Frequent breakouts are troublesome and leave you with a whole new level of frustration.  But including the best retinol for sensitive skin in your skincare routine goes a long way in reducing the signs of aging and also fades the acne blemishes. You can almost certainly say goodbye to sagging skin and wrinkles along with hyperpigmentation.

Dr. Shah and Dr.Maxfield, Board-certified dermatologists say, “Retinoids in some way are a foundation and almost like a necessary staple for acne treatment. They also cover almost all of the bases when you are talking about anti-aging or photo-aging for skin care and they do it in just almost every single way. Like, if you talk about hyperpigmentation, almost all of the steps involved in hyperpigmentation, and it’s the same for photo-aging, they pretty much do everything you need to be done in skin care.”

Retinol has long been taken as the hallmark of skin care. It is a form of vitamin A that helps unclog pores and firms the skin giving it a youthful radiance. The years fall away from your skin as fine lines and crow's feet disappear. Our research shows that you just have to take a few precautions like adjusting the frequency, concentration, and amount you apply. Retinol serums can work wonders on your skin and give you the perfect luminous and youthful complexion. There is a whole wide range of retinol products for sensitive skin that is freely available. To make this a wee bit simpler for you, we carried out our research and curated a list of the 15 best retinol products for sensitive skin.

• 1
  Best High Potency Formula

  La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum

  Buy on Amazon

An amalgam of pure retinol and vitamin B3 along with hyaluronic acid, La Roche-Posay Pure Retinol Face Serum is a treat for people with sensitive skin types.  It greatly reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. As this retinol product for sensitive skin adds to the youthfulness and glow of the skin by reducing premature aging of the skin, it should be on your purchase list. Infused with a calming combination of niacinamide and glycerin, the skin will be soothed at all times. This lightweight serum contains soothing ingredients and is suitable for all skin types. Our investigation demonstrated that 96 percent of users say their skin feels softer and looks more refined after using this serum.

2

Best Hydrating Formula

Yeouth Retinol Serum

Buy on Amazon

Pamper your sensitive skin with Yeouth Retinol Serum packed with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. Its formula is rich with natural ingredients that hydrate your skin through the night so that it stays toned and firm. Wrinkles and fine lines begin to disappear and your skin looks youthful and smooth. Retinol for dry sensitive skin is an effective remedy for age spots, discoloration, acne, and fine lines since it gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells, and promotes elasticity (1). Additionally, the hyaluronic acid in this serum does a fantastic job of plumping your skin to keep it supple and hydrated. Aloe vera soothes the skin and reduces hyperpigmentation while vitamin E protects the skin’s moisture barrier and evens out skin tone.

3

Best Soothing Serum

LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream

Buy on Amazon

The highly potent formula of LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream does a great job of reducing fine lines and wrinkles, firming the skin, and restoring radiance. This advanced anti-aging cream is packed with the goodness of hydration and antioxidants. Aloe vera and hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamin E lead in this formulation. Green tea, shea butter, and jojoba oil further add to the effectiveness of this best retinol serum for sensitive skin. It boasts a lightweight texture and leaves no residue on the skin. It’s immediately absorbed by the skin leaving it refreshed and hydrated. Ideal for sensitive skin it minimizes UV damage and sun spots, as well as acne scars.

4

Best Collagen Booster

Ebanel Liposomal 2.5% Retinol Peptide Serum

Buy on Amazon

Stimulate skin cell renewal and boost collagen production with Ebanel Liposomal 2.5% Retinol Peptide Serum which gives you the benefits of hyaluronic acid and 7 other peptides. It also contains vitamin C which will assist in the reduction of dark spots, acne scars, and the appearance of wrinkles. The serum is also infused with jojoba and grapeseed oil along with aloe vera, witch hazel, and Swiss apple. This is indeed the best retinol serum for sensitive skin as it also exfoliates it at a cellular level. It helps to unclog skin pores and prevents blackheads and pimples. It also decreases skin redness, balances the oil level, and promotes skin elasticity.

5

Best Squalene Base

Minimalist 0.3% Retinol Face Serum

Buy on Amazon

Formulated with squalene as its base powerhouse ingredient, Minimalist 0.3% Retinol Face Serum is a potent anti-aging serum. Using squalene instead of water makes this serum highly stable. This awesome serum is a powerhouse of antioxidants like coenzyme Q10 and tocopherol that protect the skin from free radicals and reduces wrinkles while also repairing the skin. Retinol reduces fine lines and smoothens the skin while also increasing its elasticity. It is also infused with 1 percent bakuchiol oil which is not only an anti-aging ingredient, it also boosts the potency of the serum (2). This retinol serum for sensitive skin is suitable for all skin types, this serum comes packed in a UV-safe bottle.

