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Have you been wanting to use a retinol cream or lotion but are worried it will be too harsh for your sensitive skin? Luckily, there are ways to reap the benefits of retinols while still accommodating the need to use gentler products. Retinols for sensitive skin or products with low concentrations are tolerable for your skin with a few considerations.
Our handpicked list of the best 10 retinol products for sensitive skin is provided below. Because it has fewer ingredients, Kiehl's Anti-Aging Retinol Serum was ranked the best. It's great for beginners, promotes collagen production, and can help you up your tolerance to retinol. Our buying guide also has some good advice on how to pick a retinol product for your sensitive skin with extra tips from a certified dermatologist!
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Retinol is a weaker form of the prescription Retin-A, which is typically given to acne patients. It's a form of vitamin A that stimulates increased cell turnover within the skin. So, it's basically a powerful exfoliant. Retinols are available over the counter since the concentration is less than those available with a Retin-A prescription.
The increased cell turnover can take six weeks to three months, depending on the level of the concentration level of retinol. This increased cell turnover can lead to signs of irritation, such as redness, tingling or stinging, and flaking or peeling, especially regarding sensitive skin.
Retinols can come in creams, lotions, gels, or serums. Those with dry to normal skin may prefer creams and lotions, while those with oily skin may prefer the lighter feel of gels and serums.
Retinol is the most powerful over-the-counter antiaging ingredient. It is less strong than Retin-A, a prescription vitamin A derivative, but also usually more tolerated than Retin-A.
Therefore, most people - even those with sensitive skin - can get the benefits of a retinol. Retinols help with skin cell turnover, promote collagen deposition in the skin, and help with dyspigmentation, making them a staple of any skincare routine.
Choosing a retinol for sensitive skin means you'll probably need to proceed with more caution since your skin may react more strongly to the irritating effects of retinol. However, you should also consider other corresponding skin conditions, like acne, sensitivity levels in different areas, or moisture needs.
You may be in the market for a retinol because you want to address signs of aging or even acne. However, sensitive skin can easily become irritated when retinols are used frequently, in higher concentrations, or alongside other drying and irritating products like alpha hydroxy acids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. This is essentially a weakening of the skin barrier called "retinol burn".
If you want a retinol that targets acne and hyperpigmentation, the first thing you should do is consult a dermatologist. They may recommend that you start with the lowest concentrations between 0.01 percent and 0.03 percent. Mid-strength formulas fall between 0.04 percent and 0.01 percent, and high-strength formulas are between 0.3 percent to one percent. If you're not sure what concentration it is, look at where "retinol" is listed on the ingredients list.
However, if you also have oily-sensitive skin, you may be able to tolerate retinols better than those with dry-sensitive skin. The excess oil your skin produces acts as a lubricant that can help combat the drying effects of retinols.
Those who want to use retinols to reduce sun damage and signs of aging may want a lower concentration retinol cream or lotion with sunscreen. As you age, your skin becomes drier and is at higher risk for irritation from retinols. Formulas with sunscreen will protect your skin from further sun damage and signs of aging due to daily UV light exposure.
If you have oily skin, you can tolerate a stronger concentration of retinol, which will help dry out your skin. Also, acne-prone skin requires a higher strength retinol to help clear up blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts.
For those with dry skin or eczema, using a low concentration retinol a few times a week can be a good place to start. You do not have to use it every night in the beginning.
Make sure you are not using a retinol with other irritating products if you have sensitive skin. You may want to alternate your products, so you avoid using a retinol and an AHA on the same night.
Retinol treatments aren't straight-up retinol! The other ingredients in the formula matter. Here are some ingredients that can help your sensitive skin whether it's on the dry side or the oily side.
To help balance out the irritating effects of retinol, some formulas contain moisturizing and calming ingredients. Hyaluronic acid, green tea, and glucose can add moisture to your skin. Alternatively, you can use a traditional moisturizer alongside a retinol cream or lotion.
Antioxidants like vitamin C can act as anti-inflammatories to help soothe and calm your skin. If you find that retinols are too harsh, try formulas with alternatives like retinyl palmitate and retinyl esters. These formulas are less potent and gentler than retinols, but you may not see the same level of effectiveness.
A retinol combined with hyaluronic acid is a great option for treating dry and aged skin. The retinol can help treat fine lines and wrinkles while the hyaluronic acid can help with skin hydration and dermal plumping. This combo is great for areas of the face including around the eyes.
Just like with non-sensitive skin that's acne-prone or oily, you'll want to find something that's labeled as non-comedogenic, meaning it's very unlikely to clog pores. Ingredient-wise, you'll want to look for something that can target inflammation from acne in a gentle way like niacinamide.
Moisture is also important for acne-prone skin! A go-to hydrator for oily skin is hyaluronic acid since it's non-comedogenic. To address your skin sensitivity specifically, though, we'd recommend an oil-free formula free of common irritants like fragrances.
