BBy Bikram Nath·Researched from UK Amazon listings·Updated 2026-10-16·5 products compared
What are the best retinol serums to buy in the UK?
Our top pick for Retinol Serums in the UK is the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum, 30ml.
The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum suits buyers who want a fragrance-free, once-a-day evening retinol that the listing describes as suitable for sensitive skin, with niacinamide and 3 essential ceramides; it states no retinol percentage.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This guide contains Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you — but it never changes our rankings.
CeraVe's Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum is our top pick because its listing pairs encapsulated retinol with niacinamide, 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, says it is fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin, and gives evening directions with sunscreen the next morning. For a stated strength, Paula's Choice lists 1% pure retinol and says to start with no more than 3 evenings per week, and The Ordinary lists Retinol 0.5% in Squalane for intermediate users and 0.2% for beginners.
This guide compares five retinol serums from CeraVe, Paula's Choice, The Ordinary and medicube, using what each listing states: retinol strength, supporting ingredients, skin types, fragrance, directions and size. Stated retinol strengths run from 0.2% (The Ordinary) to 1% (Paula's Choice); the CeraVe and medicube listings state no percentage.
Buying guide
What should you look for in Retinol Serums?
1Retinol strength: The Ordinary lists Retinol 0.2% in Squalane, described as beginner-friendly, and 0.5%, for intermediate users; Paula's Choice lists 1% pure retinol. CeraVe describes encapsulated retinol and medicube names retinol, but neither listing states a percentage.
2Sensitive skin and fragrance: CeraVe says it is suitable for sensitive skin and fragrance-free. Paula's Choice says it suits all skin types, including normal, dry, combination and oily skin, and is 100% fragrance free. The Ordinary and medicube listings do not mention sensitive skin or fragrance in the features we read.
3Night use and frequency: The Ordinary 0.5% says apply a few drops to the face in the evening; CeraVe says apply daily in the evening and that one use per day is sufficient; Paula's Choice says start with no more than 3 evenings per week, then every other night, then every evening as tolerated. The Ordinary 0.2% and medicube listings give no directions in the features we read.
4Sun protection: The Ordinary 0.5% says use sun protection during the day, and CeraVe says apply sunscreen the next morning. The Ordinary 0.2%, Paula's Choice and medicube listings do not mention sun protection in the features we read.
5Supporting ingredients and size: The Ordinary pairs retinol with squalane (30ml each); CeraVe adds niacinamide, 3 essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and licorice root extract (30ml); Paula's Choice names licorice and oat extract (5 ml); medicube names peptides and vitamins (1.01 fl. Oz).
Our process
How do we choose our picks?
We don’t lab-test products ourselves. Instead we synthesise current Amazon UK listings and published specs into clear, honest recommendations. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, but that never changes which products we rank.
Current UK availability
We check each pick against live Amazon UK catalogue data rather than last year’s model lists. Stock moves fast, so a listing can sell out after we publish.
Published specs
We compare manufacturer specifications so each pick is right for a real budget and use-case.
UK-specific fit
We factor in UK voltage and plug/fitting standards — details that generic global lists miss.
Daily in the evening on cleansed skin; one use per day; sunscreen the next morning
Pea-sized amount; no more than 3 evenings per week at first, then every other night, then…
A few drops in the evening; sun protection during the day; not with other retinoid…
—
—
The rankings
The best Retinol Serums, ranked
1
CeraVe
Top Pick
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum, 30ml
The CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum suits buyers who want a fragrance-free, once-a-day evening retinol that the listing describes as suitable for sensitive skin, with niacinamide and 3 essential ceramides; it states no retinol percentage.
Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment, 5 ml
The Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment suits buyers who want a stated 1% pure retinol with a gradual starting schedule on the listing, 100% fragrance free, in a 5 ml size.
Retinol
1% pure retinol
Other Ingredients
Licorice and oat extract
Texture
Lightweight lotion
Skin Type
All, including normal, dry, combination and oily
Fragrance
100% fragrance free
Directions
Pea-sized amount; no more than 3 evenings per week at first, then every other night, then every evening as tolerated
Size
5 ml
What we like
+States its strength: 1% pure retinol
+Gives a starting schedule, from no more than 3 evenings per week up to every evening as tolerated
+Listed as 100% fragrance free and suitable for all skin types
+Directions say apply a pea-sized amount after cleansing, toning and exfoliating
Worth noting
–A 5 ml size, per the title
–The listing does not mention sun protection in the features we read
–Sensitive skin is not among the skin types the listing names
£15.00Amazon.co.uk price as of 17 Oct, 07:00 (London time). Details
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane suits buyers who have built a tolerance to lower-strength retinol, as the listing puts it, and want a stated 0.5% concentration with evening and sun-protection directions on the listing.
