The 7 best serums for wrinkles and fine lines, from retinal to peptides

Key takeaways

• Retinoids have the most research behind them for fine lines. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says retinoids boost collagen and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Our top pick is Medik8 Crystal Retinal, a night serum sold in six strengths so you can step up as your skin adjusts.

• For a budget retinal, The INKEY List Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum is $22, though it’s meant for experienced retinoid users.

• Peptide serums, like the Olay and U Beauty picks here, are an option for people who want to use a serum in the morning as well as at night.

• Start any retinoid slowly and wear sunscreen every day. The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, because the sun’s rays can accelerate signs of aging.

How to choose a serum for wrinkles

Most wrinkle serums lean on one of three ingredient types. Our guide to retinal vs retinol explains the first two in more depth.

• Retinol is the most common over-the-counter retinoid. Cleveland Clinic says it increases collagen production, “which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” and that it takes several weeks to see a change.

• Retinal (retinaldehyde) is one step closer to the active form your skin uses, so it’s often described as faster-acting than retinol.

• Peptides are short chains of amino acids that some brands use to support firmer-looking skin. They don’t have the same depth of research as retinoids, but they’re usually gentler. Our list of peptide serums covers more options.

Irritation is a well-known side effect of retinoids, and a 2024 review in *Dermatology Research and Practice* is devoted to formulation strategies for reducing it. The AAD quotes a dermatologist who advises starting with “the least-intense retinoid formula they can find” every other night, and notes that retinoids shouldn’t be used during pregnancy.

We compared each product on its published ingredient list, not on hands-on testing. We looked at the main ingredient and its strength where the brand states it, whether fragrance is listed, when the brand says to use it, any published study figures and the price.

1. Medik8 Crystal Retinal: best overall

Medik8 Crystal Retinal is a night serum with retinaldehyde, vitamin C and vitamin E, sold in six strengths from 0.01% to 0.24%. Medik8 recommends Crystal Retinal 6 (0.06%) for regular vitamin A users and suggests finishing one tube before moving up a strength.

Key features:

• Six strengths. Crystal Retinal 1 is for sensitive skin and Crystal Retinal 3 is for people new to vitamin A.

• Published study figures. In an independent 12-week clinical study of 33 people using Crystal Retinal 6, Medik8 reports a 20% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.

• Gradual start. Medik8 suggests twice a week for two weeks, every other night for two more, then nightly, with sunscreen the next morning.

Tradeoff: Medik8 says there’s no artificial fragrance, but the ingredient list includes coumarin, a fragrance allergen, plus vanilla and tonka bean extracts. It’s for night use only, and Medik8 doesn’t recommend it around the eyes.

Best for: people who want a retinal they can build up over time.

Price: $56 to $137 for 30 ml, depending on strength ($87 for Crystal Retinal 6).

2. Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment: best high-strength retinol

Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment is a lotion-like treatment with 1% retinol, a peptide blend, vitamin C and licorice root extract. There’s no fragrance in its ingredient list.

Key features:

• 1% retinol. It’s the highest stated retinol strength on this list.

• Peptides and vitamin C. Paula’s Choice pairs the retinol with a triple peptide complex.

• Gradual start. The brand suggests three nights a week at first, building up to nightly, with sunscreen in the daytime.

Tradeoff: Paula’s Choice warns that some people may get a delayed reaction to 1% retinol, and it points people with oily skin to its 1% Retinol Booster instead. It doesn’t publish study figures for this product.

Best for: experienced retinol users with normal to dry skin.

Price: $65 for 1 fl oz.

3. The INKEY List Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum: best budget retinal

The INKEY List Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum combines 0.2% retinal with 2% Sirtalice, a marine ferment extract. The INKEY List labels it fragrance-free.

Key features:

• 0.2% retinal. The INKEY List positions it for experienced retinoid users.

• Published study figures. In an 8-week consumer trial of 105 people, 85% saw firmer, more lifted-looking skin in four weeks, according to The INKEY List.

• Low price. It’s $22, the least expensive retinal here.

Tradeoff: at 15 ml it’s half the size of most picks here. The brand says to use it at night only, two to three nights a week at first, with SPF in the morning.

Best for: people already using a retinoid who want to try retinal for less.

Price: $22 for 15 ml.

4. U Beauty The SMOOTH Dynamic Wrinkle Defense Serum: best morning and night serum

U Beauty calls The SMOOTH Dynamic Wrinkle Defense Serum “Your Lifelong Wrinkle Regimen.” The serum combines a Multi-Peptide Complex and Copper Tripeptide-1 with Retinyl Linoleate and Retinyl Palmitate, both Retinol Esters, plus Centella Asiatica and Vegan Silk Protein, all powered by proprietary SIREN Capsule Technology™. U Beauty says it’s designed to visibly smooth past lines and wrinkles for smoother, stronger-looking skin with visibly supported elasticity.

