10 Best Retinols for Sensitive Skin in 2026
Product ReviewsSkin & Hair ProductsSkin Care Products

Avoid the Irritation With Our 10 Favorite Retinol Products for Sensitive Skin

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Published on September 24, 2025
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Retinol, also known as vitamin A, is one of the best anti-aging skin-care ingredients out there, but for people with sensitive skin, its reputation for causing irritation may be a bit of a red flag. “That’s often the caveat — not everybody’s skin can tolerate retinol,” says Angela Lamb, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Retinoid-induced dermatitis most often shows up as redness and peeling, but it can also cause dryness, itchiness, burning, and inflammation.

 It’s normal for anyone to experience these symptoms initially during retinol use, but for some, these negative side effects can linger. If you fall into that category, there are retinol alternatives (like botanical extracts, acids, and other vitamins) that are less likely to cause irritation, Dr. Lamb advises. Having sensitive skin doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try retinol — your skin may tolerate it just fine. Still, you’re right to be wary. Because retinol can be highly irritating, it’s important to use the right products and the right application process, to protect your sensitive skin and up your odds of success.

With the amount of research and development that has gone into retinol for skin care, it’s not surprising that the industry has developed products that work better for sensitive skin, both by modifying the retinol itself and including other active ingredients that help soothe skin and make retinol more tolerable. Proper application is essential in creating a successful retinol routine, so make sure you read our application tips below to minimize your risk of irritation. Choosing the right product is just as important. A retinol routine should be started at a low dosage to minimize irritation, and this holds especially true for sensitive skin. For normal skin, a low dosage is generally considered to be 0.1 to 0.3 percent retinol. For sensitive skin, starting with a product that is 0.1 percent retinol or lower would be the safest way to test your skin’s tolerance.

If you’re looking to give retinol a try, we’ve put together a list of our top retinol products for sensitive skin. These products are less likely to cause irritation, while still delivering the firmer, brighter, younger-looking skin that retinol is known for.

Retinol cream

Best for Beginners

Laneige Retinol Firming Cream Treatment

Buy Now $39

Pros

  • Pleasant, relaxing scent is great before bed
  • Hyaluronic acid helps soften and moisturize
  • Small, pea-sized amount per application 

Cons

  • Small half-ounce bottle
  • Very low retinol concentration

Key Specs

  • Retinol percentage: Less than 1 percent
  • Size: 0.5 ounces
  • Type: Cream
Laneige Retinol Firming Cream Treatment uses pure retinol, which can be more irritating than encapsulated retinol or other gentler retinoids, but the low concentration here, which is mixed into a cream rather than a serum, makes Laneige’s cream suitable even for beginners with sensitive skin. It also contains peptides, hyaluronic acid and madecassoside, which is extracted from a plant called Centella asiatica (also known as gotu kola) and can have a therapeutic effect on acne, scars, and other skin conditions.

 Centella asiatica cream has been a favorite skin-care botanical of mine ever since I experienced its healing benefits firsthand, after a motorcycle accident took a large chunk of skin off my shoulder. My dermatologist told me to rub a pure over-the-counter Centella asiatica cream over the scab twice a day, which helped it heal quickly, with no scarring. For individuals with sensitive skin, madecassoside’s healing and soothing properties provide an excellent safeguard against potential irritation caused by retinol.

“It’s a little sticky when you first apply it, but it quickly dissolves into your face nicely,” says Simone Scully, an editorial director at Everyday Health, who tried this product out. “It comes in a tube that makes it pretty easy to dose the fine pea-size amount it recommends you use, and it absorbs in maybe a minute or two.” Scully enjoyed the cream’s pleasant scent, which she says was “calming, especially before bed.” Overall, she says, the cream made her skin feel softer: “I plan to keep using it as part of my nightly skin-care routine because it does seem to be working.”

