The Best Retinol For Sensitive Skin, According to a Dermatologist—Starting at $15

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

When it comes to a tried-and-true ingredient that actually yields visible results and is backed by years of clinical research confirming its arguably unrivaled efficacy, retinoids are the gold standard. Touted by dermatologists and estheticians for both its anti-aging and anti-acne powers, this chemical compound (derived from vitamin A) helps accelerate cell turnover to reveal younger-looking, clearer, brighter skin. Of course, finding the right retinol for sensitive skin can be quite a challenge, but don’t fret, we’ve got you covered.

Thanks to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick of MDCS Dermatology, all of your retinol questions and concerns are about to be put to rest. Keep reading to find out everything you should know about retinol for sensitive skin.

What is retinol?

“Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that helps to regulate skin cell turnover, helping to prevent clogged pores and improving skin tone, and also works to boost collagen improving the appearance of skin texture, pores, fine lines, and wrinkles,” Dr. Garshick shares with StyleCaster. Products containing retinol might require more patience in seeing results, but they are “often less irritating on the skin,” per our expert. Why? Because they’re not like prescription-strength retinoids (a.k.a. tretinoin) that need to be converted to retinoic acid.

What are the benefits of applying retinol to the skin?

You’ve likely already heard this many times from your mom, grandma, fave YouTuber, or go-to skinfluencer: retinol is an anti-aging must. According to Dr. Garshick, the key benefits of using retinol topically include combating visible signs of aging—think dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. In terms of acne, this ingredient can help prevent and treat breakouts, clogged pores, and post-acne marks. If you’re aiming to tackle both visible signs of aging and acne, kill two birds with one stone with the help of a quality retinol product.

What are the potential side effects of retinol?

All of these retinol benefits sound like a dream, but you should know that there are potential side effects that can accompany regular retinol use. You’re going to want to look out for redness, dryness, itchiness, and flaky skin. “Some people can experience sensitivity to retinol which in some cases can be just when initiating treatment, or for others, can be more persistent, especially for those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin,” says Dr. Garshick. (Pro tip: bakuchiol is a great retinol alternative that might help if your complexion can’t handle the aforementioned side effects.)

How to use retinol for sensitive skin

Here are some excellent pointers from our expert:

• Begin with a low concentration of retinol to reduce irritation.
• Start off by applying retinol only 1-2 times a week. Once your skin shows that it can tolerate this frequency, gradually increase the frequency to whatever your skin can tolerate.
• Follow your retinol with a moisturizing product, or sandwich your retinol between layers of moisturizer.
• Regardless of your skincare routine steps, make sure you only put retinol on dry skin in order to avoid irritation.
• Dab a petrolatum-based ointment (i.e. Vaseline or Aquaphor) to the creases around your eyes, lips, and nose to limit irritation to these redness- and dryness-prone areas.

Which ingredients work well with retinol?

Dr. Garshick suggests ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to assist in minimizing your skin’s sensitivity to retinol.

Which ingredients do not work well with retinol?

Steer clear of harsh active ingredients, like exfoliating acids, since they have the potential to aggrivate your complexion.

Now that you’re all caught up on how to use retinol for sensitive skin, keep scrolling for the best retinol-packed formulas to incorporate into your regimen. They come at the recommendation of our derm expert, so you know they’re going to work wonders for your skin.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Peter Thomas Roth is a STYLECASTER sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Comprised of microencapsulated retinol, this Peter Thomas Roth serum has a “continuous burst of retinol” all night long, per the brand. Basically, its ingredients work gently and effectively the whole time you’re asleep, rather than harshly penetrating your skin all at once for a short blip. Like other alternatives, vitamins C and E are also included in the impressive ingredients list, so you can bet your skin will have an extra glow and additional protection when you’re using this product on the reg.

Dr. Garshick cites this Neutrogena face moisturizer as an amazing option for wintertime and also for those who are trying retinol for the first time. “It contains hyaluronic acid to help boost moisture, improving overall tolerability,” she notes. Shop it at Amazon , Target, and Ulta to kick off your retinol journey.

For another drugstore option, opt for CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum . Remember when Dr. Garshick suggested pairing retinol with ceramide and niacinamide to lessen the potential for irritation? Well, this affordable formula combines all three ingredients, in addition to licorice root extract, which assists in improving discoloration. Lucky for you, this serum is easily available to order online at any of your fave major retailers, like Amazon , Target, and Ulta.

Charlotte Tilbury’s makeup is allllll over TikTok, but trust us, you don’t want to skip the brand’s skincare offerings. Take, for example, the celeb-loved Magic Night Cream (shoutout to its A-list fans, Doja Cat, Lizzo, Jessica Chastain, and Salma Hayek, among others). It “helps to boost radiance while also plumping and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Containing vitamin E, it also nourishes the skin so it won’t leave the skin irritated or dry,” says our expert. Scoop up this popular nighttime cream from Sephora or Charlotte Tilbury.

Dr. Garshick touts the Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum as an incredible beginner-friendly option. “Since [the retinol] is microencapsulated, it is less likely to cause irritation at the surface. It also incorporates retinol alternatives like bakuchiol as well as antioxidants. It is best used in the evenings after cleansing,” she explains. Stock up on this formula at Versed, Target, or Revolve.

“Using stabilized retinaldehyde, this night serum helps to fight wrinkles and fine lines quicker than other commonly used retinols, as retinaldehyde only requires one conversion to retinoid acid, the active form of vitamin A,” our derm expert explains. She continues, “The double-encapsulation system and incorporation of glycerin and hyaluronic acid makes it gentle on the skin and helps to minimize irritation.” How can you get your hands on this skincare essential ASAP? Order it on Amazon , SkinStore, or Dermstore.