Get all of the anti-aging skincare benefits without the irritation.
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.
1BEST OVERALL RETINOL FOR SENSITIVE SKINEXUVIANCE Age Reverse Night Lift Anti-Aging Face Cream
A winner in Good Housekeeping’s best night creams roundup and tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty Lab, this cream from Exuviance contains a gentler retinoid (retinyl palmitate) but still performs. In fact, 95% of testers noted that it didn’t cause irritation or redness. It received the highest score for improving the appearance of wrinkles. And, per testers, was the best at firming and making skin feel most lifted.
2BEST VALUE RETINOL FOR SENSITIVE SKINNeutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Serum With Hyaluronic Acid & Glycerin
According to Dr. Luke, this serum’s formula makes it a winner—but we also love the price point. Dr. Luke says this “is formulated with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and a glucose complex to deliver retinol. This is a great affordable option that works well in many different skin types.”
3BEST RETINOL FOR SENSITIVE AND DRY SKINCeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Dr. Luke recommends this affordable option that’s also ideal for drier skin types. “This serum is formulated with retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides and is a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin. It is readily available in most stores or online,” she notes.
4EDITOR’S FAVORITE RETINOL FOR SENSITIVE SKINLa Roche-Posay Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3
As someone with sensitive skin who’s just beginning their retinol journey, this serum by La Roche-Posay has been incredible. I apply it at the end of my nighttime skincare routine, and so far I love the results. I’ve been using this twice a week for almost a year and have noticed clearer, brighter skin. Plus, it includes vitamin B3 and is a gradual-release retinol—something Dr. Luke suggests looking for in a serum for sensitive skin.
5BEST RETINOL SERUM FOR SENSITIVE SKINVersed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
If you’re searching for a vegan option that packs a punch but is still gentle enough for sensitive skin, Dr. Luke and Dr. Shirazi recommend this serum. Dr. Shirazi notes that it’s “gentle with microencapsulated retinol combined with naturally derived ingredients including arophira and bakuchiol. It’s vegan, fragrance-free, and at a great price point.” Dr. Luke recommends it for its antioxidants as well.
6BEST RETINOL FOR SENSITIVE, OILY SKINDifferin Acne Treatment Gel, 30 Day Supply
Dr. Shirazi says this gel is “wonderful for oily skin and those with acne-prone skin. A prescription-strength retinol that is available OTC.” Plus, it’s super affordable and has over 70,000 ratings on Amazon and nearly five stars. Though it’s important to note that it is quite potent—follow application directions.
7BEST RETINOL FOR SENSITIVE AND DRY SKINBiossance Squalane + Retinol Night Serum
This is a great option for dry skin, according to Dr. Shirazi. “It’s formulated with squalane and hyaluronic acid to help support the skin’s moisture barrier,” she says. It’s also a favorite of celebs like Reese Witherspoon.
8BEST UNDER EYE RETINOL FOR SENSITIVE SKINMurad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum
This eye serum was a winner in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Anti-Aging Eye Cream test. According to testers, the product didn’t cause irritation or redness around the eyes. Both the Good Housekeeping lab and testers said it was the best at “firming skin and reducing wrinkles.” According to the lab visual analysis, Murad also showed improvement in puffiness and dark circles after four weeks of use.
9BEST STARTER RETINOL FOR SENSITIVE SKINPaula’s Choice BOOST 1% Retinol Booster
“I love this retinol because it is an encapsulated retinol (which means it has a slow-release delivery system) and is formulated with antioxidants so it should be well tolerated by most people,” Dr. Luke says. “You can also mix it with your favorite moisturizer as your skin gets used to the product which makes it great product to try if you are new to retinol.”
10BEST RETINOL DROPS FOR SENSITIVE SKINSUNDAY RILEY Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil
For those interested in a luxe-feeling night oil that adds some anti-aging benefits, this is for you. “This retinol is gentle and hydrating since it is formulated with several essential oils, avocado oil, and chia seed oil which provide nutrients—vitamins and omega 3s,” Dr. Luke notes.
11BEST RETINOL FOR SENSITIVE SKIN WITH HYPERPIGMENTATIONPCA SKIN Intensive Brightening Treatment
Dr. Luke recommends this serum, which uses 0.5% retinol. “This retinol is a good option for people who struggle with hyperpigmentation since it is formulated with brightening ingredients such as resveratrol, hexylresorcinol, and niacinamide. The product utilizes Omnisome technology, which helps deliver the retinol deeper into the skin while minimizing irritation.”
12BEST RETINOL CREAM FOR SENSITIVE SKINDrunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
If you’re looking for a cream instead of a gel or serum, Dr. Luke says this is a great option for you. Though it’s pricey, it packs a punch. “This retinol is a cream that is packed with antioxidants, peptides, and fatty acids to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve tone/texture,” notes Dr. Luke.
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
We spoke with Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist, and Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Loma Linda University’s Faculty Medical Group in California. The Best Overall Retinol for Sensitive Skin and The Best Under Eye Retinol For Sensitive Skin selects were tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute as part of their Anti-Aging Night Cream and Anti-Aging Eye Cream tests.