Best for Wrinkles

Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

$77 at Amazon
Buy on Amazon $77

Pros

  • Ferulic acid enhances anti-aging results
  • Pleasant upon application
  • Works well on fine lines and wrinkles
  • Contains “retinol alternative” botanicals bakuchiol and rambutan

Cons

  • Mild results in terms of dark spots and brightening
  • Retinol percentage not readily advertised

Key Specs

  • Retinol percentage: Not specified
  • Size: 2 ounces
  • Type: Cream
This wrinkle cream from Dr Dennis Gross contains encapsulated retinol, which is gentler than pure retinol and great for sensitive skin, along with two plant extracts that offer the same benefits as retinol but with a much lower potential for irritation. With encapsulated retinol, each molecule of retinol is enclosed in a casing of fat or acid that slows down its absorption and makes it less irritating on your skin.

 The two plant extracts are bakuchiol, which is derived from the purple babchi flower, and rambutan, a round fuzzy red tropical fruit, and research has shown that they both have retinol-like anti-aging benefits.

 Bakuchiol, in particular, functions similarly to retinol in reducing fine lines and wrinkles, with a much lower risk for irritation, making both these botanicals perfect additions to a retinol wrinkle cream for sensitive skin.

“I was hesitant to use a retinol product, as I have dry, sensitive skin and they can often cause irritation,” says Natasha Caleel, an Everyday Health writer who tested this product. “This product did not dry out my skin like others have and didn’t cause any redness or irritation.” She says that the cream “initially [feels] thick and buttery but absorbs quickly into a lightweight, nongreasy feel.” After two weeks, Caleel saw noticeable improvements to her wrinkles and fine lines, although there was not much change to her skin’s texture or dark spots. That said, seeing major changes with these products can take several weeks or months. She also enjoyed how highly moisturizing the cream was on her dry skin. It contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, shea butter, and squalane, which all help hydrate the skin and repair the moisture barrier.

Retinol cream

Best for Dry Skin

Olay Regenerist Retinol24 + Peptide Night Moisturizer

Buy Now $29.99

Pros

  • Moisturizes for 24 hours
  • Fragrance-free, which is great for sensitive skin
  • Unlikely to cause irritation
  • Smooth, velvety feel on the skin
  • Our testers reported noticeable skin improvement

Cons

  • Requires a lot of product in a single application
  • Little effect on firmness or brightness
  • Little effect on dark spots
  • Retinol percentage not readily advertised

Key Specs

  • Retinol percentage: Not specified
  • Size: 1.7 ounces
  • Type: Cream
This retinol cream from the Olay Regenerist line contains retinol and peptides, giving you both anti-aging and highly moisturizing benefits at the same time. It includes both retinol and retinyl propionate, which penetrates less deeply than retinol and causes less irritation, to create a retinol blend that works well for sensitive skin.

 The cream is designed to keep skin hydrated for 24 hours with just one application, and Everyday Health tester Catherine Brown loved the way the cream left her skin feeling immediately after applying it. “The texture felt so velvety and decadent, but then it gets absorbed fully into the skin within moments,” she says. However, she found that it took a lot of product to get the desired coverage. “I found myself using about three times as much as I would have liked in order to get the coverage and feel that I felt would be beneficial,” she says. Also, while her skin felt great after application, much of that improvement washed off with the cream — and the lasting effects were less noticeable than she’d hoped. That said, it’s important to know that noticeable effects from retinol can take at least several weeks to be evident.

After using the cream for a month, Brown didn’t notice any effect on her dark spots, or any improvement in her skin’s firmness or brightness, but she did find her skin to be smoother and less dry. This cream also contains vitamin B3, which reduces inflammation and strengthens the moisture barrier, as well as amino peptides, which stimulate collagen and elastin production to promote plumper, firmer skin.

Best for Acne

Differin Adapalene Gel

$8.15 at Amazon
$14.99Now 46% Off
Buy on Amazon $8.15

Pros

  • Can be safely used during the day
  • Adapalene is the top-choice retinoid for sensitive skin
  • Previously available by prescription only, but now available over the counter
  • Also effective against signs of aging

Cons

  • Gel formula may be more drying than a cream
  • May cause irritation to highly sensitive skin
  • May cause temporary acne during first few weeks

Key Specs

  • Retinol percentage: 0.1 percent adapalene (equivalent to about 0.5 to 1 percent retinol)
  • Size: 0.5 ounces
  • Type: Gel
Adapalene, a next-generation retinoid that was previously only available via prescription, is one of Lamb’s go-to retinoids for patients with highly sensitive skin who are beginning their retinol journey. It works just as well for anti-aging as it does for fighting acne, although this formula only comes in a gel, which is more drying than a cream, making it less than ideal for anyone who is not battling oily skin.