Retinols specifically for acne often have higher concentrations of retinol, but this may not be the best for your skin. Consult with your dermatologist to make sure you're getting the right concentration that can fight acne without the retinol burn.
You may want to use retinols on more than just your cheeks or forehead. There are retinol creams formulated for use around your eyes, which is a more sensitive area. You can try using lotions and creams made for this purpose with the lowest concentration of retinol to start.
Some retinol formulas can be applied to your neck, chest, and back. Your chest and back may not be as sensitive as your face. You may be able to tolerate slightly higher concentrations of retinol in these areas, especially if you have oily-sensitive skin.
In any case, look for retinol formulas made specifically for sensitive skin or those made with the input of dermatologists. These formulas often contain the lowest concentrations plus soothing ingredients like niacinamide, aloe, and more.
Use a lower strength retinol around the eyes. The eye skin is very thin. Make sure you are using a moisturizer around the eyes after applying a retinol. For the body, use a higher strength retinol as the skin is thicker in this area.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Kiehl's | $60.00 High Mid | Best Retinol Serum for Skin Repair | ||
2 | L'Oreal Paris | $27.84 Mid | Best Retinol Night Cream for Longtime Users | ||
3 | Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum | $21.99 Low Mid | Best Low Concentration Retinol Serum for Beginners | ||
4 | RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Sensitive Skin | $16.77 Low Mid | Best Mild Retinol Formula for Anti-Aging | ||
5 | La Roche-Posay | $39.99 High Mid | Best Non-Comedogenic Retinol for Face | ||
6 | Paula's Choice RESIST Intensive Repair Cream with Retinol | $33.00 Mid | Best Intensely Hydrating Retinol With Antioxidants | ||
7 | Selfless by Hyram | $30.00 Mid | Best Retinol for Treating Post-Acne Marks | ||
8 | Neutrogena | $15.90 Low | Best Retinol for Skin With Sun Protection | ||
9 | Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum | $89.00 High | Best for Smoothing Skin | ||
10 | Peace Out | $28.00 Mid | Best Retinol for Youthful Eyes |
Pros:
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Beginners looking for a great serum for daily use will love this. It has pure retinol in a microdose format that can be used safely, every day. Plus, there are peptides to encourage collagen production and ceramides to promote skin repair and improve your skin's retinol tolerance.
According to a few reviews, the product best suits those with dry skin. Other than that, this product was well-loved by many users, because their skin felt smoother and plump and their fine lines and wrinkles were reduced.
Pros:
Cons:
L'Oreal's night serum contains a slightly greater retinol content of 0.3 percent, making it ideal for longtime users. Despite its potency, there's hyaluronic acid to combat skin dryness and moisture loss. It is also blended with soybean oil to supply vitamin E to the skin, which helps to battle the negative effects of free radicals.
However, some users reported breakouts after using this product, so make sure you read the ingredient list thoroughly to identify potential allergens. Aside from that, long-term retinol users with normal to combination skin found it to be effective in decreasing wrinkles and smoothing fine lines.
Pros:
Cons:
To minimize irritation, this cream-based serum has microencapsulated retinol that's distributed beneath the skin's surface. The retinol concentration is very low, so it works best for beginners. Additionally, it contains antioxidant bakuchiol, a gentle alternative to retinol, and arophira, which balances sebum production. Besides that, the chlorophyll in it can reduce any skin inflammation.
A few reviewers noticed increased breakouts with this cream-based serum. But, many reviewers with sensitive skin that have tried retinol in the past appreciated how gentle it was. It did not irritate their skin and showed visibly improved skin tone and texture.
Pros:
Cons:
This night cream is formulated with potent retinol stabilized by the addition of emollients like vitamin E. It works best at night to fight signs of aging. There's skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and moisturizing shea butter for additional hydration and maximizing the anti-aging effects. The non-comedogenic cream is also devoid of oil derivatives.
A handful of reviewers thought the cream's scent was too strong, and a few experienced increased breakouts. However, most reviewers liked that it didn't lead to signs of irritation, even with frequent use. They saw reductions in pore size, signs of aging, and skin discoloration.
Cons:
This gentle solution is formulated without pore-clogging ingredients and gradually disperses retinol, enabling your skin to acclimate to it. The inclusion of niacinamide (vitamin B3) can treat sun damage and other signs of aging, as well as fight free radicals. It also hydrates and moisturizes, thanks to the skin-plumping hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and dimethicone in this oil-free formula.
A few users disapproved of the serum's strong fragrance. However, many others praised the lightweight serum for delivering visible results with consistent use. They discovered that it repaired the skin without making it overly greasy.
Pros:
Cons:
This cream has a low concentration of retinol combined with a host of antioxidants, such as green tea leaf extract and watermelon fruit extract. It contains peptides that can intensely moisturize and hydrate very dry skin. There's also licorice root extract, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can help with UV damage, and niacinamide that fights free radicals.
