What are the best vegan Retinol serums right now?
You’ve probably heard of Retinol, but what exactly does it do for and what is the best Retinol serum for you? Here’s everything you need to know about this powerful skincare ingredient and our updated round up of the best vegan Retinol serums right now.
PS: Check out this blog post for vegan Retinol Eye Creams
The low-down on Retinol
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, belonging to the family of retinoids. It is a topical skincare ingredient widely recognised for its potent properties especially on the anti-ageing front.
What are the benefits of Retinol?
Retinol stimulates the production of collagen, a crucial protein responsible for maintaining skin's elasticity and firmness. This helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a smoother complexion.
As a powerful anti-ageing ingredient, Retinol combats multiple signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Retinol effectively fades hyperpigmentation, dark spots and sunspots by promoting faster skin cell turnover and inhibiting melanin production.
Regular use of Retinol encourages the shedding of dead skin cells, promoting a smoother and more refined skin texture. It diminishes the appearance of rough patches, acne scars, and other skin imperfections.
Due to its potent nature, Retinol may cause some initial skin irritation. It is essential to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage to allow the skin to acclimate to the ingredient.
Always make sure to wear sunscreen during the day if Retinol is part of your skincare routine, as it makes your skin more sensitive to sun rays.
The best vegan Retinol serums to elevate your nighttime skincare routine
Medik8 Intelligent Retinol™
Available in three progressive strengths: 0.3%, 0.6% and 1%, this serums helps you take your Retinol game up a notch step by step as your skin adapts.
The clever Time Release Technology means the retinol is delivered slowly through the night, so you wake up to results without the usual irritation.
To make it even more powerful, the formula teams retinol with a retinol-booster called climbazole for enhanced, longer-lasting results. A dose of squalane keeps the skin soft, supple and hydrated, so you get all the age-defying benefits without compromising on comfort.
RRP: From £39 - Find it on Medik8 or Cult Beauty
Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum
Looking for a retinol that’s suitable for congested skin? Here’s your top pick.
This triple-retinoid blend (retinol, retinal and retinyl ester) works on dark spots, fine lines and uneven texture while helping to refine pores.
At the same time, glycerin, ectoin and antioxidant-rich blackberry extract keep your skin calm and soothed. The result? Smoother, clearer skin with a healthy glow and a stronger barrier.
RRP: £40 - Find it on Cult Beauty
OLE HENRIKSEN Double Rewind 0.3% Pro-Grade Retinol Serum
Potent yet gentle, this serum pairs encapsulated retinol with provitamin A from beta-carotene to deliver a slow, steady release that works while you sleep, revealing smoother and more radiant skin over time.
Alongside its retinoid blend, the formula is enriched with aloe vera to hydrate, birch sap for an antioxidant boost and rowanberry extract to help strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier.
It’s a great choice if you’ve previously experienced skin irritation with harsher formula.
RRP: £59 - Find it on OLE HENRIKSEN, Space NK or Cult Beauty
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
This lightweight lotion packs a punch with 1% retinol and peptides working together to soften fine lines, smooth wrinkles, fade dark spots and boost skin firmness.
To keep skin calm and protected, the formula includes licorice root and oat extracts, both rich in antioxidants that defend against everyday environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution which impact skin ageing more than we think!
RRP: £63 - Find it on Paula’s Choice or Cult Beauty
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
If you’re in your mid-thirties, this fast-absorbing serum is one to have on your radar. It’s powered by Retinol Tri-Active Technology, blending a quick-acting retinoid with time-released retinol and a retinol booster to deliver visible results while keeping skin feeling comfortable. Think refined texture, fewer fine lines and an overall fresher look.
To balance the retinol action, hyaluronic spheres drench the skin in lasting hydration while swertia flower extract helps boost resilience and luminosity.
RRP: £92 - Find it on Murad or Space NK
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum
Perfect for mature skin, this high-dose multi-retinoid serum works fast, with visible improvements to signs of ageing in as little as two weeks. It tackles wrinkles, uneven texture, enlarged pores and tone all at once, giving skin a smoother, more refined appearance.
To keep things balanced, moisture-locking squalane helps soften and hydrate while supporting your skin barrier.
RRP: £89 - Find it on Dermalogica or Space NK
Latest vegan skincare posts:
This post contains some affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through this blog, however it doesn’t change the price of the item for you. Thank you for your support :)