 Adapalene is generally tolerated better by the skin than retinol, and it has one very special superpower: It’s the only retinoid that is sun-stable, meaning you can use it during the day. Typically, retinol should only be applied at night, due to its tendency to make users more sun sensitive and because the product breaks down in the sun, but adapalene doesn’t carry these risks. This reduced risk of sun sensitivity is why Lamb recommends adapalene as her retinoid of choice for patients with sensitive skin. The only issue is that for patients looking for anti-aging results, Lamb prefers a cream form of adapalene, since this gel — which is intended for acne — is drying. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a 0.1 percent adapalene cream, you’re going to need to get a prescription.
“When I used it on my skin that experiences occasional hormonal breakouts, I didn’t notice the dramatic results of prescription-strength tretinoin,” says Jill Di Donato, a writer for Everyday Health who tested this product. “But the over-the-counter accessibility, low price point, and generally milder profile make it an excellent entry point for those looking to incorporate a retinol alternative into their anti-aging regimen,” she says. Since adapalene binds directly to your skin’s retinoid acid receptors, it doesn’t need to be converted to retinoic acid before your skin can use it, which makes it more powerful.

Retinol serum

Best for Leveling Up

Ultraceuticals Ultra A Perfecting Serum Mild

Buy Now $90

Pros

  • Encapsulated with antioxidants for gentle absorption
  • Free online consultation for beginners
  • Three strengths available for slow introduction to retinol

Cons

  • May have a medicinal scent to some

Key Specs

  • Retinol percentage: 0.2 percent retinol
  • Size: 1.01 ounces
  • Type: Serum

Ultraceuticals Ultra A Perfecting Serum Mild has a formula that contains 0.2 percent encapsulated retinol, with each retinol molecule sealed in antioxidants in the brand’s signature Retinome technology, which helps enhance overall absorption, while simultaneously slowing it down to reduce irritation. This mild serum is intended as a beginner serum for those with normal skin. For sensitive skin, we recommend starting with a 0.1 percent serum, making this product great for leveling up once your skin is comfortable with a weaker formula.

This serum also contains several ingredients that increase your skin’s tolerance to retinol, making it a good pick for sensitive skin. These ingredients include peptides, hyaluronic acid, and microcollagen, which all reduce signs of aging and increase moisture content, as well as saccharide isomerate, an ocean algae known to plump and smooth skin.

While this mild serum is intended as an introduction for those with normal skin, with the next-level product in this series containing 0.4 percent retinol, if you have sensitive skin, sticking to this formula might be the best option. As always, and in particular for sensitive skin, see how your skin reacts to using it every three days before increasing frequency or concentration.

Best for Maintaining Skin Barrier

IOPE Retinol Super Bounce Serum

$47.50 at Amazon
$50Now 5% Off
Buy on Amazon $47.50

Pros

  • Contains four different retinoids to maximize absorption and tolerance
  • Added probiotic keep skin’s microbiome healthy
  • Developed in a leading research institute
  • Excellent for skin tone and texture

Cons

  • May not be highly effective on fine lines and wrinkles
  • Comes in a breakable ceramic container

Key Specs

  • Retinol percentage: 1 percent total retinoids
  • Size: 1.01 ounces
  • Type: Serum
IOPE’s retinol serum actually contains four different retinoids: In addition to pure retinol, there’s encapsulated retinol, as well as bio-seletinoid, which is known to have brightening effects, and granactive retinoid, also called hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), which, once encapsulated, can be gentler on the skin than retinol but still highly effective.

