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<p>Retinol can even be great for sensitive, acne-prone skin because it helps to decrease sebum and oil production, adds dermatologist <a href=”https://www.drblairrose.com/” target=”_blank”>Blair Murphy Rose, MD</a>. That’s why it helps treat acne, and can even minimize the appearance of pores. Retinol can also exfoliate the skin, says dermatologist <a href=”https://drnaanaboakye.com/” target=”_blank”>Naana Boakye, MD</a>.</p><p>Even if you have <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/g37398058/best-products-for-sensitive-skin/” target=”_blank”>sensitive skin</a>, Dr. Farhang says you should still use a retinol if you want to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles while eliminating age spots. It may take time for your skin to get used to the ingredient, so it’s totally normal for redness, irritation, and flaking to occur in the beginning. Just be extra careful to wear SPF during the daytime, because even though you should only use retinol at night, it’ll still increase your skin’s overall sensitivity to the sun.<br></p><p>Ahead, check out the best retinols for sensitive skin in 2023, tested and reviewed by <em>Women’s Health</em> editors and dermatologists.</p><p class=”body-tip”><strong>Meet the experts:</strong> <a href=”https://www.avantdermatology.com/about/dermatologist-dr-sheila-farhang-tucson-az/” target=”_blank”>Sheila Farhang, MD</a>, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of <a href=”https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.avantdermatology.com/about-us/dr-sheila-farhang/__;!!Ivohdkk!31JOlcJ4_aUSmyQSmPRnZ5GeYnX7M1bhk0-7eJVhcYZJp7sLcBhnQ7fefLDE2UeJgQ%24″ target=”_blank” title=”https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.avantdermatology.com/about-us/dr-sheila-farhang/__;!!Ivohdkk!31JOlcJ4_aUSmyQSmPRnZ5GeYnX7M1bhk0-7eJVhcYZJp7sLcBhnQ7fefLDE2UeJgQ$” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=”https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.avantdermatology.com/about-us/dr-sheila-farhang/__;!!Ivohdkk!31JOlcJ4_aUSmyQSmPRnZ5GeYnX7M1bhk0-7eJVhcYZJp7sLcBhnQ7fefLDE2UeJgQ$” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics”>Avant Dermatology & Aesthetics</a>. <a href=”https://www.drblairrose.com/” target=”_blank”>Blair Murphy Rose, MD</a>, is a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. <a href=”https://drnaanaboakye.com/” target=”_blank”>Naana Boakye, MD</a>, is a board-certified dermatologist at <a href=”https://bergenderm.com/” target=”_blank”>Bergen Dermatology</a>. <a href=”https://www.parkderm.com/bradley-glodny-m-d/” target=”_blank”>Bradley Glodny, MD</a>, is a board-certified dermatologist at <a href=”https://www.parkderm.com/” target=”_blank”>Park Ave. Derm</a>, <a href=”https://dermatologyofct.com/about/our-providers/mona-gohara-m-d/” target=”_blank”>Mona Gohara, MD</a>, is a board-certified dermatologist at <a href=”https://dermatologyofct.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Dermatology Physicians Of Connecticut</a> and <em>Women’s Health</em> Advisory Board member. <a href=”https://www.mdcsnyc.com/provider/brendan-camp-md” target=”_blank”>Brendan Camp, MD</a>, is a double board-certified dermatologist at <a href=”https://www.mdcsnyc.com/” target=”_blank”>MDCS Dermatology</a>.</p>” />
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1
Best Retinol For Sensitive Skin Overall
RoC Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules
1
Best Retinol For Sensitive Skin Overall
RoC Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules
Pros
- Affordable
- You know exactly how much to apply every time
Cons
- Might not make a huge difference for wrinkles, a reviewer wrote
This RoC retinol is both dermatologist- and WH beauty editor-approved, so you know it’s worth the (affordable) price. “This serum is hydrating and is formulated with ceramides which are great for skin barrier health,” says Dr. Farhang.
It can be hard to know exactly how much retinol to apply to your skin when you use it, but it’s not an issue with this product, adds WH beauty director Brian Underwood. “RoC solves for this with these single-dose capsules—you know you’re getting the right dose every single time,” he says.
| Other Key Ingredients | Ceramide |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.35 oz. |
2
Best Retinol For Sensitive, Dry Skin
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
2
Best Retinol For Sensitive, Dry Skin
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
Pros
- Feels moisturizing
- Works for dry skin
Cons
- Strong smell, multiple reviewers wrote
WH associate news editor Currie Engel tested this retinol serum out for our Versed brand review, and loved it. When she started to notice fine lines on her forehead and around her eyes and mouth, she sought out a retinol serum that wouldn’t dry out her already-dry skin. “It felt moisturizing and gentle,” she says. “I noticed my skin looked more hydrated and luminous after using it, rather than drier or redder, which sometimes happens with retinols.”
