Retinoids have come a long way from the irritating, clinically scented, limited options we had just a decade ago. We’re only three months into 2026, and there are already several impressive retinoid launches to show for it—many of them from K-beauty brands. If you’re not ready to hop on the prescription tretinoin train, try one of these innovative new formulas.
The Best New Retinoid Launches of 2026 (So Far)
Beauty of Joseon Revive Firming Moisturizer ($24)
The K-beauty phenomenon Beauty of Joseon has gotten a lot of attention for its sunscreens and moisturizers, so we were excited to see the brand’s first retinol launch. As with most of their products, it's a gentler approach with ginseng ceramide to help soothe and hydrate skin and fermented retinol to send signs of aging packing.
Elm Biosciences A3O Elemental Night Cream ($165)
Elm Biosciences, founded by Martha Stewart and board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, recently launched a nightly retinoid cream. “It is a nice, rich cream—it does contain a new version of retinoid. A lot of retinoids irritate people's skin—this one doesn't. This is proven to be as smoothing and nourishing as you can imagine,” Stewart told Vogue.
Neutrogena Evenly Clear Facial Retinoid Adapalene Gel ($17)
Quality retinoids don’t need to break the bank. This recent Neutrogena adapalene launch marks the brand’s first collection co-formulated with dermatologists. The gel helps prevent future breakouts and improve the appearance of post-acne marks.
The INKEY List Advanced Retinal Serum ($15)
The INKEY List has a reliable beginner retinal serum, and now they’ve just added an advanced formula. The new addition is clinically proven to visibly improve deep wrinkles in a week. Although it's the advanced formula, it's still lightweight and hydrating. Grab it before it sells out, again.
Nakery SkinReserve Retinol + Ferulic Face & Body Crème ($39)
This formula is Nakery’s most powerful body-care treatment yet, with highly concentrated, clinically proven ingredients. It’s designed to work on both the face and the body, helping prevent visible signs of aging from head to toe with just one bottle.
Venn Retinal Infusion MLV5 Serum ($155)
Retinal and bakuchiol team up in this next-generation K-beauty serum. It’s clinically tested to deliver visible benefits in just two weeks, including refined pores and skin texture and reduced fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation. Centella Asiatica exosomes soothe and support the skin barrier and sodium hyaluronate deeply hydrates, making the serum super tolerable for any skin type.
Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Night Treatment ($25)
This power-packed treatment was shown to average a two-and-a-half-year improvement after 12 weeks of use—with nine years being the highest—as measured by a VISIA device. It’s gentle enough to use nightly but powerful enough to visibly reduce wrinkles and firm skin.
Dr. Althea Retinol Flat Iron Eye Roller ($23)
Retinol requires extra care around the delicate under-eye area, which is why formulas like this one are designed with balance in mind. Retinol and bakuchiol help reduce the look of wrinkles and support a subtle lifting effect, while cica and hyaluronic acid soothe and hydrate the skin. Plus, the gua sha–inspired roller tip feels especially refreshing on tired eyes.
Thome CPR Triple-Synergy Wrinkle Care Serum ($30)
This gentle new K-beauty launch targets 10 different wrinkle concerns using collagen, peptides and retinal. “This is how retinal should be—effective yet incredibly kind to the skin,” one reviewer writes.
