7 best retinol serum to boost skin collagen in 2025

Retinol has been lauded as an extraordinary skincare ingredient by the makeup and skincare industry. It is an ingredient that addresses several problems related to aging skin, such as enlarged pores, wrinkles, fine lines, and so much more. Retinol does this by boosting cell turnover and collagen production. It is one of those ingredients that dermatologists have marked as safe and effective even for those with sensitive skin.

Retinol is most commonly applied in the form of creams or serums. However, since serums contain the powerhouse ingredient in a more potent form, it is the usual choice for people wanting to try out the ingredient to benefit their skin.

If you're looking to jump onto the retinol bandwagon, here are some of the best retinol serums to boost skin collagen in 2025.

Disclaimer: This list is based on the writers' opinions.

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7 best retinol serums to use and boost skin collagen in 2025

1) Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

The Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum is one of the best serums for those slowly getting into retinol treatments. The USP of this product is that it contains retinaldehyde, which is a faster and more effective variant of retinol. The serum works through the night instead of all at once, so your skin does not get irritated.

Moreover, it contains glycerin and hyaluronic acid, so your skin stays moisturized as well. Priced at $64, it is the best retinol serum for those who are just starting out with the ingredient.

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2) CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

CeraVe has earned its name as one of the most trusted skincare brands out there, and its retinol serum lives up to its reputation as well. This serum is perfect for those with acne-prone skin, as it combines the powers of retinol as well as niacinamide.

While retinol works to reduce the signs of aging in your skin, niacinamide helps to gently protect and soothe your skin's natural barrier. Priced at $22, it is effective on the skin as well as the pocket.

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3) Paula's Choice 1% Retinol Booster

Paula's Choice is one skincare brand that has made multiple retinol serums over the years, but the most popular one is the 1% Retinol Booster, which is famous for its extended release of the power ingredient.

The serum releases the retinol into the skin through the night, making it much more gentle on the skin while also continuing to be extremely effective. It is priced at $55 and can be purchased from the official Paula's Choice website as well as Amazon.

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4) Kiehl's Retinol Fast-Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum

Quite the opposite of the Paula's Choice serum, Kiehl's Retinol serum is the one to go for if you are looking for fast results. Kiehl's Retinol Fast-Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in three to five days. The serum is quick and effective, yet not harsh enough to cause your skin to break out.

The Kiehl's Retinol Fast-Release Wrinkle-Reducing Night Serum is available for purchase on the official website as well as on Amazon and is priced at $88.

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5) Sente Bio Complete Serum

The Sente Bio Complete Serum takes into account every fear that first-time retinol users may have - the fear of peeling, redness, irritation, and more. To combat these issues, the serum is created in a rich, hydrating base that moisturizes and hydrates your skin while gently releasing retinol into your skin to encourage collagen boosting.

The Sente Bio Complete Serum is priced at $118 and is available for purchase on Amazon, Dermstore, and the official Sente website.

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6) Eau Thermale Avène Retrinal 0.05 Cream

Dryness and peeling are some of the main side effects of retinol that discourage those with dry skin from trying the powerhouse ingredient. The Avene Retrinal 0.05 Cream addresses these concerns. The cream is rife with moisturizing and nourishing ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and so much more to help keep your skin moisturized and supple while treating it with retinol.

The Avene Retrinal 0.05 Cream is priced at $50 and is perfect for those with dry skin who want to incorporate retinol into their skincare routine.

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7) IT Cosmetics Hello Results Retinol Serum-in-Cream

The IT Cosmetics Hello Results Retinol Serum-in-Cream offers the best of both worlds - it helps to infuse retinol into your skin to help reduce the signs of aging and also includes ingredients like niacinamide, Vitam E, and much more to moisturize and soothe your skin during the treatment. It is potent enough for quick results but also gentle enough to be used daily without any fear of breakouts.

The IT Cosmetics Hello Results Retinol Serum-in-Cream is priced at $72.

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These are some of the best retinol serums to try in 2025.