| Other Key Ingredients | Bakuchiol, arophira crithmum maritimum extract, caprylic/capric triglyceride, hydrogenated vegetable oil, and chlorophyll |
|---|---|
| Size | One oz. |
3
Strongest Retinol For Sensitive Skin
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
3
Strongest Retinol For Sensitive Skin
Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment
Pros
- Strong and powerful
- Quality formulation
Cons
- You may need to moisturize before and after to keep your skin from drying
“Paula’s Choice is just generally one of my all-time favorite skincare brands because its formulations are top-of-the-line—and you know what you’re getting,” Underwood says. This one he recommended is definitely worth the buy. He says it has a time-release formulation that is specifically designed to ward off irritation, too.
| Other Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, licorice extract, glycerin, allantoin, and ceramide |
|---|---|
| Size | One oz. |
4
Best Retinol For Combined And Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
4
Best Retinol For Combined And Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Pros
- Lasts a long time
- Clears up skin
Cons
- Unspecified concentration of retinol
This retinol is a great option for those who have sensitive or combination skin, says WH editorial assistant Olivia Evans. “I started using this retinol two years ago and I love it,” she says. “It’s really affordable, lasts a long time, and a little of it goes a long way.” She’s never had a reason to switch.
| Other Key Ingredients | Niacinamide and ceramides |
|---|---|
| Size | One oz. |
5
Best Retinol For Sensitive Skin For Brightening
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster
5
Best Retinol For Sensitive Skin For Brightening
Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster
Pros
- Brightens skin fast
- Can shrink pores
Cons
- Multiple reviewers say the pump might not work well
WH beauty editor Danielle Jackson has heard great things about this booster, which can easily be added to and mixed with any of your other serums. “It could be great for someone with sensitive skin since it has a lower percentage of retinol.” With hundreds of five-star reviews, many say it transformed their skin overnight.
| Other Key Ingredients | Ceramide, tripeptide, and glycerin |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.5 oz. |
6
Best Beginner Retinol For Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate
6
Best Beginner Retinol For Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Retinol Serum .25% Pure Concentrate
Now 14% Off
Pros
- Softens and smooths skin, a reviewer wrote
- Fades fine lines
Cons
- One reviewer said it was too sticky
“First Aid Beauty’s retinol is a great choice for beginners to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and create younger-looking skin,” says Dr. Murphy Rose. Reviewers love the results. Many say that after they exfoliated peeling skin, their skin was more radiant and their fine lines were smoothed out.
| Other Key Ingredients | Peptides, glycerin, and their skin savior complex savior blend with hyaluronic acid, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, aloe, ceramides, and vitamins C and E |
|---|---|
| Size | One oz. |
7
Most Gentle Retinol For Sensitive Skin
Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum
7
Most Gentle Retinol For Sensitive Skin
Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum
Pros
- Adds glow to skin
- Reviewers with rosacea like it
Cons
- Pricey
Dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, recommends Avène’s retrinAL serum, which is “perfect for those with sensitive skin who want to dip their toes into the world of a vitamin A derivative,” she says. “This formulation of retinoid is gentle, and less irritating.” Even reviewers with rosacea say it gave their skin a glow while the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles.
| Other Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Size | 30 mL |
8
Best Retinol For Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
8
Best Retinol For Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment
Pros
- Targets multiple skincare concerns
- Has over 4,500 five-star reviews on Amazon
Cons
- Can cause a lot of itching, dryness, and redness, some reviewers wrote
Dr. Camp recommends this retinol for anyone with acne-prone skin. “Adapalene is a retinoid that is available in two concentrations: 0.1 and 0.3 percent,” he explains. While marketed as an acne treatment, he adds that it can also be used to clear and prevent blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores.
| Other Key Ingredients | Purified water |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.6 oz. |
9
Most Hydrating Retinol For Sensitive Skin
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
9
Most Hydrating Retinol For Sensitive Skin
Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
Pros
- Has over 5,500 five-star ratings on Ulta
- Absorbs fast
Cons
- Can feel oily, a reviewer wrote
This editor-recommended, highly-rated moisturizer is another good one to add to your routine. “I don’t regularly use retinol, but when I do, Olay’s is one of my go-to options, especially during the colder months, since my face tends to dry out more,” says WH commerce editor Jasmine Gomez. She loves both Olay’s day and night versions, because they’re super creamy and hydrating without leaving any greasy residue on the skin.