This blend of retinoids helps keep the retinol concentration potent, while still being gentler and better tolerated than a similar amount of pure retinol, making it perfect for sensitive skin. The formula was developed in Korea’s Skin Science Research Center, a leading center for makeup development, where IOPE has been researching retinol since 1997.

The formula is balanced out by plenty of other ingredients to keep your skin looking and feeling its best, including lactobacillus ferment lysate, which is a by-product of the same lactobacillus bacteria that keeps the gut healthy. In a skin serum, this stuff helps keep your skin’s microbiome, and thus your skin barrier, healthy.

Our research found that while many users saw skin improvements while using this product, not everyone saw major results in terms of their fine lines and wrinkles. It’s also worth noting that this product comes in a ceramic container, which, while beautiful and environmentally friendly, is breakable, so be mindful while using and storing this product.

Best Dermatologist Recommended

RoC Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules

$23.72 at Amazon
$32.99Now 28% Off
Buy on Amazon $23.72

Pros

  • Dermatologist recommended
  • Ceramides and antioxidants help protect sensitive skin
  • Rapid results

Cons

  • Capsule packaging can be wasteful

Key Specs

  • Retinol percentage: Less than 1 percent
  • Size: 0.35 ounces (30 capsules)
  • Type: Serum

With their low concentration of retinol, RoC Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules are unlikely to cause irritation, making this product a great choice for sensitive skin. Our research found that plenty of users are getting great results with it. Lamb recommends this specific serum as one of her top choices, and even Kim Kardashian has said she uses it. According to Everyday Health writer Caitlin Beale, the hype is real.

“My skin definitely felt soft and smooth both after application and the next morning,” says Beale. “Looking at my before-and-after photos, it appears that my skin is a little more even than in the initial picture. I took a break from my usual anti-aging products and still felt like it did a good job, which is great because it’s much more affordable.” Overall, the formula has a reputation for being highly effective, with minimal irritation.

RoC’s retinol is encapsulated — perfect for sensitive skin — and the formula also contains ceramides, which have been shown to help repair the skin barrier and address pigmentation issues, as well as antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental stresses and can help prevent signs of aging.

Best for Daily Use

Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

$80.75 at Amazon
$95Now 15% Off
Check stock at Amazon

Pros

  • Gentle formula unlikely to cause irritation
  • Peptides and ceramides help keep skin healthy
  • Intended for daily use

Cons

  • Mild formula may have less noticeable results
  • Product may fall and shatter if picked up by the cap

Key Specs

  • Retinol percentage: 0.3 percent
  • Size: 1 ounce
  • Type: Serum

Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum contains 0.3 percent retinol, making it a great choice for introducing retinol to sensitive skin. It’s intended as part of a daily routine, but for sensitive skin, we recommend applying it once every three days at first and building up from there.

The serum includes ceramides, which are great for sensitive skin, as they help protect the skin barrier and increase your skin’s ability to tolerate retinol. It’s also packed with peptides, which stimulate the skin to produce collagen and elastin, leading to smoother, firmer skin.

Just because it’s a lower concentration doesn’t mean it is not effective. Our research found a high level of satisfaction with the serum’s effectiveness in diminishing wrinkles and improving skin tone.

Best Next-Generation Retinoid

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

$12.10 at Amazon
Buy on Amazon $12.10

Pros

  • Affordably priced
  • Considered less irritating to sensitive skin than retinol
  • Suitable for daily use

Cons

  • Less potent than retinol
  • Efficacy may plateau or diminish over time

Key Specs

  • Retinol percentage: 2 percent granactive retinoid, about equal to 0.2 percent retinol
  • Size: 1 ounce
  • Type: Emulsion
Since pure retinol first began appearing in skin-care products in the 1970s, scientific research has developed a large number of other retinoids that are often equally effective but less irritating and thus better suited to sensitive skin. As one study explains, “Nanotechnology is used in the development of retinoids to counteract adverse reactions like skin irritation and purging to improve its stability, efficacy, and acceptability.”

 In other words, these newer retinoids can have all the same benefits of retinol, but they are formulated to cause fewer side effects.
One of the most popular of these “next-generation retinoids” is HPR, which is highly potent yet still very gentle. In a recent study of 16 next-generation retinoids, “the stability of the newer hydroxypinacolone retinoate was the most prominent.”

