There’s no denying that retinol is a powerful skincare ingredient. Vitamin A derivatives can be used to treat a wide range of skin concerns, and retinol offers a wide range of benefits.
Unfortunately, people with sensitive skin often suffer from skin irritation.
However, the best retinols for sensitive skin can eliminate skin issues without causing redness or peeling.
Yes, these transformative products do exist, and many of them are also among the best anti-aging serums on the market.
Dr. Janiene Luke, a board-certified dermatologist at Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California, explains that retinol is an over-the-counter ingredient that boosts collagen production and cell turnover.
For those looking for an alternative that won’t cause rashes, peeling, or general skin irritation, there are a wide variety of creams, serums, gels, and drops to choose from.
You can find products with more or less retinol to provide the perfect solution. You can also look for formulas with additional soothing ingredients.
“Using formulas that are less irritating or contain soothing ingredients can reduce the side effects of sensitive skin,” explains 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, find the best retinol for sensitive skin to combat everything from fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation.
1. Exuviance Anti-Aging Night Lift Anti-Aging Cream: This cream from Exuviance was named one of the best night creams by Good Housekeeping magazine and was tested by 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 any irritation or redness.
It received top marks for reducing wrinkles. According to testers, it tightened the skin the best and left it feeling extra firm.
2. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin. Not only is this hydrating retinol serum affordable, it’s also a favorite of Dr. Luke’s.
She explains that it contains a complex of retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glucose to release the retinol.
“It’s a great, affordable option that works for a variety of skin types.” Reviewers also appreciate its lightweight texture, 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 contains retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, making it a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin,” she explains.
“It’s available in most stores or online.” This product also contains encapsulated retinol, which is considered particularly well tolerated.
4. Once you’re familiar, click on the Reboot Gentle Retinol Serum. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin, we recommend serums from Dr. Luke and Dr. Shiraz.
Shirazi highlights that this product is “gentle and contains microencapsulated retinol as well as natural ingredients like anastrozole and bakuchiol.” It’s vegan, fragrance-free, and affordable.
Luke also recommends it for its antioxidant benefits.
5. La Roche-Posay Vitamin B3 Retinol Face Serum: This serum from La Roche-Posay is fantastic for people with sensitive skin who are new to retinol.
I use it at the end of my nighttime skincare routine and I’m really happy with the results so far.
I’ve been using it twice a week for almost a year now, and I’ve noticed my skin is clearer and more radiant.
It also contains vitamin B3 and time-release retinol—if you have sensitive skin, Dr. Luke should keep this serum in mind.
6. Paula’s Choice Boost 1% Retinol Enhancer:
“I like this retinol because it’s an encapsulated retinol (meaning it has a delayed-release system) and contains antioxidants, so most people tolerate it well,” says the doctor.
“Once your skin adjusts to the product, you can also mix it with your favorite moisturizer—a great product for those 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. It may be pricey, but it has a ton of benefits.
“This retinol cream is packed with antioxidants, peptides, and fatty acids to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone and texture,” explains Dr. Luke’s. Christy Carluccia,
business editor at Prevention magazine, is equally enthusiastic. “I’ve been using this retinol cream a few times a week for over a year and have never had any skin sensitivity issues.
Don’t let its bright yellow tint scare you.
“It contains vegan retinol, which reduces wrinkles and sun damage,” she says. “It’s expensive because you only need a pea-sized amount, but the effects last a long time.”
8. Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Night Oil: This anti-aging face oil contains a range of high-quality ingredients that stimulate collagen production, reduce redness, and brighten and soothe the skin.
“This retinol is gently hydrating because it’s made up of a combination of essential oils, avocado oil, and chia seed oil, which provide nutrients like vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids,” adds Dr. Hatch.
9. Pharma Development A313 Retinol Hair Cream: This French product is one of the gentlest retinol products on the market and a favorite of Prevention editor Shannen Zitz.
“When I realized my skin wasn’t responding to 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. It smooths skin texture, fades acne scars, and provides a visible glow. ”
This is a great starter product because it contains retinyl palmitate, which isn’t true retinol but a milder vitamin A derivative called a retinyl ester.
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 irritation or redness around the eyes.
Good Housekeeping labs and testers called it the best solution for firming skin and reducing wrinkles.
Murad also saw improvements in puffiness and dark circles after four weeks of use, according to Vision Lab’s analysis.
11. Differin Acne Gel. According to Dr. Shirazi, this gel is great for people with oily skin and acne-prone skin. A prescription retinol that’s available over the counter.
Plus, it’s super affordable, with over 70,000 reviews on Amazon and an overall rating of nearly five stars. But beware: It’s highly effective—just follow the instructions.
12. Biossance Squalane + Retinol Night Serum This skin-loving night serum is not only a fan favorite and dermatologist recommended, it’s also admired by celebrities like Reese Witherspoon.
“It contains squalane and hyaluronic acid to support the skin’s moisture barrier,” explains Dr. Shiraz. This lightweight serum is also rich in antioxidants to provide extra nourishment and protection to the skin.
13. PCA Intense Brightening Treatment Dr. Luke recommends this serum with 0.5% retinol.
“This retinol is a great option for those with hyperpigmentation because it contains brightening ingredients like resveratrol, hexylresorcinol, and niacinamide. ”
This product features Omnisome technology, which allows retinol to penetrate deeper into the skin while minimizing irritation.
14. Omorovicza Miracle Face Oil For those who can’t tolerate even the mildest retinol products, Dr. Luke tries a product that contains bakuchiol, a common retinol alternative.
Recommended by nationally board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, this product also contains a blend of sea buckthorn oil and rosehip oil.
This makes it a great choice for people who want to reduce signs of skin aging. 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 vitamin A Derivatives can contain different amounts and even different types of retinol. If you’re concerned about side effects, look for products that are low in retinol first.
Other ingredients: Look for serums, creams, and drops that contain skin-care ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to strengthen your skin. Price.
You don’t have to spend all your savings on retinol. While some products do, there are also affordable options that get the job done at a fraction of the cost.
