The Best Retinol Creams Available Without a Prescription for Glowing and Healthy Skin

"Along with a low dose of retinol, it also contains hydrating and calming hyaluronic acid and protective SPF," says Sobel.

"Skin Better AlphaRet combines peptides, glycolic acid 10 percent, and vitamin C as well as a retinoid-strength retinol," says Levin. Engleman also loves it because it refines the complexion and evens out skin tone.

Lee recommends this sleeping night oil as another good bet for dry skin because of the avocado seed oil. Blue tansy and German chamomile make it great for soothing redness.

Great for all skin types because it's available in three concentrations (0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 percent), allowing you to start low and ease into the strength optimal for your skin, says Jamal.

"It gently reduces the appearance of fine lines, crow's-feet wrinkles, and dark circles," says Sobel. "It's made with a milder strength of retinol and contains hyaluronic acid to help bind essential moisture in your skin to re-plump wrinkles."

"Since aging skin is often dehydrated and has difficulty tolerating more harsh formulations, I recommend Alastin Renewal Retinol 0.5 percent as a well-tolerated but effective retinol," says dermatologist Melissa K. Levin, MD. "It combines moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin, oat kernel extract, bisabolol, ceramides, and antioxidants, such as co-enzyme Q10. It also contains a snow mushroom extract that helps further hydrate the skin."

"I counsel my patients to take special care when applying any product close to the eyes, as skin in that area can be very sensitive," says Engelman. "This is a bit more moisturizing and can serve as a buffer to the potential irritation of vitamin A."

"This contains retinaldehyde, a gentle form of retinol, which is great for more sensitive skin types and those who are just getting acclimated with retinoids," says Sobel.

"I love this night cream because it has a beautiful texture and works quickly to hydrate, plump, and smooth the skin while you sleep," says Engleman. The blend of time-released retinol, plant stem cells, and vitamin E offers anti-aging benefits over time.

"Differin was previously available only through prescription, but the 0.1 percent concentration is now available over the counter," says Sobel. "This works primarily to address acne and acne scars but also helps restore the skin’s tone and texture."

If you have dry skin, these Elizabeth Arden capsules work incredibly well. They are formulated with ceramides, which help hydrate and can combat some of the irritating and drying effects of retinol. And the formula has olive, sunflower, and avocado oils for additional hydration.

Engleman helped co-create this formula for those who can't tolerate retinol's irritating side effects. "It contains a blend of phyto-retinols (including bakuchiol), along with vegan epidermal growth factor and bio-recovery peptides," she says. "The formula is suitable for all skin types and performed extremely well in clinical trials, showing significant anti-aging, reparative, and moisturizing results."