I Asked 3 Dermatologists About the Best Under-$20 Retinol Products at Amazon

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They’re effective and affordable.

ICYMI: Retinol is skincare’s uncontested anti-aging superhero. Originally an acne treatment, the ingredient is most well-known for its wrinkle-smoothing prowess, in addition to its texture-resurfacing capabilities.

For these reasons, dermatologists adore the vitamin-A derivative, which exists in countless anti-aging formulas—many of which cost a pretty penny. That said, effective retinol options in the under-$20 range do, in fact, exist. Take it from three dermatologists, below, who shared their effective, affordable retinol cream and serum picks, all of which are conveniently available at Amazon.

Dermatologist-Approved Retinol Products Under $20:

• TruSkin Retinol Serum, $18 (Originally $23)

• RoC Retinol Correxion with Ascorbic Acid, $20 (Originally $30)

• CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, $13 (Originally $22)

• Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum, $12 at checkout (Originally $17)

• CosRx Retinol Cream, $18

• CeraVe Skin-Renewing Retinol Serum, $12 (Originally $25)

TruSkin Retinol Serum

$18 at Amazon

According to Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., this powerful retinol—which boasts just shy of 5,000 five-star shopper ratings—“spurs cellular turnover and collagen [production] to improve texture.” Hydrating hyaluronic acid and soothing, antioxidant-[rich vitamin E hydrate and support the all-important skin barrier, all the while mitigating retinol’s notoriously drying side effects.

RoC Retinol Correxion

$20 at Amazon

In addition to encapsulated retinol, which is typically less irritating than other forms, this ultra-popular serum contains yet another anti-aging superstar: vitamin C. As Dr. Roseanne Paul, D.O., assistant professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University, points out, the vitamin is a “strong antioxidant,” which can prevent visible signs of aging. Plus, she notes, it can also “aid in treatment of hyperpigmentation.” It’s no wonder more than 8,000 shoppers purchased this product in the past month alone, per Amazon.

Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum

$13 at Amazon

This retinol-spiked smoothing serum fights post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation thanks in part to licorice root. On the anti-aging side, it softens “fine lines, wrinkles,” and delivers a more eventone, Dr. Paul says. Also of note is niacinamide, which, as Dr. Paul added is an excellent anti-aging ingredient. Given its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s especially ideal for acne-prone skin.

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum

$12 at Amazon

This eye cream is an example of Korean beauty at its finest, notes Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D., who points to its gentleness and high-quality, effective ingredients. Unsurprisingly, it’s Amazon’s number-one best seller in the category. Perfect for first-time retinol users, this formula contains soothing ingredients to counteract the potential side effects of vitamin A. Shoppers with sensitive skin call it “amazing.” Plus, you can snag an extra 20 percent off at checkout thanks to a coupon on the product page.

Snap up these dermatologist-approved effective retinol formulas, as I plan to do— and shop more pro-approved picks under $20, below.

CosRx Retinol Cream

$19 at Amazon

CeraVe Skin-Renewing Retinol Serum

$12 at Amazon

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