The 10 Best Derm-Approved Retinols for Sensitive Skin
Smooth wrinkles and fine lines without causing your skin to go haywire.
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I have hyper-sensitive skin, to the point where applying a low-dose vitamin C serum more than once a week will leave me with a devastating crop of breakouts. Desperate for relief, I decided to dip my toes into the world of buzzy retinol, a super effective yet often intense anti-aging and acne-busting treatment. Retinols can cause redness, irritation, and excessive dryness for folks with delicate skin like mine. However, there are some products designed to offer the ingredient’s amazing benefits while being less harsh on your complexion.
“Low concentrations of retinol tend to be gentle as do retinol alternatives like plant-based bakuchiol,” says dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. “While all considered retinoids, retinol tends to be gentler than other forms including retinaldehyde, adapalene, or prescription retinoids like tretinoin. Retinols must be converted to retinoic acid to have an effect, as opposed to prescription-strength retinoids that exist as retinoic acid. This means it takes retinol longer to work but also makes them less irritating on the skin,” she explains.
Fellow dermatologist Dr. Brian Hibler adds that the gentlest form of retinoids is retinol esters (for instance, retinyl palmitate), so keep an eye out for those when buying retinol for sensitive skin.
Experts′ top picks for retinols for sensitive skin in 2023
Aside from using retinol alternatives and milder forms of retinol, you’ll also want to check what else is within a formula that could benefit sensitive skin. “Retinols may be combined with other ingredients to help improve tolerability, such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide,” says Dr. Garshick. “These work by strengthening the skin barrier, boosting hydration, and softening, smoothing, and calming the skin to reduce redness.”
To help you find a non-irritating formula, we consulted our experts about the best retinol for sensitive skin. From hydrating wrinkle creams to lightweight retinol serums and pimple-fighting retinol gels, shop them all below. Plus, discover more answers to your most pressing retinol questions.
Pros
- Gradual-release retinol
- Soothing
- Hydrating
- Brightening
Cons
- May take some time to see results
Formulated specifically for sensitive skin types, La Roche-Posay’s retinol serum is one of Dr. Hibler’s top picks. It features gradual-release retinol and retinyl palmitate, both of which help reduce sensitivity. The serum is also packed with a range of soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to calm and quench the skin. Additionally, the niacinamide in this product “works as a brightening agent and antioxidant,” Dr. Hibler says, helping to combat discoloration and wrinkle-inducing free radical damage.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Retinol, retinyl palmitate, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
Andalou Naturals Rejuvenating Cream
Pros
- Should be gentle
- Antioxidant-rich
- Plant-based
- Affordable
Cons
- Some may prefer a more hydrating formula
“This cream combines fruit stem cell complex, antioxidants, and bakuchiol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smooth the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “Because it is gentle on the skin, it can be used one to two times per day and by all skin types.”
Ulta rating: 4.8/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Fruit stem cell complex, bakuchiol, goji berry |
| Size | 1.7 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Should smooth and firm
- Brightening
Cons
- Pricey
Another retinol alternative for sensitive skin,“this three-in-one serum combines melatonin, bakuchiol, and vitamin C to help protect the skin from free radical damage while improving skin elasticity, firmness, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Garshick. Pro tip: “It’s best used at night to help the skin repair and recover.”
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Melatonin, bakuchiol, vitamin C |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Combats dullness
- Smoothing
- Can help boost the efficacy of other skincare products
Cons
- Pricey
Made with mevalonic acid and bakuchiol, this serum works to improve skin barrier function while “minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Garshick says. For extra skin-smoothing benefits, it contains lactic acid, a mild chemical exfoliant that sweeps away dead skin cells “to even out texture, boost skin radiance, and reduce dullness.” Plus, the exfoliating action can help your other skincare products absorb better.
Ameva rating: 5/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Mevalonic acid, bakuchiol, lactic acid |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Pros
- Encapsulated retinol
- Niacinamide and licorice root for improving radiance
- Affordable
- Helps fortify skin barrier
Cons
- Some users say they had breakouts after use
If hyperpigmentation is a main concern for you, CeraVe’s Resurfacing serum is crafted to be a potent yet gentle solution. “This lightening serum contains an encapsulated retinol (or a gradual-release form) to help resurface the skin as well as licorice root extract to improve discoloration,” says Dr. Garshick. “In addition, it contains ceramides to help support and strengthen the natural skin barrier and brightening niacinamide, making it a superb choice for those with sensitive skin.” Priced at just $20, it won’t break the bank, either.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Encapsulated retinol, licorice root extract, ceramides, niacinamide |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Should be gentle
- Hydrating
- Helps firm and protect the skin
Cons
- May not be ideal for those new to retinol
“Combining retinol and bakuchiol—as well barrier-boosting ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, firming peptides, and antioxidants—this serum helps to address fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration without aggravating the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. Since it does contain some retinol, make sure to do a patch test first and begin by gradually incorporating it into your routine.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Retinol, bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, and antioxidants, tumeric |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Can be used on the face, eyes, and neck
- Should gently smooth and brighten
Cons
- May have a slightly tacky feeling
Why buy an anti-aging neck, face, and eye cream separately when you can add a handy all-in-one formula to your lineup? This multipurpose cream from double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Amir Karam “contains retinol to improve collagen production, nourishing niacinamide, and a patented lipid complex that works to smooth fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Garshick. “It brightens and leaves the skin looking more even and refreshed,” she adds.
