The 12 Best Retinols for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists

There’s no denying that retinol is a powerful skincare ingredient. A derivative of vitamin A used to treat a wide range of skin issues — retinol has a wide range of benefits.

Unfortunately, it can often irritate sensitive skin. However, the best retinol for sensitive skin can address skin issues without causing redness or peeling.

Yes, these transformative products do exist, and many of them are also among the best anti-aging serums.

Retinol is an over-the-counter ingredient that boosts collagen production and cell turnover, explains Janiene Luke, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Group in California.

For those looking for an alternative that won’t cause rashes, peeling, or general irritation, there are many creams, serums, gels, and drops to choose from.

There are even products that contain more or less retinol — so you’re sure to find the perfect solution. You can also look for formulas with soothing ingredients.

“Formulas with less irritating or soothing ingredients can reduce side effects for sensitive skin,” explains board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, FAAD. It’s also important to apply retinol at night, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Find the best retinols for sensitive skin today to treat everything from fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation.

1 Best Retinols for Sensitive Skin

EXUVIANCE Age-Defying Firming Anti-Aging Cream

A winner of Good Housekeeping Magazine’s Best Night Creams list and tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Beauty Lab, this cream from Exuviance contains a milder retinoid (retinyl palmitate) but is still effective.

95% of testers reported that it didn’t cause irritation or redness. It received top marks for improving the appearance of wrinkles. It was also the best firming product for making skin feel firmer, according to testers.

2 Affordable Retinols for Sensitive Skin

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Serum with Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin

According to Dr. Luke, this serum really has a great formula and is very affordable. Dr. Luke says it “contains retinol, hyaluronic acid, and a glucose complex to deliver the retinol. It’s a great product at an affordable price that works for a variety of skin types.”

3 Affordable Retinol for Sensitive and Dry Skin

CeraVe Renewing Retinol Serum

Dr. Luke recommends this affordable option, which is also great for dry skin types. “This serum, with retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, is a great choice for those with dry or sensitive skin. It’s available in most stores or online,” she says.

4 Editor’s Choice Retinol for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Retinol Face Serum with Vitamin B3

I have very sensitive skin and just started using retinol. This serum from La Roche-Posay is amazing. I use it at the end of my nighttime skincare routine and I’m very happy with the results so far.

I’ve been using it twice a week for almost a year now and I’ve noticed my skin is clearer and brighter. It also contains vitamin B3 and time-release retinol—just what Dr. Luke recommends for a serum for sensitive skin.

5 Best Retinol Serum for Sensitive Skin

Versed Press Reboot Gentle Retinol Serum

If you’re looking for a vegan alternative that’s powerful but gentle enough for sensitive skin, check out this serum from Dr. Luke and Dr. Shirazi. Dr. Shirazi highlights that this product is “gentle because the microencapsulated retinol is combined with natural ingredients like arofila and bakuchiol.

It’s fragrance-free, vegan, and affordable.” Dr. Luke also recommends it for its antioxidant benefits.

6 Best Retinol for Sensitive Oily Skin

Differin Acne Gel, 30 Day Supply

Dr. Shirazi recommends this gel, calling it “great for oily and acne-prone skin. It’s a prescription-strength retinol that’s available over the counter.” Plus, it’s super affordable and has over 70,000 reviews on Amazon, nearly all of which are five-stars.

However, it’s worth noting that it’s highly effective—just follow the directions.

7 Best Retinol for Sensitive and Dry Skin

Biossance Squalane + Retinol Night Serum

According to Dr. Shirazi, it’s a great choice for dry skin. “It contains squalane and hyaluronic acid, which support the skin’s moisture barrier,” she says. It’s also popular with celebrities like Reese Witherspoon.

8 Best Retinol for Eyes for Sensitive Skin

Murad Retinol Youth Radiance Eye Serum

This eye serum was the winner of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s anti-aging eye serum test. According to testers, the product did not cause irritation or redness around the eyes.

Both the Good Housekeeping lab and testers confirmed that it worked best in firming the skin and reducing wrinkles. Murad also showed improvements in puffiness and dark circles after four weeks of use, according to the Vision Lab analysis.

