10 Best Retinols for Sensitive Skin of 2022

In the Beauty Lab, we are constantly testing different types of skincare products that contain retinol. As mentioned above, we gathered a group of testers aged 35+ and ask them to use their assigned product for four weeks. We measure elasticity improvement using the Courage + Khazaka Cutometer and skin features, such as fine lines, spots, pores and texture using the VISIA Skin Analysis System before and after the testing period. Additionally, we use the Courage + Khazaka Corneometer to evaluate these products’ moisturization potential. After the four-week testing period, testers provide their feedback via a standardized questionnaire, rating its texture, scent, absorption, irritation potential and how well it improved the appearance of wrinkles, skin tone, firmness and age spots.

The above products are a combination of lab-tested formulas, as well as top dermatologist retinol picks.

Retinols come in a range of concentrations, from 0.01 percent to 3.0 percent. “If you have sensitive skin, you may want to choose a product with a lower concentration (think 01. to 0.5 percent) to allow your skin to become more accustomed to retinol before graduating to a higher concentration,” advises Dr. Camp. Using higher concentrations may increase the risk of side effects like redness, dryness, flaking or burning.

Dr. Shirazi recommends looking for retinols that are encapsulated and use technology that allows for slower release of the retinol. “Ingredients that help support the skin barrier are also important, like ceramides, glycerin and panthenol, and those that can calm inflammation, like licorice root extract and aloe vera,” she adds. You may want to steer clear of retinols formulated with other actives like glycolic acid or lactic acid, as “it will make the product more potent but also more irritating for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Shirazi.

One last shopping note: you may also want to look for other forms of over-the-counter retinols, like retinyl palmitate and retinaldehyde. “These ingredients are also derivatives of vitamin A and have the same mechanism of action as retinol, but they require more steps to turn into their active forms,” Dr. Camp explains. “As a result, they are less potent, and thus less irritating.”

The short answer is yes, but it depends on the type. You should probably avoid tretinoin, also known as retinoic acid, which is a prescription form of vitamin A that is used by doctors mainly for treating acne but also for anti-aging benefits. “Although it has impressive skin benefits, tretinoin is known to cause redness, irritation and burning, especially on those with more sensitive skin,” Wnek says.

Retinyl palmitate is the lightest and most gentle form. “I call it the chamomile tea version since it has to be converted three times to have an effect on the skin,” says Dr. Shirazi. Over-the-counter retinol is also gentle and offered in varying concentrations, but “more of a green tea.” She considers retinaldehyde a step up, “a black tea version, which is suitable for those who aren’t quite ready for prescription strength, but looking for a step up from retinol.”

“The key is to start off slow,” says Wnek. “Alternate nights of application and increase frequency to nightly once your skin adjusts.” Since retinol increases cell turnover by pushing delicate new skin to the surface, it can potentially cause skin to become more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, Wnek advises to “apply sunscreen everyday when using a retinol (and always).”

Danusia Wnek provided expert insights for this article, including what to look for in a retinol for sensitive skin, how the lab tests retinol products as well as the Beauty Lab’s top picks. She has been testing skincare products including but not limited to eye creams, serums, night creams, neck creams, facial oils and moisturizing creams for over seven years at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has experience in using specialized skin evaluation lab equipment to gauge changes in skin moisturization, firmness and facial features like wrinkles and texture before and after product use. She also regularly polls our consumer panel on their purchasing and product use habits as well as weighs in on the benefits of skincare ingredients like vitamin C, retinol and niacinamide.

Dori Price worked closely with Danusia to compile the products featured and interviewed the dermatologists quoted in this story. She has over 15 years of experience researching and writing skincare stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals including dermatologists and aestheticians. She is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, from cleansers to toners, serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, exfoliators, masks, professional treatments and more.