Retinol
0.5% in squalane
Other Ingredients
Squalane, a conditioning agent
User Level
Intermediate, moderate strength
Directions
A few drops in the evening; sun protection during the day; not with other retinoid products; refrigerate after opening
Size
30ml
What we like
+States its strength: Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
+Directions on the listing: a few drops in the evening and sun protection during the day
+Squalane, which the listing says nourishes skin to help target dryness associated with retinol use
Worth noting
–The listing says it is for those who have built a tolerance to lower-strength retinol
–Needs refrigerating after opening, per the listing
–The listing does not mention sensitive skin or fragrance in the features we read
£8.40Amazon.co.uk price as of 17 Oct, 07:00 (London time). Details
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane suits retinol beginners, as the listing describes it, who want a stated 0.2% strength in squalane; its listing gives no directions.
Retinol
0.2% in squalane
Other Ingredients
Squalane, a conditioning agent
User Level
Beginner, mild formula
Size
30ml
What we like
+Described as beginner-friendly: a gentle introduction before progressing to higher strengths
+States its strength: Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
+Squalane, which the listing says nourishes skin to help target dryness associated with retinol use
Worth noting
–The listing gives no directions for use in the features we read
–The listing does not mention sun protection, sensitive skin or fragrance in the features we read
£7.40Amazon.co.uk price as of 17 Oct, 07:00 (London time). Details
The medicube Retinol Boosting Serum suits buyers who want retinol combined with peptides and vitamins, as the listing describes it; its listing states no retinol percentage and no directions.
Other Ingredients
Peptides and vitamins, alongside retinol
Described As
Intensive firming, hydration and plumping care; pore-refining
Category
Korean skincare
Size
1.01 fl. Oz
What we like
+Combines retinol with peptides and vitamins, per the listing
+Described as intensive firming, hydration and plumping care
+The listing calls it pore-refining
Worth noting
–The listing states no retinol percentage
–No directions, skin types or full ingredient list in the features we read
£14.80£16.90−12%Amazon.co.uk price as of 17 Oct, 07:00 (London time). Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of 17 Oct, 07:00 (London time) and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Editor's Note
None of these listings gives a full ingredient list in the features we read, and two (CeraVe and medicube) state no retinol percentage. The Ordinary's 0.5% listing adds that it should not be used with other retinoid products and should be refrigerated after opening; its 0.2% listing gives no directions. Paula's Choice is a 5 ml size, while the other four state 30ml or 1.01 fl. Oz.
Our Take
As a default, the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum: encapsulated retinol with niacinamide and 3 essential ceramides, fragrance-free, described as suitable for sensitive skin, with once-a-day evening directions on its listing. For a stated strength, Paula's Choice lists 1% pure retinol with a gradual start, and The Ordinary describes its Retinol 0.2% in Squalane as beginner-friendly.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Which retinol serum is suitable for sensitive skin?
Of these listings, CeraVe says its Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum is suitable for sensitive skin and fragrance-free, with encapsulated retinol. Paula's Choice says its 1% retinol suits all skin types, including normal, dry, combination and oily skin. The Ordinary and medicube listings do not mention sensitive skin in the features we read.
What strength of retinol should a beginner start with?
The Ordinary describes its Retinol 0.2% in Squalane as beginner-friendly, a gentle introduction before progressing to higher strengths, and its 0.5% as for those who have built a tolerance to lower-strength retinol. Paula's Choice says to start its 1% retinol on no more than 3 evenings per week. CeraVe and medicube state no percentage.
Should a retinol serum be used at night?
The listings that give directions say evenings. The Ordinary 0.5% says apply a few drops to the face in the evening; CeraVe says apply daily in the evening and that one use per day is sufficient; Paula's Choice says start with no more than 3 evenings per week, then every other night, then every evening as tolerated. The Ordinary 0.2% and medicube listings give no directions in the features we read.
Do you need sunscreen when using a retinol serum?
Two of these listings say so: The Ordinary 0.5% says use sun protection during the day, and CeraVe says apply sunscreen the next morning. The Ordinary 0.2%, Paula's Choice and medicube listings do not mention sun protection in the features we read.
What do retinol serum listings say about fine lines and wrinkles?
The Ordinary says its 0.2% formula helps improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone, and Paula's Choice says its 1% pure retinol firms skin, smooths wrinkles and fades brown spots. medicube describes intensive firming, hydration and plumping care. These are the brands' own claims.
How much retinol serum should you apply?
The Ordinary 0.5% says apply a few drops to the face; Paula's Choice says apply a pea-sized amount after cleansing, toning and exfoliating; CeraVe says apply evenly on the face on cleansed skin. The Ordinary 0.2% and medicube listings give no directions in the features we read.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. UKPicks earns a small commission from qualifying purchases made via links on this page. This does not affect our editorial recommendations or the price you pay.