| Other Key Ingredients | Glycerin, niacinamide, and Vitamin B3 |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
10
Best Retinol For Sensitive Skin With Acne Scars
Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment Serum
10
Best Retinol For Sensitive Skin With Acne Scars
Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform Treatment Serum
Pros
- Will give your skin a glow
- Works great on acne scars, multiple reviewers wrote
Cons
- Some reviewers don’t like the smell
“Created by my favorite aesthetician—seriously, her hands are transformative—this formula features a time-released retinol that is results-driven without any potential of irritation,” Underwood says. People love that the texture is super light, so it spreads easily across skin. Underwood especially appreciates that the formula has lactic acid in it to add some glowy-ness to skin. Multiple reviewers say it’s great for fading acne scars, too.
| Other Key Ingredients | Lactic acid, pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract, glycerin, and niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Size | 0.3-oz. or one-oz. options |
11
Best Clean Retinol For Sensitive Skin
Bliss Prevent-4 + Pure Retinol
11
Best Clean Retinol For Sensitive Skin
Bliss Prevent-4 + Pure Retinol
Now 29% Off
Pros
- Clean and effective formula
- Hydrating
Cons
- Multiple reviewers say you still need to moisturize after
This retinol moisturizer comes at the recommendation of Dr. Farhang. “I love that this has pure retinol but also some other skin-smoothing properties such as amino acids and peptides to help boost skin structure and bounce,” she says. She loves it for sensitive skin because the formula has hydrating squalane in it, and the formulation is silky without feeling too thick.
| Other Key Ingredients | Amino acids, peptides, squalane, and antioxidants |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
12
Best Gentle Retinol For Sensitive Skin
Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
12
Best Gentle Retinol For Sensitive Skin
Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Pros
- Gives results
- Gentle
Cons
- Some reviewers couldn’t tell a difference in their skin after usage
This formula, recommended by Underwood, has a 4.5-star average rating on Sephora, and reviewers love that it’s gentle yet effective, especially if used consistently. “This formula is meant to be used daily—it contains a micro-dose of retinol that can be slathered on regularly with no stinging, redness, or flakiness,” he says.
He also loves that the formula contains ceramides, a Dr. Farhang-loved ingredient since they’re the building blocks of skin’s protective barrier.
| Other Key Ingredients | Ceramides, peptide, glycerin, and niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Size | One-oz. or 1.7-oz. options |
13
Best Dermatologist-Founded Retinol For Sensitive Skin
Retinol Serum
13
Best Dermatologist-Founded Retinol For Sensitive Skin
Retinol Serum
Pros
- Hydrating with hyaluronic acid
- Lightweight gel formula
Cons
- Some users couldn’t tell a difference in their skin after a few months of usage
This retinol comes from the brand of Sandra Lee, MD, a.k.a., Dr. Pimple Popper. So while it wasn’t recommended by any WH editors or experts I talked to, it’s still dermatologist-founded and approved, so I trust the value of this product. Reviewers say it’s especially helpful for treating hyperpigmentation and blurring the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
| Other Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, allantoin, and glycerin |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
How Our Team Chose The Best Retinols For Sensitive Skin
At WH Labs, our team tests a wide range of products and services to provide our readers with reliable, honest, and trustworthy information. It’s our belief that our readers deserve the best, which is why our recommendations have been thoroughly tested and vetted by our editors. Women’s Health editors, including editorial assistant Addison Aloian, senior commerce editor Neha Tandon, beauty director Brian Underwood, and beauty editor Danielle Jackson, researched and tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated retinols for sensitive skin. Our team consulted six dermatologists and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the 13 best retinols for a wide range of skincare needs and preferences.
How do dermatologists recommend you apply retinol?
Your skincare routine should be an enjoyable experience. But, retinol is a potent ingredient that comes with some guidelines, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Retinol is a nighttime product, so apply at that time of day, and follow up with a sunscreen in the morning, Dr. Farhang says.
- Start slow if you’re using a retinol for the first time, says Dr. Camp, who suggests applying a pea-sized amount to your face three nights a week for a month. Then, move on to applying it every other night for a month, after which you can continue to increase frequency if your skin will allow it. If after one or two weeks, you aren’t experiencing side effects like irritation or redness, you can increase use, adds Dr. Murphy Rose.
- Avoid applying retinol over a sunburn or dry, flaking, open skin. Remember, with sensitive skin, it’s way more effective to use a non-prescription, weaker retinol every night than a stronger prescription retinol just once a week, Dr. Farhang adds.
- If your skin is sensitive, you could be allergic to ingredients in products, Dr. Murphy Rose explains. “Look for hypoallergenic products and talk to a board-certified dermatologist to find the right retinol for you,” she says.
- Lastly, if you’re pregnant, retinoid use is contraindicated, Dr. Farhang adds.
Addison Aloian (she/her) is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. When she’s not writing about all things pop culture, health, beauty, and fashion, she loves hitting leg day at the gym, shopping at Trader Joe’s, and watching whichever hockey game is on TV. Her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.
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