9 Best Retinol for Sensitive Skin

Paula’s Choice BOOST 1% Retinol Booster

“I like this retinol because it’s encapsulated (meaning it has a slow-release system) and rich in antioxidants, so most people tolerate it well,” says Dr. Hatch. “You can also mix it with your favorite moisturizer to let your skin get used to the product. This makes it a great product for those who are new to retinol.”

10 Best Retinol Drops for Sensitive Skin

SUNDAY RILEY Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil

This product is perfect for those looking for a luxurious nighttime oil with anti-aging benefits. “This retinol is gently hydrating because it contains a variety of essential oils, avocado oil, and chia seed oil, which provide nutrients like vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids,” says Dr. Hatch.

11 Best Retinol for Sensitive Skin with Hyperpigmentation

PCA SKIN Intense Brightening Treatment

Dr. Luke recommends this serum with 0.5% retinol. This retinol product is a great choice for those with hyperpigmentation because it contains brightening ingredients like resveratrol, hexylresorcinol, and niacinamide.

This product uses Omnisome technology to deliver retinol deep into the skin while minimizing irritation.

12 Best Retinol Cream for Sensitive Skin

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

If you’re looking for a cream instead of a gel or serum, this is the product for you, and according to Dr. Luke, it’s a great choice. It’s pricey, but the results are powerful.

“This retinol cream is rich in antioxidants, peptides, and fatty acids to help soften fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone/texture,” says Dr. Hatch.

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 with a vitamin A derivative contains different amounts and even different types of retinol. If you’re concerned about adverse reactions, choose products with low retinol content first.

Additional ingredients. Look for serums, creams, and drops that contain skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to strengthen the skin.

Price. You don’t have to spend all your savings on retinol. While some products can be expensive, there are also affordable options that can achieve the same results at a fraction of the price.

What is the Gentlest Form of Retinol?

Retinyl palmitate is the lightest, gentlest form of retinol, says Dr. Shirazi. I call it the chamomile tea version because it needs to go through three transformations before it works on the skin. Retinol (over-the-counter) is also gentle and comes in varying concentrations, but is more like green tea.

Retinaldehyde is a step up, a black tea version for those who aren’t ready for a prescription drug but are looking for a little more bang for the buck from retinol.

Is retinol good for sensitive skin?

“Sensitive skin reacts to everything, especially to certain ingredients,” explains Dr. Shirazi. At the beginning of a retinol treatment, you may experience some redness and peeling. But these are temporary and should subside in two to three weeks if you use proper application techniques to minimize irritation.

To determine if a product is right for you, Dr. Luke, test it on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face and/or neck. “Even people with sensitive skin can use retinol, but I recommend testing it first:

Apply the cream directly in front of your ears or along your jawline and wait 24-48 hours to make sure your skin doesn’t react,” she explains.

How should people with sensitive skin use retinol?

Dr. Shirazi recommends using retinol at night. She suggests using a gentle, moisturizing cleanser first, then applying retinol. After cleansing, it can cause skin peeling and irritation. “It’s best to wait 10 to 20 minutes or apply it at night. If the latter, apply a moisturizer immediately after cleansing.”

She recommends applying a protective ointment like petrolatum to sensitive areas like the eyes, nose lines, and mouth. Then, she recommends a retinol with delayed-release technology and nourishing ingredients like licorice root, glycerin, ceramides, and bakuchiol to reduce the risk of irritation.

For serums, she recommends using three to five drops; for creams or gels, she recommends a pea-sized amount. She also recommends applying creams from the outside in, rather than starting in the middle of the face. Then apply moisturizer.

What are some retinol alternatives for sensitive skin?

“If you have issues tolerating retinol, consider alternative ingredients like bakuchiol or adapalene. These are less potent, less irritating, and also available over the counter,” Dr. Hatch says.

How We Chose the Best Retinol for Sensitive Skin

We spoke with board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., F.A.A.D., and Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Group in California. The products featured, “Best Retinol for Sensitive Skin” and “Best Undereye Retinol for Sensitive Skin,” were tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute as part of its testing of anti-aging night creams and anti-aging eye creams.