 This outstanding stability means this retinoid won’t degrade or react as much to sunlight, while still being highly effective.

The Ordinary’s granactive retinoid is actually just a trade name for an ingredient that is 10 percent HPR. This serum has zero pure retinol, so the potential for irritation is low. Granactive retinoid has a reputation for being well-tolerated by the skin, while still delivering the same level of efficacy as a retinol product. Granactive is a less concentrated retinoid than retinol, with some sources suggesting a 1:10 equivalent, making this serum approximately equivalent to a mild 0.2 percent retinol product. This product is an emulsion, making it thicker than a serum and lighter than a cream. It should still be applied together with a moisturizer to maximize the benefits to your skin.

Best Sunscreen

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Moisturizer Sunscreen

$20.87 at Amazon
$29.49Now 29% Off
Buy on Amazon $20.87

Pros

  • Contains SPF 30 to protect retinol from photoactivity
  • Good for smoothing skin
  • Feels light on skin 

Cons

  • Likely to cause irritation
  • Daytime application of retinol not recommended

Key Specs

  • Retinol percentage: Not specified
  • Size: 1.7 ounces
  • Type: Cream with SPF

Most dermatologists recommend only applying retinol at night, since it’s reactive to sunlight. Using retinol during the day can deactivate the retinol, weakening its anti-aging effects, while simultaneously increasing your risk of sun damage, since retinol makes your skin more prone to sunburn. For individuals with sensitive skin, this guideline is even more important, in order to avoid irritation. If you’re determined to apply retinol during the day, combining it with an SPF of at least 30 is essential to keep the retinol stable. Neutrogena has added that necessary protection for you in this retinol sunscreen, removing that extra step of layering sunscreen on top of your retinol.

“I started using it twice a day, but had to knock it down to once every other day after I noticed some red and burning on my cheeks and under my eyes,” says Everyday Health writer Jen Sinclair, who tested this product. “I loved how quickly it absorbed into my skin and how light it felt. Once I got over the redness and burning (about 10 days in), the product disappeared on my skin.” After four weeks of use, she did notice the results. “My skin is smoother along my cheeks and definitely not as red. It also helped improve the look of my crows feet just a tad. My face is, overall, much smoother than it was,” she says.

Comparison Table

Best for
Type
Percentage
Size
Laneige Retinol Firming Cream Treatment
Best for beginners
Cream
Less than 1 percent
0.5 ounces
Buy Now $39
Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
Best for wrinkles
Cream
Not specified
2 ounces
Buy Now $77
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 + Peptide Night Moisturizer
Best for dry skin
Cream
Not specified
1.7 ounces
Buy Now $29.99
Differin Adapalene Gel
Best for acne
Gel
0.1 percent adapalene (equivalent to 0.5 to 1 percent retinol)
0.5 ounces
Buy Now $8.15
Ultraceuticals Ultra A Perfecting Serum Mild
Best for leveling up
Serum
0.2 percent retinol
1.01 ounces
Buy Now $90
IOPE Retinol Super Bounce Serum
Best for maintaining skin barrier
Serum
1 percent total retinoids (retinol content not specified)
1.01 ounces
Buy Now $47.50
RoC Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules
Best dermatologist recommended
Serum
Less than 1 percent
0.35 ounces (30 capsules)
Buy Now $23.72
Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
Best for daily use
Serum
0.3 percent
1 ounce
Buy Now $80.75
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Best next-generation retinoid
Emulsion (between a cream and a serum)
2 percent granactive retinoid (equivalent to about 0.2 percent retinol)
1 ounce
Buy Now $12.10
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Moisturizer Sunscreen
Best sunscreen
Sunscreen cream
Not specified
1.7 ounces
Buy Now $20.87

How We Chose the Best Retinol Products for Sensitive Skin in 2025

testing retinol products
Everyday Health

To create our selection of the best retinol products for sensitive skin, we researched, tested, and collected expert feedback on a wide selection of retinol products. Most of the products on this list were tested by individuals on the Everyday Health team, along with several other products that didn’t make the cut.