Key features:

• Peptides and Retinol Esters in 1 step. It’s pressed onto the face and neck, morning and evening, after the Resurfacing Compound and before moisturizer.

• Published study figures. In a consumer perception study of 30 volunteers, 90% agreed deep wrinkles looked improved after 7 days of consistent daily use, according to U Beauty.

• Two sizes. It comes in 15 ml and 30 ml.

Tradeoff: at $248 for 30 ml it has the highest price tag here, and U Beauty recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen when you use it in the morning.

Best for: people who want one wrinkle serum they can use twice a day, allowing a crowded face routine to get shorter.

Price: $248 for 30 ml, or $148 for 15 ml.

5. CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum: best for sensitive skin

CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum has encapsulated retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and three ceramides. CeraVe labels it free of added fragrance.

Key features:

• Encapsulated retinol. The retinol comes with ceramides and niacinamide, both common in formulas for dry, sensitive skin.

• Night use. CeraVe says to apply it in the evening and work up to daily use slowly.

• Low price. It’s $24.99 for 1 fl oz.

Tradeoff: CeraVe doesn’t state the retinol percentage or publish study figures, and it says you may feel slight tingling at first.

Best for: sensitive or dry skin trying a retinol serum.

Price: $24.99 for 1 fl oz.

6. Olay Collagen Peptide Visibly Firming Serum: best retinoid-free pick

Olay Collagen Peptide Visibly Firming Serum has palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, niacinamide and panthenol in a short, 16-ingredient formula. Olay labels it fragrance-free.

Key features:

• No retinoid. It’s an option if you’re pregnant, sensitive to retinoids or want a morning serum.

• Morning and night use. Olay says to apply it to the face and neck before moisturizer, twice a day.

• Mid-range price. It’s $39.99.

Tradeoff: without a retinoid, expect firming and hydration more than retinoid-level results, and Olay doesn’t publish study details behind its firming claims.

Best for: people who want a gentle, retinoid-free serum.

Price: $39.99.

7. RoC RETINOL CORREXION Deep Wrinkle Serum: best drugstore retinol

RoC RETINOL CORREXION Deep Wrinkle Serum pairs RoC’s retinol with a mineral complex of copper, zinc and magnesium, plus vitamin C and bisabolol.

Key features:

• Published study figures. In consumer testing, 96% had an improvement in the look of deep wrinkles in 12 weeks, according to RoC.

• Face and neck. RoC suggests starting every other day and building up, morning or night.

• Low price. It’s $21.99 for 1 fl oz.

Tradeoff: it contains added fragrance, and RoC doesn’t say how many people were in its study. The brand says to wear SPF 30 or higher during the day.

Best for: people who want an affordable retinol from a drugstore brand.

Price: $21.99 for 1 fl oz.

How to use a wrinkle serum

• Start slowly. Cleveland Clinic suggests a pea-sized amount every other day for the first couple of weeks, and a patch test before your first use.

• Use retinoids at night. Retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so the AAD suggests using them at night and protecting your skin by day.

• Wear sunscreen every day. The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Our list of sunscreens for oily skin has lightweight options.

• Don’t stack strong ingredients at first. Hold off on adding an exfoliating acid on the same nights until your skin has adjusted. Our guide to skincare routine order explains how to layer serums.

• Give it time. Most brands and dermatologists suggest several weeks to a few months before judging results.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most effective serum for wrinkles?

A retinoid serum has the most research behind it. Retinol and retinal are both sold without a prescription. Medik8 Crystal Retinal and Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment are two strong options.

Is retinal better than retinol for wrinkles?

Retinal is one step closer to the form your skin uses, so it’s often described as faster-acting. Both can help. The right choice depends on how well your skin tolerates retinoids.

Can I use a retinol serum in the morning?

Most retinol serums are meant for night use, because retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Peptide serums are usually fine for morning use under sunscreen.

How long does it take a wrinkle serum to work?

Usually several weeks at least. Cleveland Clinic says it takes several weeks of retinol use to see a difference, and many brands’ studies run 8 to 12 weeks.

Can you use peptides and retinol together?

Yes. Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment combines peptides and retinol in one formula, and The SMOOTH Dynamic Wrinkle Defense Serum from U Beauty pairs a Multi-Peptide Complex with Retinol Esters.