Best Retinol Products

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Take a trip down the beauty aisle at your local pharmacy and you'll find that every cream, serum and cleanser claims to be the product that will radicalize your at-home skin care regimen. It's a tall order for most but when it comes to retinol products, experts say, it's actually quite true.

"[Retinols] are among the most effective therapeutic topical products that really work, as opposed to lotions and potions that almost work," says Dr. Gerald Imber, a plastic surgeon and the director of New York-based Youth Corridor Clinic.

Imber says that retinol is a Vitamin A derivative, which helps to promote cell turnover and exfoliation. "Exfoliation and cell turnover are necessary to reverse and improve fine lines and wrinkles," Imber says. "They also work for relieving clogged pores and acne."

It's reason enough to give the ingredient the green light, but Imber says there's one thing you'll want to watch for when choosing a retinol product — it can be irritating to the skin when it's doing its job. Which is why you'll want a little help when choosing the best retinol products for your skin.

Click through the gallery to get the details on a few favorites.

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Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream

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$85 SHOP IT Opens a new window

A two-in-one night cream that diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and even out skin texture and tone? Yes, please! Plus, this formula packs its retinol in a lipid shell, meaning it minimizes the irritation and dryness that can sometimes occur as a result of retinol.

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RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment

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$17 SHOP IT Opens a new window

A roundup of retinol products really wouldn't be complete without this drugstore staple. The RoC formula is designed especially with fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area, even proving to reduce the appearance of dark circles and undereye puffiness in as little as four weeks.

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Jordan Samuel Skin Retinol Treatment Oil

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$43 SHOP IT Opens a new window

Apply three to five drops of the oil as the final step in your skincare routine and you'll notice the anti-aging benefits of this retinol, cranberry seed oil and marula oil combo.

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LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer

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$19 SHOP IT Opens a new window

This budget-friendly cream is Amazon's "most wished for" moisturizer, which really just means one thing — you need to get your hands on it STAT. And with no oily residue and the ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, there's really no reason not to place an order.

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Youth Corridor RetinUltimate Transforming Gel

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$315 SHOP IT Opens a new window

While it's the priciest product in this list, its benefits are hard to pass up: The non-irritating formula has proven to not only reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration, but also improve the overall look of skin.

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The Ordinary Advanced Retinol 2%

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$10 SHOP IT Opens a new window

Good for all skin types, The Ordinary's formula was created without parabens, sulfates and phthalates. What's left is a serum that reduces the signs of aging without making the skin red and irritated.

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Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

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$74 SHOP IT Opens a new window

One percent vegan retinol and ingredients like vitamin F and essential oils unite in this cream to diminish the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.

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Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream

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$120 SHOP IT Opens a new window

If you have sensitive skin but want to try a retinol product, then this formula may be a match made in heaven for you. Designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in as little as four weeks, the overnight cream also packs a punch of skin-soothing moisturizer.

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Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Face Moisturizer

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$22 SHOP IT Opens a new window

Scoop this one up at your local drugstore and you'll start to see benefits in a week. Bonus? Anti-aging retinol and hyaluronic acid work together to plump and moisturize skin, reducing the look of deep wrinkles, including pesky crow's feet.

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Dr. Brandt Skincare 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream

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$55 SHOP IT Opens a new window

If you're looking for a product to help keep eye wrinkles in check, then this might be the one for you. And with time-released retinol, you can bet this one will be fighting the fine lines fight all day long.

Replay gallery

The 10 Best Retinol Products You Can Buy Right Now

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Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2-in-1 Retinol Night Cream

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RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Eye Cream Treatment