A small group of reviewers said this cream made their skin break out, while some experienced burning and tingling on their skin. Overall, most other users loved this creamy night moisturizer that deeply moisturized and softened their skin and reduced fine lines and wrinkles.
Pros:
Cons:
This serum is exclusively designed to reduce post-acne scars and hyperpigmentation. The unique addition of rainbow algae can help to reduce the appearance of blemishes and hyperpigmentation, while squalane, an emollient sourced from sugarcane, keeps the skin supple and plump.
We found a few reports of the product triggering breakouts following use. Apart from that, several users reported success in diminishing acne scars and blemish marks without causing irritation to the skin. They found the serum fast-absorbing and non-greasy.
Pros:
The uniqueness of this cream moisturizer lies in its broad-spectrum sun protection capabilities that make it fit for daytime use. Its accelerated retinol is coupled with a glucose complex and hyaluronic acid to speed up its action. With its hydrating and moisturizing hyaluronic acid, it balances your skin's moisture levels and keeps it plump and hydrated.
The cream induced burns and outbreaks in some, so this fast-acting accelerated retinol may not suit everybody, especially new users. According to several users, it ceased burning after a few usages; conduct a patch test first and use a little at a time. Overall, most customers had good results getting rid of wrinkles and fine lines, and they saw a significant change in their skin within a few weeks.
Pros:
Cons:
Murad's serum is formulated to release retinol gradually into the skin. Any retinol-related skin dryness caused by it is minimized with the inclusion of hydrating hyaluronic acid. Plus, it uses swertia flower extracts to keep the skin firm and radiant and squalane that can fight free radicals and skin damages.
After applying the serum, a small number of reviewers experienced increased acne and irritation. However, the majority of people got fantastic results with this gentle serum. The serum enhanced their skin's texture, making it smoother and healthier. It also penetrated the skin quickly.
Pros:
Cons:
The serum balm is intended for individuals who wish to eliminate fine lines around their eyes. Its peptide complex and other moisturizing components, such as squalane, can also help to eliminate dryness and dark circles around the eyes. This retinol eye stick can work well on the eyelids, laugh lines, or any area on the skin that needs tightening.
Some people disliked the product because it felt waxy and was difficult to apply. However, the majority of people were pleased with how this stick changed the area around their eyes. It improved the appearance of the eyes by reducing dark circles and fine wrinkles and keeping the area moisturized.
Besides starting with a lower concentration or formula made specifically for sensitive skin, you can begin with a lower frequency. Try starting with one to two nights a week to see how your skin responds. Once you build up a tolerance, you can try using retinols three times a week or more.
You should wash your skin with a gentle cleanser before you apply a retinol. You can also use a gentle toner beforehand that is free of alcohol and other harsh or drying ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids. Try waiting 30 minutes after cleansing before applying a retinol. This gives your skin a chance to adjust to the ingredients in your cleanser.
Apply moisturizer before or after you apply retinol lotion. You can also mix the two if it's more convenient. If you have oily skin and you're using a retinol cream or lotion with moisturizing ingredients, you may want to skip an additional moisturizer. Don't forget to apply sunscreen during the day, as retinols can make your skin more prone to sunburn.
Using a retinol is a marathon, not a race. The goal is to be able to use this product long-term in your skincare routine. Start out with a small amount every few nights with a good hydrating moisturizer. Then, once your skin is ready, you can slowly increase the frequency and concentration.
Another trick is to apply a moisturizer or skin oil first, then apply the retinol. You could even put the moisturizer on top like a retinol sandwich. Lastly, you could mix a small amount of retinol with your moisturizer in your hand then apply.
If you need to take a few nights off because dry and irritated skin, that's fine! You can resume when the skin irritation is better. Avoid using your retinol with glycolic acid or harsh washes with benzoyl peroxide as this combination may be too irritating.
Maybe you know now which retinol to get, and maybe you haven't. However, the answer to this commonly asked question might help guide you until you decide on the best one for you!
There's no set age as to when you should start using retinols to address blemishes or prevent premature signs of aging, but many beauty bloggers, dermatologists, and cosmetic enthusiasts agree that your mid-twenties is a good time to start.
This is the time period when collagen production begins to slow down, making it a great time to start giving your skin some extra love.
Sensitive skin can be more challenging to take care of, especially if you have competing skin concerns like shine, wrinkles, and breakouts. Here are more ways to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy!
Here are some retinols, in both strong or low doses, that are wildly popular on Amazon. Check it out to choose your own best product!
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: Kiehl's|
No. 2: L'Oreal Paris|
No. 3: Versed|Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
No. 4: RoC|Retinol Correxion Anti-Aging Sensitive Skin
No. 5: La Roche-Posay|
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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