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.
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