If you’re looking to add a retinol into your skin care routine, choosing from a list of the best retinol serums in Australia is an easy (and smart) way to do so.
As most retinoids need to be applied to clean, dry skin, the application of the serum form is straightforward and easy. Apply it post-cleanse and follow with the rest of your skin care routine on top (ie. other serums and moisturisers).
Retinol serum is also one of the most effective ways to reap the benefits of vitamin A while avoiding some of the drying side effects. Beginner’s to retinol can easily control their dose with a dropper and customise their frequency, plus anyone prone to sensitivity or dryness can load up on calming creams and moisturisers to comfort their rejuvenating skin.
The only question now is which retinol serum to try. Lucky for you, beautyheaven has plenty of helpful reviews to guide you towards the best…
The best retinol serums in Australia
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum
We say: This red hot bottle partners retinol with vitamin B3 for an in-built skin comforter that’ll support your natural skin barrier. AKA it’s a premium pick for sensitive skin.
You say: “It’s the only retinol product I’ve used (and I’ve tried a few!) that actually respects my skin and I think it’s the B3 that’s the game changer. The B3 is enough of a buffer to compensate for any irritation the retinol may cause. I’ve noticed a reduction in the smile lines around my eyes and my skin has a plumpness that defies my now 43 year old face.” – Lucrecia629
$63.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Read more La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum reviews
BOOST LAB Retinol Night Renewal Serum
We say: If you’re after a retinol serum that won’t break the bank, this $30 buy comes highly regarded. And with a 4.5 star rating from our members, it’s certainly one of the best retinol serums in Australia.
You say: “I didn’t notice huge difference until after two weeks of nightly use. The condition of my skin improved and my dark spots reduced slightly. I would say this retinol serum is gentle on skin but takes longer to see improvement on skin. Therefore, I would recommend this serum to someone with sensitive skin or someone who never tried retinol serum and keen to try.” – Helen T
$29.95 at Adore Beauty
Read more BOOST LAB Retinol Night Renewal Serum reviews
No7 Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate
We say: Been using retinol for a while and want to take your results up a notch? This option has been expertly formulated to harness the power of No7’s highest strength pure retinol. It’s big goal? To visibly transform the skin.
You say: “The texture is nice and quite comparable to products twice the price. It’s a thick serum – light cream texture which is absorbed easily into the skin. There is no offensive scent to note. I will definitely cycle this into my routine when I’m looking to change up my products.” – mummyarnold
$69.99 at Priceline
Read more No7 Pure Retinol 1% Night Concentrate reviews
Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
We say: Paula’s Choice offers an array of retinol products, but this serum is particularly good for those new to the ingredient, as it features a lower concentration and anti-irritant formula.
You say: “I’ve been using this for over a year now and its become a staple in my regime. I’m 44 with fair skin, and I’ve found this has gradually reduced my fine lines. What makes it even more amazing is that you don’t need a separate product for your eyes. I used this for my under-eye are and also crow’s feet and I haven’t had any irritation.” – Mellyjane
$72 at Paula’s Choice
Read more Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum reviews
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Pure Retinol Night Serum
We say: Looking for a potent concentration of retinol that’s still affordable? This serum is our top pick. Even seasoned retinol users should introduce this powerful formula into their routine slowly.
You say: “The milky consistency and colour is nothing I’ve ever experienced before when it comes to using retinol products. After almost a month I have not experienced any adverse reactions. My skin feels so smooth with less texture. I have also noticed it to feel firmer. I am more than happy to continue use and look forward to even more benefits that happen over time such as lightening of pigmentation.” -IndieAna
$59.99 at Adore Beauty
Read more L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser X3 Pure Retinol Night Serum reviews
Olay Retinol 24 Night Serum Fragrance Free
We say: For sensitive noses who prefer their skin care regimen fragrance-free, the Olay retinol serum is a goodie. The formula is also non-greasy and absorbs exceptionally well.
You say: “The serum itself is white in colour and truly is fragrance free. Over the trial period I used this product each night before bed. I have seen a reduction in the fine lines around my eyes in particular, and have not since any new lines or wrinkles appear in this time. My skin feels firmer, and I have even had compliments on my complexion!” – Hertinyvoice
$29.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Read more Olay Retinol 24 Night Serum Fragrance Free reviews
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum
We say: Taking out a Best in Beauty award not once but twice, these metallic pink capsules are filled with a clever retinol and ceramide concoction. Each single-serve dose is protected from light and air exposure until you’re ready to apply. Genius.
You say: “These night capsules deliver a gorgeous pearly serum, which is odourless, it smooths effortlessly over and into the skin, making it feel so soft. I’ve been waking up in the morning, with super hydrated, smooth skin, which I feel is more even-toned, reduced the appearance of my fine lines, and visibly improved my skin’s texture.” – Margaret 322
$165 at Adore Beauty
Read more Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum reviews
Do you use a retinol serum? Have you tried any of the ones above?
La Roche Posay all the way for me. I have sensitive combination skin and always wanted to try a retinol but thought I would never find one that would be kind to my skin and this one definitely does the trick- no reaction whatsoever!
That’s a glowing review just there!
very high quality brand
Good to know,thanks, my skin is also sensitive and I’d thought retinol would be too harsh
Good to know, thanks. My skin is sensitive too and I’d thought retinol would be too harsh
I use serums but not something that identifies as Retinol serum. Not sure how much difference this would make to my skin.
Yes, I wonder what the difference is??
So many terms now aren’t there for retinol
I'd love to try la Roche. So far my fave for retinol are philosophy miracle pads and Peter Thomas Roth.
the pads sound very nice
keen to try some of these retinols
Haven't tried any of these, but The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid is my favourite at the moment.
Ultraceuticals is amazing!!!
I skipped retinol and went straight for retin A.
I expected the Olay serum to be priced higher but yes, that’s because it’s on special. Some good alternatives to try if one doesn’t appear to work.
there is a new serum from them called the super serum
I really like No 7s products, so I might give their serum a go.
Great value too and at priceline
Some good serums here. Worth checking out.
I love the Elizabeth Arden capsules – all of them, in fact.
I’m using Ultraceuticals at the moment – it’s a pity they’re no longer Bh-listed.
I have a box full of Ultraceuticals products to use but I haven’t started on them yet.
My skin does not tolerate retinol easily so these would probably be too strong for me.
Some good brands here
I tried No7 Future renew serum and would love to try their retinol treatment.
I used Elizabeth Arden serum and it’s amazing.
Retinol is the best
Just looked into my cuboard and found that I do not have any Retinol. Perhaps time for a trip to the shops.
I’m a big fan of La-Roche Posay products for my sensitive skin but I haven’t as yet tried the retinol serum. This sounds really good.
Swiish have a nice one too
Retinol does not suit my sensitive skin so I use an alternative like bachiol
I have started using serum on a regular basis but not retinol.
I’ve got a sample of the No7 to try, which will be interesting as I like their other products a lot.