstable molecules created by sun damage and pollution that can harm healthy collagen and elastin—as well as ingredients that offset irritation, such as ceramides and niacinamide.
• Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, niacinamide, ceramides
• Retinol Concentration: 0.25
• Size: 1.0 fl. oz.