10 of the Best Retinol Products for Sensitive Skin, According to an Esthetician and Derms
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In an industry full of fads, gimmicks and questionable TikTok movements, there is one ingredient beloved by dermatologists, estheticians and customers alike: retinol. The ingredient’s benefits are pretty impressive (and scientifically backed), such as its ability to reduce lines and improve skin texture (like this serum from Shani Darden, $88 or this retinol moisturizer from Olay $30). But given how intensely retinol exfoliates, it can be irritating, too. So what’s the best retinol for sensitive skin? We got the full lowdown of what to look for—and how to introduce it to your routine (which you can find in our FAQ’s at the bottom of this story)—from two dermatologists and an esthetician, so we could provide our top recs for you.
The 10 Best Retinol Products for Sensitive Skin at a Glance
Meet the Experts
How We Chose the Best Retinol for Sensitive Skin
After interviewing Dr. Gross, Dr. Chacon and skin expert Shannon Jones to get their insights into the ingredient—including their suggestion that we stick to retinol, which is gentler on skin, than retinoids—they gave us their professional recommendations. From there, we pored over hundreds of reviews and tapped into the editorial team's personal, tested-and-vetted picks to create this curated selection of the best retinol creams and serums for sensitive skin. (Note: Retinol, even gentler varieties, should be avoided if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.)
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The Best Retinol Products for Sensitive Skin
1. La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Cream
Esthetician Shannon Jones named this cream as her go-to retinol product for every skin type, citing how the gentle formula has all the key ingredients to target signs of aging and improve the appearance of skin without any of the irritating extras, like fragrances. The formula also includes selenium-enriched thermal water which acts as an antioxidant with soothing properties. Even though it's a cream, shoppers have noted how lightweight and non-greasy the texture is.
2. Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum
Los Angeles-based esthetician Shani Darden created this gentle serum to enable her clients to reap the benefits of retinol without their skin having to go through purging (a breakout-like reaction when new products are added to your routine). Reviewers back it up—it is often cited as the best serum for retinol newbies to allow their skin to gradually get acquainted with the ingredient. Having worked with Jessica Alba and Rosie Huntington Whitely to improve their complexion, it's a must-have for those looking for a red carpet-worthy glow.
3. RoC Retinol Correxion Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Eye Cream
The eyes are a lot more sensitive than the rest of the face, which is precisely why it's best to use a separate retinol product for that area. Luckily, RoC specially developed this eye cream so it won’t irritate even the most delicate of complexions. Not only does it target fine lines and wrinkles, it also deals with puffiness and dark circles. While it may seem like the perfect three-in-one solution, reviewers have commented that it needs to be added in gradually to your skincare routine, so be sure to bear that in mind when applying.
Fast Facts
4. Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
A whopping 96 percent of Sephora customers recommend this retinol, so we needed to know why. We trailed through the reviews and found dozens of comments that this serum—made with skincare dream duo retinol and bakuchiol—offers a nice shine and even better results. While it is not the strongest retinol on the market, it is a great starting point for beginners or those whose skin tends to get itchy easily. The inclusion of bakuchiol and peptides also means those with dry skin can get in on the retinol action without having to worry about their skin becoming flaky.
5. The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% In Squalane
This retinol-squalane mega mix from The Ordinary was recommended by Jones for those who are looking to introduce this ingredient into their skincare routine. The Ordinary has cleverly combined a low-percent retinol with hydrating powerhouse squalane to simultaneously boost collagen and elastin while also delivering a hefty dose of moisture and therefore enabling users to avoid the excessive dryness often associated with the first stages of retinol application.
6. SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
If you are looking to treat yourself, investing in the Skinceuticals line is like a gift from you to your skin. Botanical extracts combine with retinol to promote cell turnover while also gently exfoliating skin to diminish blemishes and boost radiance. Designed to be used as a night cream, it also gets to work at refining pores and reducing discoloration all while you sleep. “I've been using retinol products for many years. Started with 0.5 and worked my way up to 1.0, but my skin always kept peeling around my nose and between my eyes. Never thought it was because of the retinol being too strong, because it worked so well on the rest of my face. I decided on my own to try SkinCeuticals retinol 0.3 and it's the perfect dosage for me. No more peeling and my skin looks beautiful,” says Laurel, a Dermstore reviewer.
7. CeraVe Acne Resurfacing Retinol Face Serum
We love nothing more than a good find at the drugstore, and CeraVe’s skin-enriching retinol serum is our latest obsession. On top of all the benefits of retinol, it is also jam-packed with three essential ceramides, licorice root extract and niacinamide to ensure your complexion is nourished to the max. The non-comedogenic fragrance and paraben-free formula make it an all-around winner for sensitive skin.
8. The INKEY List Retinol Fine Lines and Wrinkles Serum
Those with oily skin need to be extra selective when choosing what skincare to use. We had to dig deep to find an option that wouldn’t result in excessive shine or breakouts after applying it. This lightweight, quick-absorbing serum from The Inkey List came out as the favorite—and one which the dermatologists and esthetician we spoke with also confirmed— as the perfect choice for those with oily complexions. “It's definitely gentle! I have slight purging for a few days after my weekly use—very minor, though–limited to around my hairline,” one Sephora reviewer says. “Too soon to tell if it makes a difference in my skin, but so far, it's been better than other retinols that I tried once and abandoned because of the severe purging.” Another shares, “I used it every night and I noticed my skin [is] a lot smoother, brighter, [it’s] helped with my pores and it made my face look plump.”
9. Olay Regenerist Retinol & Peptide Night Face Moisturizer
This best-selling moisturizer from Olay holds its own against the more expensive brands, and in fact it may even have an edge some on them, as it includes both vitamin B3 and niacinamide to maximize the effects of the retinol. Viral TikTok dermatologist Dr.Spf also highlighted it as being a great option for acne-prone skin, explaining how the niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties that help to treat and prevent breakouts.
10. Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C Lactic Dewy Deep Cream
After speaking with numerous dermatologists and estheticians, one of the main takeaways we got was that while retinol really is the most effective ingredient for improving skin health, using it too frequently at the beginning can do more harm than good. They also stated the importance of avoiding it while pregnant. Subbing in this Dewy Deep Cream from Dr. Dennis Gross and using it once every few nights will give you similar results due to its powerhouse ingredient list. Vitamin C, niacinamide, squalane and ceramides all combine to strengthen skin from below surface level for long-term smoothness and plumpness.
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