Karam MD rating: 4.7/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Retinol, niacinamide, patented lipid complex |
| Size | 1.7 fl. oz. |
Differin Adapalene Gel
Pros
- Affordable
- Adapalene fights breakouts
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May not be the best option for dry skin
For those struggling with sensitive, acne-prone skin, Dr. Hibler recommends this best-selling gel formula. Built to effectively target breakouts, it features 0.1 percent adapalene, which is “the only FDA-approved retinoid for over-the-counter use,” Dr. Hibler notes. What’s more, the product is oil-free to help reduce excess shine and fragrance-free to help limit sensitivity.
Keep in mind that adapalene can be more intense than retinol, so start slowly with application to see how your skin reacts.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Adapalene |
| Size | 0.5-1.6 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Encapsulated retinol
- Fragrance-free
- Hydrating
- Soothing
- Affordable
Cons
- May not be as potent as other options
Also from sensitive skin-friendly brand CeraVe, this fragrance-free serum has “encapsulated retinol to reduce the risk of irritation, ceramides to lock in moisture, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate dry, flaky patches,” says Dr. Hibler. Complete with niacinamide, it can help minimize redness and reverse discoloration, too.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
| Key ingredients | Retinol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
Pros
- Should be gentle
- Hydrating
- Helps prevent free radical damage
- Works to boost skin barrier
Cons
- Pricey
Dr. Hibler calls this cream “a gentle formulation, which combines retinoid and lactic acid with ceramides, squalene, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to counteract dryness and promote hydration.” He also notes that it contains antioxidant vitamins C and E and CoEnzyme Q10 to neutralize free radicals in the skin. Furthermore, “it’s packaged in an airless container to prevent oxidation and maintain product integrity,” he says.
| Key ingredients | Retinoid, lactic acid, ceramides, squalene, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
| Size | 1 fl. oz. |
What is retinol and why is it sensitizing to some skin types?
“Retinol is a vitamin A derivative which is converted to retinoic acid in the body and has many effects on the skin,” explains Dr. Hibler. “Topical retinoids are the most effective ingredients for reversing the signs of aging. They increase cell turnover to improve the texture and tone of the skin, and collagen production for enhanced elasticity and diminished wrinkles. They also have antioxidant effects to repair photodamage caused by ultraviolet radiation,” he adds.
“Since retinol increases skin cell turnover, it can leave the skin susceptible to sensitivity and irritation, which may appear as red, dry, or flaking skin,” notes Dr. Garshick. “While for some this can be temporary, during the initial phase of getting used to a retinoid, known as retinization, some people may notice dryness and irritation persists for longer.”
Why is bakuchiol considered a retinol alternative for sensitive skin?
“Bakuchiol is thought to be a plant-based alternative to a retinol, as it can stimulate skin cell turnover and improve skin tone, texture, fine lines, and wrinkles,” says Dr. Garshick.“It’s believed to be a good option for those with sensitive skin or those who cannot tolerate a retinol, as it may be less irritating while still helping to improve the appearance of the skin.”
How often should I use a retinol for sensitive skin?
When you begin to introduce new ingredients into your routine, especially retinol, it's important to test the waters first before completely diving in. “Even those with sensitive skin can use retinol, but it is important to start low and slow,” says Dr. Garshick. “Begin with a low concentration and slowly incorporate it only one to two times per week into a routine and increase the frequency as tolerated.”
What’s the best way to apply retinol for sensitive skin?
“Only apply a small pea-sized amount to the entire face to minimize the potential for irritation, and to be sure to follow with a moisturizer to help nourish the skin,” Dr. Garshick says. “Some people are now doing retinol sandwiching, where they apply a moisturizer before and after the retinol for extra nourishing effects.”
Also, pay attention to the other ingredients in your routine. “Avoid using other drying agents—such as salicylic acid, toners, and astringents—at the same time as the retinoid, as this can increase your chance of irritation,” Dr. Hibler warns.
“Because most formulations of retinoids are broken down by ultraviolet light (sunlight), I recommend using them at night because they can also be drying and make you more sensitive to sunburn,” Dr. Hibler adds. “You want to reap the full benefits of a topical retinoid in an undisturbed environment, so applying it at night when your skin is repairing itself—along with a moisturizer—is the optimal method.”
In terms of a full skincare plan, Dr. Hibler says he likes to keep things simple. “In the morning, use an antioxidant and sunscreen, then follow my suggested nighttime retinol routine. If you are treating acne or hyperpigmentation, you may have additional steps. If you want to add a serum or an eye cream you can, but I consider the aforementioned regimen a good foundation for healthy skin.”
How do I find the best form of retinol for my skin type?
“Creams tend to be better for those with dry or sensitive skin, while gels may be preferred for those with oily skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “Serums can also be [great] for those with oily skin, as these may be more potent and absorb faster than a cream.”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at MDCS Dermatology in New York and New Jersey.
Dr. Brian Hibler is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
Sam Peters is a seasoned commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience covering beauty, fashion, and lifestyle topics. For this roundup, she consulted two dermatologists about what to look for in the best retinols for sensitive skin and how to apply them. Each doctor also shared their product recommendations.
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