5 Best Retinol Creams for Acne 2023

Our Number 1 Pick

#1- Misumi Retinol Intense Repair PM Creme

$34.95 (One jar should last you 2-3 months.)

After trying over fifty of the best rated retinol creams for acne, we’ve come to a conclusion that Misumi Retinol Intense Repair PM Creme is by far the most powerful and effective retinol night cream on the market. It easily beats out tough competitors like Murad, Curology, and Proactiv.

This breakthrough formula is a powerful blend of encapsulated Retinol 0.5%, Safflower, Jojoba, and the purest Vitamin A. These naturally-derived acne-fighting ingredients work together to unclog pores, stimulate collagen synthesis, and accelerate the skin’s natural healing process.

The powerful night cream reduces redness and swelling, while also preventing severe acne scars. The customer reviews and before & after photos below speak for themselves.

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Best For: Oily, normal, combination, and acne-prone skin

Pros

• Powerful encapsulated Retinol technology
• High concentration of Vitamin A
• Calms breakouts and reduces redness and swelling
• Promotes even skin tone
• Naturally derived ingredients
• 60 Day Money Back Guarantee

Cons

• There are cheaper options out there

Pro tip: Choose a subscription plan (30 or 60 days) and get 20% savings on the cleanser. Easy cancellation anytime.

Customer Reviews of Retinol Intense Repair PM Creme

Best for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

#2 – SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream

Price: $76.00

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 Refining Night Cream helps minimize the appearance of pore size, while correcting blemishes and blotchiness often associated with problematic skin. It is a solid formula with many positive customer reviews. 

Pros:

• Minimizes dark spots
• Refines the look of large pores
• Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles
• Promotes collagen synthesis
• Stimulates healthy cell renewal

Cons:

• Definitely on the pricier side for a small quantity. If you have the wallet to splurge, it’s a great buy.

Best For Both Anti-aging and Acne-Prone Skin

#3 – First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate

Price $58.00

If you’re new to the retinol world, this is the perfect starter serum. Formulated for sensitive skin, the gentle product is packed with vitamin C and E, aloe, and colloidal oatmeal that alleviate the irritation and redness often associated with retinol products.

Pros:

• Tackles both acne and premature aging
• Contains Peptides which is great for smoothing skin
• 0.25% concentration retinol
• Gentle formula for those who have never used retinol

Cons:

• Sticky texture, not the most pleasant feel even those it is rich in benefits

#4 – Clark’s Botanicals Retinol Rescue Overnight Cream with Calming Colloidal Oatmeal, 1.7 oz.

Price: $98.00

Be a literal sleeping beauty with this potent treatment that works its age-fighting magic while you slumber. It’s time release formula means it repairs, renews and regenerates all through the night.

Pros:

• Great for blackheads and whiteheads
• Good choice for individuals with mild acne
• Helps correct pigmentation issues and even out skin tone

Cons:

• Pricey option – there are other creams available that are also powerful and more affordable

#5 – Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift Retinol Advanced Resurfacing Treatment

Price: $98.00

First Los Angeles-based aesthetician Kate Somerville created a topical, at-home version of her celeb fave oxygen facial and it was pretty, pretty, pretty good. But now she’s taken it a step further and supercharged the formula with collagen-boosting retinol and bio-retinols to give you the glowing, taut, baby soft skin of your dreams.

Pros:

• Get baby soft skin
• Acne-fighting and anti-aging powerhouse
• Fights lines and wrinkles

Cons:

• Retinol makes your skin extra sensitive to sunlight so definitely have to pair this day cream with a powerful SPF protection.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of acne, try one of the best retinol creams. After all, this miracle ingredient is the foundation of any serious acne treatment regimen. Retinol will unclog your pores and get rid of inflammation and blackheads, while also helping to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and even out your skin tone.