6

Best Fragrance-free Serum

Amara Beauty Retinol Serum

Buy on Amazon

An advanced blend of 2.5 percent retinol infused with both vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, Amara Beauty Retinol Serum reduces wrinkles and hyperpigmentation in as little as 3 months. It's also packed with the indomitable benefits of organic ingredients like jojoba oil and aloe vera juice as well as green tea. This guarantees long-lasting results and minimum irritation to the skin. This incredible serum with retinol product for sensitive skin unclogs and reduces skin pores so that your skin looks clearer and smoother. It revitalizes skin that loses its radiance with age and loss of collagen and improves its tone and texture.

7

Best in Natural Ingredients

Tree to Tub Ginseng Green Tea Retinol Night Cream

Buy on Amazon

Infused with a perfect blend of hyaluronic acid and ginseng green tea along with vitamin E, Tree to Tub Retinol Night Cream is a safe bet for all skin types. It has a thick, creamy consistency that ensures your skin looks gloriously radiant. It works quietly as you sleep and you will soon see a significant reduction in wrinkles and reverse the lustreless sagging skin. You can be sure you have a winner with this retinol serum for sensitive skin that also contains aloe vera along with vitamins B3 and B5 for giving nourishment to your skin. Our research indicates that ginseng green tea gives a bright and even glow to the skin.

8

Best Vegan Serum

Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum

Buy on Amazon

The creamy, non-drying formula of Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum is ideal for sensitive skin and for people using retinol for the first time. It contains microencapsulated retinol that works towards an even skin tone and removes fine lines by gently renewing skin. Your skin is oxygenated with the natural chlorophyll in the formula. This hydrating and plumping serum also contains bakuchiol and arophira. This retinol product for dry sensitive skin takes care of redness and dryness of the skin as the ingredients penetrate deep into your skin and treat it. It clears pores giving your skin a luminous glow. Made of vegan and clean ingredients, it’s not tested on animals for a guilt-free experience.

9

Best Patented Liposome Formula

Dr. Different Vitalift-A Night Treatment Cream

Buy on Amazon

Do give Dr. Different Vitalift-A Night Treatment Cream a try as it offers amazing skin regenerating and anti-aging benefits. Considered one of the best retinols for sensitive skin, it's the perfect cream to use at night as it works its magic while you sleep. Your skin tone gets revitalized and looks plumper, firmer and smoother. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid along with liposome technology help enhance collagen production and dismiss fine lines and wrinkles. It acts deep on your skin cells, exfoliating dead cells and smoothing your skin. Based on our observations, this skin-friendly night cream works 11 times faster than regular retinol. Liposomes and hyaluronic acid feed active nutrients to skin cells improving their hydration level and increasing skin firmness.

10

Best Korean Retinol Skincare

COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream

Buy on Amazon

COSRX The Retinol 0.1 Cream is one of the best retinol creams for sensitive skin in Korean skincare. This retinol product for sensitive skin effectively takes care of wrinkles and other signs of aging like fine lines and sagging skin. It can be used both day and night to make your skin glow with luminosity. It also fades scars, prevents acne breakouts, and significantly improves your skin’s elasticity. Apart from highly concentrated pure retinol which is an anti-aging ingredient, it contains a percent of panthenol that moisturizes and protects the skin. Vitamin E in the form of tocotrienol also fights skin aging while adenosine tones the skin. This lightweight cream spreads easily on the skin without leaving a greasy residue.

11

PCA SKIN Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin

Buy on Amazon

PCA SKIN Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin reduces signs of aging and skin redness without irritating the skin. Its formula especially caters to people with sensitive skin and retinol newbies. The effective blend of retinol for sensitive skin  is full of hydrating niacinamide along with hexylresorcinol and InflaShield which promotes an even skin tone while minimising fine lines. These key ingredients are delivered to the deep layers of your skin through their proprietary Omnisome delivery system that enables it to penetrate deep into the skin till 10 hours after its application. These active ingredients together increase cell turnover and brighten the skin and won The Oprah Magazine Beauty Award in 2017.

12

Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle + Pro-Retinol Night Cream

Buy on Amazon

Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle + Pro-Retinol Night Cream works quietly while you sleep and you will see a visible reduction of fine lines in 5 weeks. It's gentle moisturization of your causes no redness or irritation at all. Its formula is enriched with macadamia nut oil and vitamin E which moisturizes and softens your skin. Pro-retinol and coenzyme Q10 fight the signs of skin aging giving it a supple and plumped look. This non-comedogenic cream is free of fragrance and other harsh chemicals making it the ideal retinol for sensitive skin. This dermatologist-recommended retinol cream doesn’t compromise on quality and restores youthful and healthy-looking skin.

13

Majestic Pure Retinol Cream

Buy on Amazon

One of the best retinol products for sensitive skin, Majestic Pure Retinol Cream combines with hyaluronic to moisturize and firm it. Vitamin E and olive oil help to remove fine lines and wrinkles making your skin youthful and vibrant. Devoid of any harsh chemicals, it penetrates deep into the skin layers and enhances collagen production making your skin look fresher and brighter.  Signs of aging like age spots and sagging skin begin to disappear.  Hyaluronic acid does quite an amazing job of increasing skin elasticity by helping to retain collagen and moisture. Great for all skin types including skin with eczema and acne and sun damage, it can be used both in the day and night.

