I’ve been on the hunt for a hard-hitting retinol serum that delivers prescription-like results without requiring a trip to the dermatologist for what feels like forever. And while there are tons of over-the-counter dermatologist-recommended retinols out there, many of the options I’ve tried come with a hefty price tag and unpleasant side effects like redness, peeling, and dryness. So, when CeraVe launched its budget-friendly Retinol Serum that claims to resurface skin and fade acne marks *without* any dreaded side effects, I couldn’t resist taking it for a spin.
Look, I’m not going to sit here and claim that my skin was struggling before trying this retinol. Thankfully, acne isn’t a major concern for me, nor do I experience irritation or redness. However, I did have some enlarged pores on my nose and cheeks, rough texture on the sides of my face, some sun-induced discoloration and hyperpigmentation, and an overall dull complexion that I wanted to improve.
After a solid seven weeks of testing this drugstore retinol, I can confidently say that I’ve finally found a product that lives up to its claims and actually improves the appearance of the skin over time (I mean, just look at my before and after photo!).
Why the CeraVe Retinol Serum is a true bang for your buck
For only $16, I would deem it totally worth it to purchase CeraVe’s Retinol Serum (TBH, I’d still buy it at $100). Why? After seven weeks of use, my skin appears more even-toned, my pores are noticeably smaller looking, and my complexion is much brighter and more radiant. There are even days where my skin looks like glass (finally!).
It’s formulated with hard-hitting ingredients like encapsulated retinol extract for resurfacing and brightening, nourishing ceramides—this is the hallmark of every CeraVe product—to fortify the skin barrier, calming niacinamide, and MVE technology, the brand’s patented delivery system that claims to keep skin moisturized for 24 hours (!!).
Although there were some mornings where my skin felt like it needed a bit of extra moisturizer, I didn’t experience any peeling, unusual redness, or discomfort. In fact, I could actually feel the ingredients at work, leaving my skin feeling consistently hydrated and radiant post-application. Plus, the gel-like texture of this retinol makes it lightweight and easy to spread—a welcome change from the thick, greasy formulas I’ve experienced in the past.
How I used the CeraVe Retinol Serum
Although the brand suggests daily use, I started by using this serum three times a week at night. I mixed a pea-sized amount—I stress starting with a little to avoid irritation—with my favorite oil-free moisturizer and applied it evenly to my skin post-cleansing. In the morning, I’d wash my face, apply moisturizer again, and top it all off with a tinted sunscreen. Because retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, one of my biggest tips is to never leave the house without a solid application of SPF (don’t forget your neck!).
After a few weeks, I increased usage to four nights per week, gradually building up to this frequency to avoid irritation—though I did experience slight sensitivity in the form of redness on occasions when I used more than a pea-sized amount.
The bottom line: Is the CeraVe Retinol Serum worth buying?
I have one word, and one word only: “Yes.”
After years of searching for an affordable retinol that delivers results without the dreaded “retinol scaries,” welcoming this serum into my routine has been a game-changer. It not only provided noticeable results in the brightening and resurfacing category, but it did so within just two months of use. I also love that it’s formulated without fragrance and parabens and it’s non-comedogenic, making it suitable for those with acne-prone skin types. Trust me, anyone dealing with skin imperfections can benefit from this serum—the results speak for themselves.
