The 12 Best Retinols for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists 2024

There’s no denying that retinol is a powerful ingredient in skincare. The vitamin A derivative is used in the skin to treat a variety of issues, and retinol has a ton of benefits. Unfortunately, people with reactive skin often experience irritation. But the best retinols for sensitive skin can address skin issues without causing redness or flaking. Yes, these transformative products do exist, and many of them are also among the best anti-aging serums on the market. Retinol is an over-the-counter ingredient that boosts collagen production and cell turnover, explains Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Loma Linda University College Medical Group in California. Those seeking an option that won’t cause breakouts, flaking, or general skin irritation can choose from a variety of creams, serums, gels, and drops. In fact, you can find products with more or less retinol to find the perfect solution. You can also look for formulas with extra soothing ingredients. “Using formulas that are less irritating or contain soothing ingredients can help reduce side effects for sensitive skin,” explains board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., F.A.A.D. It’s also important to apply retinol at night, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Next, look for the best retinols for sensitive skin to combat everything from fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation. 1. Exuviance Anti-Aging Nighttime Lifting Anti-Aging Cream: This cream from Exuviance made Good Housekeeping’s list of best night creams and was tested in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty Lab.

It contains a milder retinoid (retinyl palmitate), but it’s still effective. In fact, 95% of testers said it didn’t cause irritation or redness. It received top marks for improving wrinkles. According to testers, it did the best job of tightening the skin, leaving it feeling firmer.

2. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Not only is this hydrating retinol serum affordable, it’s also Dr. Luke’s favorite. It’s “made with a complex of retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glucose to deliver retinol,” she explains.

“This is a great, affordable option that works well for many different skin types. Reviewers also love its lightweight consistency, which absorbs quickly and blends well with other products.”

3. CeraVe Skin Renewal Retinol Serum: This retinol-rich serum is another favorite of Dr. Luke’s, and a great option for those with dry skin. “This serum is made with retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, making it a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin,” she explains.

“It’s easily available in most stores or online.” Plus, the product contains encapsulated retinol, an ingredient known to be better tolerated.

4. Once you’re satisfied, press on with the Renewal Gentle Retinol Serum. If you’re looking for a vegan option that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, Dr. Luke’s and Dr. Shiraz are for you.

Shiraz notes that it’s “gentle and contains microencapsulated retinol as well as natural ingredients like arophira and bakuchiol. It’s vegan, fragrance-free, and affordable.” Luke also recommends it because it contains antioxidants.

5. La Roche-Posay Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3: This serum from La Roche-Posay is great for people with sensitive skin who are just starting to use retinol. I use it at the end of my nightly skincare routine and have been thrilled with the results so far.

I’ve been using it twice a week for almost a year now, and I’ve noticed that my skin has become clearer and more radiant. It also contains vitamin B3 and a sustained-release retinol—Dr. Hatch, keep an eye out for Luke if you have sensitive skin.

6. Paula’s Choice Boost 1% Retinol Booster: “I like this retinol because it’s an encapsulated retinol (meaning it has a sustained-release system) and is formulated with antioxidants, so it’s well tolerated by most people,” says Dr. Hatch. “Once your skin gets used to the product, you can also mix it with your favorite moisturizer, making it a great product to try if you’re new to retinol.”

7. Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream: If you’re looking for a cream instead of a gel or serum, Dr. Luke’s is a great choice. While pricey, it has a lot to offer. “This retinol is a cream rich in antioxidants, peptides, and fatty acids that can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone/texture,” notes Dr. Hatch. Christie Calucchia, senior business editor at Prevention magazine, is also a fan of this retinol cream, “I’ve been using this retinol cream several times a week for over a year and have never had any skin sensitivity issues. Don’t be intimidated by their bright yellow tint. It contains vegan retinol that can reduce fine lines and sun damage,” she says. “It’s expensive because you only need a pea-sized amount of product at a time, but it lasts a long time.”

8. Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Night Oil: This anti-aging face oil is packed with a host of premium ingredients to boost collagen production, reduce redness, brighten, and soothe skin.

“This retinol is gentle and hydrating because it’s made with a variety of essential oils, avocado oil, and chia seed oil, which provide nutrients like vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids,” adds Dr. Luke.

9. Pharma Development A313 Retinol Hair Cream: This French product is one of the gentlest retinoids and a favorite of Shannen Zitz, deputy editor of Prevention magazine. “When I realized my skin wasn’t tolerating the retinoids my dermatologist prescribed, I decided to try something gentler.

I love this product because it doesn’t dry out my skin and works fast to smooth out skin texture, fade acne scars, and create a noticeable glow. ” This is a great product because it contains retinyl palmitate, which is not true retinol but a milder vitamin A derivative called retinyl esters.

10. Murad Retinol Youth Renew Eye Serum: This eye serum won the Good Housekeeping Institute’s anti-aging eye cream test. According to testers, the product did not cause any irritation or redness around the eyes.

Good Housekeeping labs and testers said it was the best solution for “tightening skin and reducing wrinkles.” Murad also noticed improvements in puffiness and dark circles after four weeks of use, according to the Vision Lab’s analysis.

11. Differin Acne Treatment Gel Dr. Shirazi says this gel is “great for people with oily and acne-prone skin.” A prescription retinol that’s available over the counter. “Plus, it’s super affordable and has over 70,000 reviews on Amazon.

The overall rating is close to five stars. But be careful, it’s very effective—just follow the directions for use.

12. Biossance Squalane + Retinol Night Serum This skin-loving night serum is not only adored and recommended by dermatologists, but also by celebrities like Reese Witherspoon. “It contains squalane and hyaluronic acid to support the skin’s moisture barrier,” explains Dr. Shiraz. Plus, this lightweight serum is packed with antioxidants to further nourish and protect the skin.

13. PCA Intensive Brightening Treatment Dr. Luke recommends this serum, which contains 0.5% retinol. “This retinol is a great option for those with hyperpigmentation because it contains resveratrol,

hexylresorcinol, and niacinamide. The product features Omnisome technology, which helps deliver the retinol deeper into the skin while minimizing irritation.”

14. Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil For those who can’t tolerate even the mildest retinol products, Dr. Luke tried a product that contains bakuchiol, a common retinol alternative. Previously recommended by board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, this product also contains a blend of sea buckthorn oil and rosehip oil, making it perfect for those looking to reduce signs of aging. Dr. Garshick.

How to Choose the Best Retinol for Sensitive Skin Choosing the best retinol for sensitive skin depends on a few key factors: The amount and type of retinol. Each product containing a vitamin A derivative contains different amounts and even different types of retinol. If you’re concerned about side effects, look for products that are low in retinol first. Extra ingredients. Look for serums, creams, and drops that contain skin-care ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to improve the condition of your skin. Price. You don’t have to spend all your savings on retinol. While some products are definitely expensive, there are also affordable options that get the job done at a fraction of the cost.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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