14

Cosmolive Avocado Retinol Face Cream

Buy on Amazon

Enriched with avocado oil that is full of nutrients and retinol (vitamin A derivative) that renews skin, Cosmolive Avocado Retinol Face Cream helps to greatly reduce fine lines and wrinkles the natural ingredients of green tea and jojoba along with lavender and vitamin A, C and E work on uneven skin tone giving it a smooth and supple texture. and uneven texture. It hydrates and nourishes your skin while the antioxidants in its formula protect your skin from free radicals and environmental aggressors. This retinol product for sensitive skin enhances collagen production and improves the elasticity of your skin. Great for all skin types it can be used as both a day and night treatment. This non-greasy and lightweight cream is absorbed quickly and is environmentally friendly and free of all harmful chemicals.

15

EnaSkin Retinol Collagen Day and Night Cream

Buy on Amazon

A fantastic blend of retinol, hyaluronic acid, and collagen is the formula of EnaSkin Retinol Collagen Day and Night Cream.  Add to that the goodness of shea butter and jojoba oil with a generous amount of vitamins and sunflower oil and you have one of the best retinol product for sensitive skin. Our team discovered through using this product that it plumps your skin and fine lines and wrinkles begin to disappear. It replenishes the water lost by the skin and soothes it by keeping it hydrated throughout the day. Infused with the best of ingredients, this day and night cream inhibits sun spots and your skin looks brighter and more radiant with every passing day.

Now that you have been through our research on the 15 best retinol for sensitive skin you should have a fairly good idea about them. Here are a few guidelines you could keep in mind while choosing the best retinol for sensitive skin.

So here we have a few recommendations on things to keep in mind while choosing the best retinol for sensitive skin.

Amount And Type of Retinol

All products contain retinol in different amounts and different types. To start with, you should choose mild forms of retinol to avoid skin irritations and get smoother skin. But for any kind of benefit against aging, it should have at least 2.5 percent of retinol in it.

Additional Ingredients

Your retinol products would always be better if they contain nourishing ingredients. Hydrators like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants like vitamins C and E help fight skin concerns, reduce the appearance of pores, and boost the health of your skin. Intense hydration is necessary to rejuvenate and restore a youthful glow to your skin. 

Skin Type

People who have sensitive skin need to be extremely certain that the product is suitable for their skin texture and type. That way they can be pretty sure of getting the best results for their skin. Before choosing any retinol product, determine if your skin is dry, oily, or a combination. People with acne-prone skin should go for a non-comedogenic product, whereas those with dry skin should pick a retinol product that has hydrating properties. 

Combats Aging 

A retinol product does wonders when it comes to reducing fine lines and deep wrinkles. Ideally, you should go for a retinol product that also takes care of dark circles, sun damage, radical damage, puffiness, and age spots.

AM or PM Product 

Retinol products are available for use either during the day or at night. While choosing a product for yourself, ensure that it suits your specific requirements.

Sharing a word of caution, our contributor Dr. Yelena Deshko, a board-certified naturopathic doctor and Founder of Lumèr - Timeless Health Clinic, says, “Retinol is a vitamin-A derivative that has been extensively researched for its anti-acne and anti-aging effects. However, this substance should not be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding. High concentrations of vitamin A have been found to be teratogenic, in other words, they have the potential to cause malformations in the developing embryo. While the risks have not been clearly established in breastfeeding, concrete evidence is lacking to confirm the safety of retinol in breastfeeding, therefore it is best to avoid this potentially problematic ingredient.”

How to Apply Retinol for Sensitive Skin?

It's simple to use retinol for sensitive skin. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Take a pea-sized amount of the retinol product on your hands and massage it gently onto your skin. Use it regularly to add a natural radiance and glow to your skin. The positive effects of retinol may take weeks to months to work on the skin and show visible results. If you are concerned about dark spots or skin sensitivities, consult a dermatologist before using retinol on sensitive skin. 

Conclusion

Your quest for that one product that can reverse time for you and get you back to your luminous and youthful skin ends here with the best retinol product for sensitive skin. The benefits of retinol are uncountable — it boosts skin cell production, combats signs of aging, prevents skin damage, and makes your skin softer and healthier. Whether it is a cream, gel, or serum, you can find this magical ingredient in an astounding range of skin care products. Of course, as we mentioned earlier,  with sensitive skin, you need to pay a bit of extra attention to its formula.

We definitely do not want things to go south with a breakout. The products we have researched are by and far lightweight and non-greasy, as well as non-comedogenic. They work towards removing signs of aging by boosting collagen, improving skin barrier function, and increasing blood circulation to the skin. Like with everything else when dealing with sensitive skin, you should keep in mind a few things when using retinol — retinol percentage and skin type for sure,  whether you want it for day or night use, and if it has a hydrating formula.

Contributor: Dr. Shah and Dr.Maxfield, Board-certified dermatologists

Dr. Yelena Deshko, ND, Board-certified naturopathic doctor and Founder of Lumèr - Timeless Health Clinic