We also asked Angela Lamb, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, for her top recommendations in specific categories, as well as her favorite types of retinoids. She also provided some advice about to how to use retinol correctly.

During our research, we looked at concentrations, types of retinoids, additional ingredients, potential for irritation, efficacy, and user feedback to create a list of outstanding retinol products that are well suited to sensitive skin.

What to Look for When Buying Retinol Products for Sensitive Skin

When you’re selecting a retinol product for sensitive skin, you need to be cautious in order to keep your skin safe. Retinol can be irritating, even to those who don’t have sensitive skin. By paying attention to the type of product, the concentration, and the additional ingredients, you can maximize the impact on your skin while minimizing the negative side effects.

  • Type of product: If you have sensitive skin, choosing a cream over a serum is an easy way to keep the drying effects of retinol in check, since creams are more moisturizing and typically tend to have a lower concentration of retinol. Many dermatologists, including Lamb, recommend that users with sensitive skin start out with a cream. If you prefer a serum, make sure you choose one with a low retinol content — such as 0.1 percent — and keep in mind that it’s your responsibility to moisturize adequately with a lotion of your choice every time you apply the serum. 
  • Concentration: For beginners with sensitive skin, it’s particularly important to start with a product that has a low concentration of retinol to avoid the potential for serious irritation. Concentrations of 0.1 to 0.3 percent are considered appropriate entry-level concentrations for normal skin. For sensitive skin, stick closer to 0.1 percent to gauge your skin’s response. If you aren’t sure of the concentration and want to play it safe, you can always dilute your product with a moisturizer before application. 
  • Type of retinoid: Research has given us modified, less irritating forms of retinoids, which are gentler on skin than retinol while still being highly effective. Some of these include encapsulated retinol, retinal, and several next-generation retinoids, such as adapalene and HPR. Products that include these instead of (or in addition to) pure retinol may be less irritating than formulas only containing pure retinol.
  • Additional ingredients: Sensitive skin can benefit from skin soothing and strengthening ingredients that can help the skin tolerate and heal from retinol irritation. Peptides, ceramides, niacinamides, and botanicals like Centella asiatica and rose hip can help keep your skin healthy while it adjusts to retinol.

What Steps Can I Take to Minimize Irritation When Starting Retinol?

Proper application technique: A typical retinol routine usually involves applying retinol first and then a moisturizer on top, but beginners may want to switch up the order. “If someone says that they have sensitive skin, you want to put your moisturizer on first and then put the product on top,” Lamb recommends. Also, starting with a retinol cream is generally going to be gentler than a serum, as they are less drying. If you opt for a serum, it should always be applied together with a moisturizer.

Start slow: “Start very slowly, like sometimes every other night or every third night,” Lamb says. As your skin gets used to retinol, you can adjust your application technique, frequency, and product strength accordingly. There is no exact set of guidelines for applying retinol to sensitive skin as opposed to normal skin. “It just depends on tolerance,” says Lamb. As long as you develop your routine slowly, you can find what works best for your skin in terms of product strength and application technique.

Start low: For sensitive skin, start with the lowest possible concentration of retinol available. There are many products with a 0.1 percent or even lower concentration. If your skin handles that well, “Then you might want to transition to adapalene, which is the over-the-counter one, Differin,” Lamb suggests. Keep in mind that irritation often takes several days to develop. If you don’t notice any irritation the next morning, that doesn’t mean you should immediately start upping your use. Instead, stay consistent for at least two weeks to determine how the retinol is impacting your skin, before making any changes.

Sun protection: The most important step you can take to minimize irritation is proper sun protection. Even if you only apply retinol at night, which is highly recommended, you should still be wearing at least SPF 30 daily, and try to limit your sun exposure as much as possible.

Are Some Retinoids Less Irritating Than Others?

