CeraVe Retinol Serum
Updated Nov 8, 2026 ยท Top Retinol creams
7.4/10
Our score
Best for A first retinol in a pump, if you want ceramides in the same bottle and you do not need a high strength.
CeraVe's serum comes in an airless pump, with niacinamide and ceramides. The brand does not give a retinol percent. Retinol sits low on the ingredient list, which usually means a mild amount, far under the printed treatment at the top of this page. A pump keeps air off the formula better than a jar. Use it at night, a few nights a week, with a moisturizer.
What customers like
- Effectively smooths fine lines and brightens skin
- Lightweight and absorbs quickly
- Hydrates and softens skin
- Noticeable improvement in skin texture and tone
- Unscented suitable for sensitive skin
- Quality ingredients at a good price
- Refreshes and moisturizes skin
- Does not irritate or dry out even sensitive skin
- Leaves face soft and glowy
- Good for beginners using retinol
What customers dislike
- Poor packaging and shipping issues
- May trigger rosacea in some users
- Strength
- Not given as a number
- Packaging
- Airless pump
- Also
- Niacinamide, ceramides
- Use
- Night, a few times a week
Sources: Formulation note: CeraVe does not print a percent, and the ingredient list reads as mild
