For years, dermatologists have waxed poetic about the anti-aging and skin-boosting benefits of retinol, such as reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, shrinking large pores, and clearing up acne. But for some reason, there’s a common misconception that even retinol isn’t suitable for sensitive skin. Truth be told, it is. And even the best retinol for sensitive skin can make a difference in the skin’s tone, texture, and overall complexion.There's no denying the fact that retinol is a powerful active ingredient and can transform the skin. However, one downside that scares people with sensitive skin away from using retinol is the common side effects, such as dry skin, peeling, redness, and itchiness. The best retinol for sensitive skin may not be what you think it is, and formulas that veer more on the gentle side with lower concentrations and the addition of soothing and hydrating ingredients make it compatible with sensitive skin. So, if you want to add retinol to your skincare routine but need help, consider this the ultimate guide on how sensitive skin types should use retinol.Retinol for Sensitive Skin: Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to using retinol for sensitive skin, there’s a lot you need to know. Not all retinol are equal, and some are more potent than others. Since retinol works to speed up skin cell turnover, sensitive skin tends to be better with formulas of a lower concentration and a bit weaker on the retinol scale (retinyl palmitate and retinol under 0.5 percent are best).The “retinol uglies,” considered the unwanted side effects of retinol that can include skin purging, redness, dryness, and patchiness, can show up on sensitive skin, but as long as you apply a skin-appropriate formula and use it as instructed, even sensitive skin can tolerate retinol. That’s why gentle formulations with low concentrations of the ingredients are most suitable for sensitive skin. Creams and lotions in hydrating bases are also a good place to start since they add much-needed moisture to the skin.How to Apply Retinol on Sensitive Skin
When it comes to using retinol on sensitive skin, there are tips you’ll want to follow. For starters, only use retinol at night since the vitamin A-derived ingredient is known to cause sun sensitivity. You’ll also want to use sunscreen daily to protect the skin further.
If you are new to retinol and your skin is sensitive, always start off slow with a retinol product. At first, use it about twice per week and then slowly bump it up to three times per week and so on as your skin can tolerate it. Also, do not mix retinol with other active ingredients or exfoliating acids, which can only increase the risk of irritation.
Sensitive skin may want to practice the sandwich method to prevent the skin from becoming irritated. On clean skin, apply a layer of moisturizer, then a pea-size amount of retinol, and another layer of moisturizer. This creates a barrier on the skin to help decrease any skin sensitivities. And if you think layering on more on a tiny amount of retinol will speed up your results or give you better skin overnight, trust us, it won’t.
Shop the Best Retinols for Sensitive Skin
1. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
Developed by world-renowned dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad, this serum softens lines and wrinkles and improves the skin’s overall tone and texture, leaving it plumper and firmer. The time-released retinol improves the skin in as little as two weeks.Beauty Insider Tip: The serum contains hyaluronic acid spheres to attract moisture to the skin.2. Avène Retrinal EYES
The skin around the eyes is thin, delicate, and easily irritated, so it's important to use retinol for this area. Thanks to a blend of stabilized retinol and retinaldehyde, this cream improves the look of aging skin without irritation.Beauty Insider Tip: This under-eye cream also improves dark circles and puffiness.3. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 Serum
For younger-looking skin, reach for this serum, which features retinaldehyde, a next-generation form of vitamin A that does not irritate. We like that this hydrating serum cream slowly releases vitamin A to protect the skin from receiving too heavy a dose of the active at any point.Beauty Insider Tip: For sensitive skin retinol newbies, start with the .03% version, which is suitable for new users.4. SENTÉ Bio Complete Serum
Safe enough for sensitive skin, this serum contains Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA), which works with retinol to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin smoother. It also contains vitamin C to help brighten dull skin.Beauty Insider Tip: This retinol serum works well for any skin type with signs of UV and environmental damage.5. SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex .25
Perfect for first-time retinol users, this lightweight lotion boosts collagen production to reduce the look of fine lines and deep wrinkles. Start by using it twice per week and gradually work your way up.Beauty Insider Tip: This retinol contains an antioxidant complex to enhance the skin's texture while minimizing irritation.6. SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5
A cult classic retinol favorite for improving the common signs of aging and smoothing out the skin's texture, this night cream dramatically improves fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. It also exfoliates the skin to ward off blemishes while decreasing inflammation.Beauty Insider Tip: Since retinol can increase photosensitivity, it's best to use a high-protection, broad-spectrum sunscreen.7. ISDIN Isdinceutics Retinal Advanced Dual-Phase Night Serum with Retinaldehyde
A unique take on the classic retinol serum, this dual-phase nighttime version helps speed up skin cell turnover for younger-looking skin. Thanks to a blend of retinol along with melatonin and the brand's Soothing Complex, which includes niacinamide, helps minimize dryness while renewing the skin.Beauty Insider Tip: This retinol serum, designed for daily use, can also be used all year round once the skin is acclimated to it.8. Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty Retinal Night Advanced 0.1% Retinal Firming Treatment
Clinically proven to firm and smooth the skin, this retinol-based treatment reduces the appearance of fine lines while restoring radiance. The gentle formula improves the skin overnight leaving it supple, firm, and glowing come morning.Beauty Insider Tip: Retinal is the star ingredient here, which requires less product to generate results.9. NEOSTRATA Comprehensive Retinol 0.3% Night Serum
This retinol serum restores and revitalizes your skin's tone and texture while you sleep. This a good-for-sensitive skin formula tackles age-related concerns, including dark spots, dullness, and a loss of firmness.
Beauty Insider Tip: Use this serum on your face, neck, chest, and hands where the signs of aging all appear.10. Osmosis +Beauty Calm Gentle Retinal Serum
Perfect for sensitive skin, this soothing retinal-based serum is safe and gentle yet provides anti-aging benefits. Thanks to a blend of essential nutrients, it improves the skin without irritation.Beauty Insider Tip: Try this serum if your skin experiences rosacea since the gentle formula won’t irritate it.11. Doctor Rogers Night Repair Treatment
Even the most sensitive of skin can tolerate this nighttime treatment. Powered by bakuchiol, a retinol alternative, and a blend of acids and antioxidants, it builds collagen for youthful skin.Beauty Insider Tip: If even the lowest dose of retinol is too much for your sensitive skin, try the plant-based bakuchiol alternative.The Bottom Line
Retinol can be used by all skin types, even the most sensitive ones. The key to reaping the benefits of retinol, even if your skin is sensitive, is to use a formula that matches your skin type and never use too much or too often. With the right retinol for sensitive skin plus a good moisturizer, you can transform your skin for the long term.
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with more than 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine, where she reported on beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. A self-professed beauty junkie and retinol and sunscreen pusher, Elise knows what’s new, what works and who’s the best to go for every procedure under the sun.
Follow Elise on Facebook, Instagram, and on her beauty blog, elisetabin.com