Yes. In recent years, there has been a lot of research and development into making retinol less irritating to skin. Retinol can be encapsulated, which means each molecule of retinol is encased in a protective layer of silicone, fat, or acid. This slows down the rate of absorption into skin, or prevents the retinal from penetrating as deeply by increasing its molecular size, making the retinol gentler but still effective.

 Lots of skin-care companies have patented their own signature retinol encapsulation techniques, and generally speaking, choosing an encapsulated retinol is a good move for sensitive skin.

There are also various retinoids (vitamin A derivatives that function like retinol), such as retinal or HPR, that have been found to be less irritating than retinol in scientific studies. Some retinoids can also be stronger and more irritating than retinol, such as tretinoin, for example, so if you’re looking at a product that uses a different retinoid, make sure it’s described as gentle and less irritating.

Why Did the European Union Ban Over-the-Counter Retinol Over 0.3 Percent?

Here in the United States, the concentration limit for over-the-counter retinol products is 1 percent, but in the European Union, it’s a much lower 0.3 percent. So, why the much lower limit? According to Lamb, it isn’t that retinol products over 0.3 percent are dangerous, exactly, but rather that once you hit that level of concentration, it’s a good idea to have your use supervised by a doctor. “People can kind of [overdo it], and all the things that I’m saying about applying moisturizer first, and going slowly, I think it’s easily missed. So it’s good to have a doctor overseeing your dosage,” she says.

That’s particularly true for people with sensitive skin: Buying a powerful over-the-counter retinol serum, not being careful about the sun, and using it daily right off the bat could lead to an extremely high and completely avoidable level of irritation. The European Union’s regulations are intended to prevent consumers from damaging their skin by going overboard with their retinol use and improperly using powerful retinoids without supervision. So, keep in mind, just because a product is available over the counter here in the United States does not mean it’s without risk. If you’ve got sensitive skin, be European about it: You’re best off sticking to products with less than 0.3 percent retinol.

FAQ

If retinol doesn’t work for my skin, what can I try instead?
Some active ingredients that produce similar effects to retinol include bakuchiol, a plant extract from the babchi plant, alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid and lactic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B3, and peptides. The effects may not be as noticeable, but the potential for irritation with these alternatives is also lower.
Retinol is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it can lead to birth defects or cause harm to an infant. People with active, uncontrolled skin conditions like eczema or rosacea should consult a doctor before using retinol. If you have a sunburn, broken skin, or severe acne, do not apply retinol.
Chances are, you will not be able to tolerate a high concentration of retinol if you have sensitive skin, no matter how slowly you introduce it. However, your tolerance depends on your individual skin, and testing it for yourself is the only way to know if or how much retinol your skin can handle. As long as you start out with a gentle product, increase your application and concentration very slowly, and back off if your skin becomes overly irritated, you can safely determine what level of retinol use is best for you.

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Mary Dennis

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Mary Dennis is a Singaporean American health and science writer based in New York. Her work has been published in the Beijinger, Nautilus, South China Morning Post, Motherly, and V...

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Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

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Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments...

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Ashley Ziegler

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Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites inc...

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Simone Scully

Tester

Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science ...

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Catherine Brown

Tester

Catherine began a career based on health while working at an orthodontist's office, then became a certified yoga and meditation teacher, but soon recognized a call to follow a path...

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Natasha Caleel

Natasha Caleel, OTR/L, PCES

Tester

Natasha Caleel, MS, OTR/L, is a licensed occupational therapist, women's fitness expert, and postpartum corrective exercise specialist with over two decades of experience helping w...

