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You've heard about retinol, right? It's pretty much the gold-standard in anti-aging skincare, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist who wouldn't agree that it's one of the best skincare ingredients to use if you're starting to notice the early signs of aging (think wrinkles and dark spots) or acne.

If you're late to this party, here's what you need to know: Retinol is a form of vitamin A available in over-the-counter skincare products (other forms are prescribed by dermatologists) that promotes skin cell turnover and collagen production. That's why it's become ubiquitous in at-home skincare routines for acne as well as fine lines and wrinkles. "Retinol is great at addressing specific concerns, but it can also be quite effective in just generally boosting skin's overall appearance," says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.

You're likely thinking, "Ok, gimme some of that retinol goodness." But one potential downside you should be aware of is that retinol has a reputation for being irritating and drying, and not everyone -- specifically those with sensitive skin -- can handle using it. That's where retinol alternatives come into play.

The good news is that, if your skin can't handle the effects of retinol, there are alternatives that can be just as effective, without any redness or peeling. So whether you're new to anti-aging skincare or have used retinol before and had a not-so-great experience, read ahead as dermatologists explain how to find the best substitute to meet your needs.

Our experts break down some things you should consider when looking for a retinol alternative:

There are several ingredients that mimic the tightening, smoothing, and clearing effects of retinol -- and many of them are best-suited to address specific complexion issues. Here's a quick primer:

Believe it or not, there's a big difference between what a serum can do and what a moisturizer can do, and that should factor into the type of product you choose. "I favor serums to treat many of the visible signs of skin aging," says board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD. "Serums are typically water-based, lightweight formulations that deliver active ingredients in higher concentrations to skin." They tend to be thinner in consistency and fast-absorbing, so they shouldn't leave behind a greasy feeling on skin

Dr. Shirazi notes that serums are likely not as moisturizing, so "it's best to seal them in the serum with a heavier product, like a moisturizer, to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce irritation." That being said, if you're skin is extremely dry -- and you're not a fan of multi-step skincare routines -- a moisturizer with the ingredients listed above could be a great one-stop option for hydration and anti-aging results.

I have more than five years of experience reporting on and writing about beauty and skincare, and consulted eight dermatologists and asked for their recommendations for the best retinol alternatives. Then, the entire Women's Health editorial team, a group of testers with various needs and skin types, put these experts' recommendations to the test for several weeks. Based upon their feedback, we narrowed the list down to the eight best retinol alternatives.

Now that you have most of the background information you need, it's time to figure out which products work best for your skin. Ahead, the best retinol alternatives, according to dermatologists and our testers.