There’s no denying that retinol is a powerhouse ingredient when it comes to skincare. The vitamin A derivative is used on the skin to treat a bevy of issues—retinol benefits abound. Unfortunately for those with reactive skin, it can often cause irritation. But, the best retinol for sensitive skin addresses complexion concerns without causing redness or flaking. Yes, these transformative products exist, and many double as the best anti-aging serums.
Retinol is an over-the-counter ingredient that promotes collagen production and enhanced cell turnover, explains Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Loma Linda University’s Faculty Medical Group in California. For those that are looking for an option that shouldn’t cause your skin to break out, flake, or any general irritation, there are plenty of creams, serums, gels, and drops out there. In fact, you can find one that uses more or less retinol so you can find your perfect match. You can also look for formulas that add calming ingredients to the mix too.
“Using formulations that are less irritating or have calming ingredients can help reduce side effects in sensitive skin types,” explains Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist. It’s also important to apply retinol in the evening, especially if your skin tends to be on the more sensitive side.
Ahead, find the best retinol for sensitive skin to address anything from fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation.
Best retinol for sensitive skin with hyperpigmentation
PCA SKIN
Intensive Brightening Treatment
Size
1 oz.
Additional ingredients
Resveratrol, hexylresorcinol, and niacinamide
8
Best Retinol for Sensitive, Oily Skin
Differin
Acne Treatment Gel, 30 Day Supply
Size
1.6 oz.
Additional ingredients
Adapelene gel
9
Best Retinol for Sensitive and Dry Skin
Biossance
Squalane + Retinol Night Serum
Size
1 oz.
Additional ingredients
Squalane
10
Best Retinol Serum for Sensitive Skin
Versed
Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
Size
1 oz.
Additional ingredients
Arophira, bakuchiol
11
Best Retinol Cream for Sensitive Skin
Drunk Elephant
A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Size
1 oz.
Additional ingredients
Antioxidants, peptides, fatty acids
12
Editor’s Favorite Retinol for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay
Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3
Size
1 oz.
Additional ingredients
Vitamin B3, glycerin
How to choose the best retinol for sensitive skin
Picking the best retinol for sensitive skin comes down to a few key factors:
The amount and type of retinol. Each product containing the vitamin A derivative has varying amounts and even different types of retinol. If you’re concerned about having an adverse reaction, look for a product that has a low percentage of retinol to start.
Additional ingredients. Seek serums, creams, and drops that include skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to help bolster skin.
Price. You don’t need to spend all of your savings on retinol. While some products can definitely get pricey, there are affordable options that get the job done at a fraction of the price.
What is the mildest form of retinol?
Dr. Shirazi says Retinyl Palmitate is the lightest and most gentle form of retinol. “I call it the chamomile tea version since it has to be converted three times to have an effect on the skin. Retinol OTC is also gentle, offered in varying concentrations, but more of a green tea. Retinaldehyde is a step up, a black tea version suitable for those who aren’t quite ready for prescription strength, but looking for a step up from retinol.”
Is retinol okay for sensitive skin?
“Sensitive skin can be really reactive to anything but more so when it comes to certain [skincare] ingredients,” Dr. Shirazi says. “There may be some initial redness and peeling when a retinol is first started, however, it’s temporary and resolves in two-to-three weeks utilizing application techniques to reduce irritation.”
One way to find out if a product is right for you, according to Dr. Luke, is to test it out first on a smaller patch of skin before applying it to your face and/or neck. “People with sensitive skin can still use retinol, however, I would recommend doing a test spot first: Apply the cream either to the skin right in front of your ear or along your jawline and then wait 24-48 hrs to make sure your skin doesn’t react,” she notes.
How should someone with sensitive skin use and apply retinol?
Dr. Shirazi says to use retinol at night. She says to use a gentle, hydrating cleanser and then wait to apply the retinol—applying right after cleansing can cause peeling and irritation, she says. “It’s best to wait 10 to 20 minutes or later in the evening. In the latter case, moisturize right after cleansing.”
Then, she suggests using a protective ointment like Vaseline to delicate areas like the eyes, creases of the nose, and the mouth. Next, she suggests using a retinol with time-release technology and nourishing ingredients like licorice root, glycerin, ceramides, and Bakuchiol to reduce the risk of irritation. She says using three to five drops if it’s a serum, or a pea size amount if a cream or gel. She also says to apply from the outside in, rather than starting in the central face. Then moisturize after.
What are retinol alternatives for sensitive skin?
“If people are having difficulty tolerating retinol, they can also consider other ingredients such as bakuchiol or adapalene which are less potent, less irritating, and also readily available over the counter,” says Dr. Luke.
How we chose the best retinol for sensitive skin
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
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