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EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Narsa AC et al. A Comprehensive Review of the Strategies to Reduce Retinoid‐Induced Skin Irritation in Topical Formulation. Dermatology Research and Practice. January 2024.
  2. Park KS. Pharmacological Effects of Centella asiatica on Skin Diseases: Evidence and Possible Mechanisms. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. November 20, 2021.
  3. Fang Y et al. Mitigation of Retinol‐Induced Skin Irritation by Physiologic Lipids: Evidence From Patch Testing. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. August 2024.
  4. Sekar M et al. Chapter 31: Rambutan Fruits Extract in Aging Skin. Aging: Oxidative Stress and Dietary Antioxidants. January 1, 2020.
  5. Chaudhuri RK et al. Bakuchiol: A Retinol‐Like Functional Compound Revealed by Gene Expression Profiling and Clinically Proven to Have Anti‐Aging Effects. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. June 2014.
  6. Bravo B et al. Benefits of Topical Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Quality and Signs of Skin Aging: From Literature Review to Clinical Evidence. Dermatologic Therapy. December 2022.
  7. Lueangarun S et al. The 24‐hr, 28‐day, and 7‐day post‐moisturizing efficacy of ceramides 1, 3, 6‐II containing moisturizing cream compared with hydrophilic cream on skin dryness and barrier disruption in senile xerosis treatment. Dermatologic Therapy. November 2019.
  8. Chen HJ et al. Moisture Retention of Glycerin Solutions With Various Concentrations: A Comparative Study. Scientific Reports. June 17, 2022.
  9. Lin T et al. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. December 27, 2017.
  10. What Is Squalane? Cleveland Clinic. December 23, 2022.
  11. Wang Q et al. The Synergistic Effect of Retinyl Propionate and Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate on Skin Aging. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. July 2023.
  12. Retinol. Cleveland Clinic. June 17, 2022.
  13. Joshi M et al. Modulatory Role of Vitamins A, B3, C, D, and E on Skin Health, Immunity, Microbiome, and Diseases. Pharmacological Reports. October 1, 2023.
  14. Rusu A et al. Recent Advances Regarding the Therapeutic Potential of Adapalene. Pharmaceuticals. August 28, 2020.
  15. Guide to Different Retinol Strengths and Their Retinoid Equivalents. City Skin Clinic. April 28, 2024.
  16. Jeong S et al. Anti-Wrinkle Benefits of Peptides Complex Stimulating Skin Basement Membrane Proteins Expression. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. December 20, 2019.
  17. Bravo B et al. Benefits of Topical Hyaluronic Acid for Skin Quality and Signs of Skin Aging: From Literature Review to Clinical Evidence. Dermatologic Therapy. October 21, 2022.
  18. Vergilio MM et al. Evaluation of the Influence of Niacinamide and Saccharide Isomerate on the Rheological Behavior of a Hydrogel for Topical Use. Biotribology. December 1, 2023.
  19. Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate. INCIDecoder.
  20. Xu H et al. An Ionic Liquid Nanoparticles for Dermal Targeted Delivery and Effective Anti-Wrinkle Treatment. Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology. December 1, 2024.
  21. Delanghe L et al. The Role of Lactobacilli in Inhibiting Skin Pathogens. Biochemical Society Transactions. April 30, 2021.
  22. Yong TL et al. Ceramides and Skin Health: New Insights. Experimental Dermatology. February 2025.
  23. Hussen NH et al. Role of Antioxidants in Skin Aging and the Molecular Mechanism of ROS: A Comprehensive Review. Aspects of Molecular Medicine. June 1, 2025.
  24. Trookman NS et al. Immediate and Long-Term Clinical Benefits of a Topical Treatment for Facial Lines and Wrinkles. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. March 2009.
  25. Pradhan SJ et al. Retinoids — A Unique Ingredient for Skin Rejuvenation Employing Novel Drug Delivery Systems. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. July 5, 2024.
  26. Temova Rakuša Ž et al. Retinoid Stability and Degradation Kinetics in Commercial Cosmetic Products. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. July 2021.
  27. Oargă (Porumb) DP et al. Unveiling the Mechanisms for the Development of Rosehip-Based Dermatological Products: An Updated Review. Frontiers in Pharmacology. April 11, 2024.
  28. Shields CW et al. Encapsulation and Controlled Release of Retinol From Silicone Particles for Topical Delivery. Journal of Controlled Release. May 28, 2018.
Additional Sources
  • Mascarenhas-Melo F et al. Comprehensive Review of the Skin Use of Bakuchiol: Physicochemical Properties, Sources, Bioactivities, Nanotechnology Delivery Systems, Regulatory and Toxicological Concerns. Phytochemistry Reviews. March 1, 2024.