Dermatologists and Editors Say These Are the Best Retinol Products for Glowing Skin, Without Irritation

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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.

Meet the experts: Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist and Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist.

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.

“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.

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, it was the best at firming and making skin feel most lifted.

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Serum With Hyaluronic Acid & Glycerin

This hydrating retinol serum not only sits at a great price point, but it’s one of Dr. Luke’s favorites. It’s “formulated with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and a glucose complex to deliver retinol,” she explains. “This is a great affordable option that works well in many different skin types.” Reviewers also love the lightweight consistency that absorbs quickly and plays well with other products.

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.

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 a great product to try if you are new to retinol.”

Skin Renewing Retinol Serum

Another of Dr. Luke’s favorites, this retinol-infused serum is a good choice for those with dry skin. “This serum is formulated with retinol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides and is a great option for those with dry or sensitive skin,” she explains. “It is readily available in most stores or online.” Plus, this product uses encapsulated retinol, which is known to be a more tolerable version of the ingredient.

Luna Retinol Sleeping Night Oil

This anti-aging face oil is packed with a number of superstar ingredients to promote collagen production, reduce redness, brighten the complexion, and soothe skin. “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 adds.

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.”

Acne Treatment Gel

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 overall. Though, it’s important to note that it is quite potent—follow application directions.

Squalane + Retinol Night Serum

Not only is this skin-loving night serum a fan-favorite and dermatologist-recommended, it’s also beloved by celebrities like Reese Witherspoon. “It’s formulated with squalane and hyaluronic acid to help support the skin’s moisture barrier,” explains Dr. Shirazi. Plus, the lightweight serum contains a blend of antioxidants to further nourish and protect the skin.

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.

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. Christie Calucchia, Prevention’s senior commerce editor, is also a fan of the product. “I’ve been using this retinol cream a few times a week for over a year and have never had an issue with skin sensitivity. Don’t be afraid of its bright yellow hue. It contains vegan retinol to help reduce the look of wrinkles and sun damage,” she says. “Although it’s pricey, because you only need to use a pea-sized amount of product at a time, it lasts a long time.”

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.

A313 Retinol Pommade

This French product is one of the most gentle retinol-like products and is well-loved by Prevention’s assistant editor, Shannen Zitz. “After realizing my skin couldn’t tolerate my dermatologist-prescribed retinoid, I opted to try something more gentle. I love how this product doesn’t dry out my skin and works quickly to smooth skin texture, fade acne marks, and provide a noticeable glow.” It’s a great introductory product because it contains Retinyl Palmitate, which is not truly retinol but a more gentle vitamin A derivative known as a retinyl ester.

Miracle Facial Oil

For those who can’t tolerate even the most gentle of retinol products, Dr. Luke suggests trying a product containing bakuchiol, a common retinol alternative. This product, previously recommended by board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, M.D., also contains a blend of sea buckthorn and rosehip oils, and is great for someone looking to improve signs of aging, Dr. Garshick says.

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?

To reap all the benefits of your retinol product without irritating your skin, Dr. Shirazi recommends following these steps:

1. Cleanse. First, (at night only) use a gentle, hydrating cleanser and then wait to apply the retinol—applying right after cleansing can cause peeling and irritation, Dr. Shirazi says. “It’s best to wait 10 to 20 minutes or later in the evening.” If waiting longer than 20 minutes, moisturize right after cleansing rather than at the end of your routine.

2. Protect sensitive spots. After cleansing, apply a protective ointment like Vaseline to delicate areas like the eyes, creases of the nose, and the mouth. Doing so will create a barrier between these areas and the retinol, decreasing the risk of irritation and dryness.

3. Apply your retinol. Next, Dr. Shirazi 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 advises 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.

4. Moisturize. Once you’ve applied your retinol product, you’ll want to add some moisture and hydration to your skin with your favorite moisturizer for sensitive skin.

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. Prevention editors also tested a number of retinol products themselves and sifted through countless product reviews to select the best retinol for sensitive skin available.

Why trust us?

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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