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12 best retinol serums that will look after your sensitive skin, and we've tried them all
You won’t end up a flaky mess, promise
As a sensitive skin bb, I have a conundrum on my hands that plagues me as a beauty editor: to retinol or not to retinol.
Sure, retinol is a god-tier skincare ingredient that can help soften fine lines and wrinkles, clear up both hormonal acne and whiteheads alike, smooth uneven skin texture, minimise the look of large pores, and even fade dark spots too. She’s pretty damn powerful – which is exactly why retinol can be a little too much if you have an already inflamed, irritated face.
Retinol is known to result in splotches, dry patches, peeling, and burning – even if you aren’t also blessed with sensitive skin. But! Rejoice: I’ve personally tested and reviewed dozens of the best retinols for sensitive skin, and I’ve got thoughts.
Whether you’ve got rosacea, keratosis pilaris, eczema, fragrance allergies, or just skin that screams over a gingerly touch, you’ll want to opt for a gentle retinol for sensitive skin, like formulas filled with moisturising and soothing ingredients. Keep scrolling for my top picks, from retinol creams to serums to drops:
Best retinol serums for sensitive skin in 2025:
- 1
- 2
- 3
Best retinol for sensitive, acne-prone skin
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Anti-Aging Daily Face Moisturiser
Read review - 4
Best drugstore retinol cream for sensitive skin
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
Read review - 5
Now keep scrolling for the full list, along with the info you really need to know if you're dealing with sensitive skin, like what the most gentle retinol is, how to apply retinol for sensitive skin, and more.
Pros
- Has time-release retinol that doesn't irritate sensitive skin
Cons
- May still be too a lil too intense for super-sensitive skin
I legit thought this serum would ruin my skin during testing, but I’m happy to report I experienced zero (!) irritation. Seriously. The retinol serum uses three MVP anti-agers to smooth your skin: (1) microencapsulated retinol to slow down the absorption so it’s less intense on your skin; (2) bakuchiol, which is a natural, gentler alternative to retinol; and (3) arophira, which is sea fennel extract that mimics retinol. Sounds overwhelming, but the combo is surprisingly gentle, even for retinol newbies.
Glowing customer review: “My skin feels so nice, I really love this. It’s a great brand and it’s vegan. Finally! I’ve tried so many.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients | Encapsulated retinol, bakuchiol, sea fennel extract, chlorophyll |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-free? | Yes |
Pros
- Comes in progressive strengths so sensitive-skin girlies can use it
- It’s more potent compared to retinol but with less side effects
Cons
- The higher strengths can get quite spenny
Medik8’s Crystal Retinal is like royalty in the retinoid world. This silver bottle has won countless awards – and the approval of many editors and experts.
It contains retinaldehyde which is a more potent iteration of vitamin A compared to retinol. Also, it’s higher up in the conversion process, it causes less irritation to the skin so you’re getting more efficacy without the common side effects associated with retinol use.
It’s available in a series of strengths, from Crystal Retinal 1 to 24, so start at the lowest concentration and worth your way up, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Glowing customer review: “My skin loves this retinal. My pores are nearly invisible, the texture of my skin is a lot smoother and the lines and wrinkles appear less visible. This product is now a must have in my regime.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Retinaldehyde, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, glycerin |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Anti-Aging Daily Face Moisturiser
Pros
- Oil-free formula is great for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Might not be hydrating enough for very dry skin types
Good news: Retinol speeds up cell turnover, which makes your skin cells less “sticky” to reduce the likelihood of them getting stuck in your pores, getting inflamed, and leading to zits. That can also help smooth texture and fade dark spots.
Bad news: Over-the-counter retinols rarely improve my persistent cystic acne (only Rx-strength retinoid typically works to clear up that type of breakout), but this oil-free pick from RoC is a great, lightweight option for your acne-prone skin. It combines retinol with a hoard of lightweight hydrators – including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E – to help counteract the sensitising effect of retinol without feeling too heavy.
Glowing customer review: “I have used multiple retinol moisturisers and treatments and this is the only product I’ve used where I have experienced a tangible improvement in elasticity, moisture, and reduction of fine lines. It smells great and is totally non-irritating. My skin is so sensitive that at one point I was legitimately concerned that ceramides were irritating it (false), but this has been great.”
Key Specifications:
| Key ingredients: | Retinol, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-free? | Yes |
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Affordable and widely available at most all drugstores
Cons
- May not be hydrating enough for dry skin
Even though this night cream wasn’t specifically made for sensitive skin, it’s surprisingly gentle (so gentle that it’s the only thing my boyfriend’s baby face will tolerate). The fragrance-free formula uses retinol and retinyl propionate – one of the weakest, mildest forms of all retinoids – to smooth, plump, and brighten over time.
And remember: If you’re still worried about irritation, try alternating with your regular night cream every other night to see how your skin reacts.
Glowing customer review: “I love this product! The night cream feels great on my face and I can see a difference in my skin. I have very sensitive skin and I have no problems.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Retinol, niacinamide, peptides |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-free? | Yes |
CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
Pros
- Ceramides keep the skin feeling soft and plump
- Encapsulated retinol reduces irritation
Cons
- Some may find the percentage of retinol to be too weak
CeraVe’s Resurfacing Retinol Serum comes highly recommended by dermatologists for its ability to smooth pigmentation and brighten without causing irritation. The secret sauce? It’s all thanks to ceramides that keep the skin barrier strong and hydrated while encapsulated retinol gently exfoliates and brightens.
Glowing customer review: “After consistently using the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, I noticed a visible improvement in my skin’s texture and tone. My skin appeared smoother and some of the post-acne marks began to fade. The serum did not cause the intense irritation that can often accompany retinol, which is a significant plus for those with sensitive skin.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Retinol, ceramides, niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Pros
- Keeps the skin hydrated while fading pigmentation and brightening
- A few drops go a long way
Cons
- Those with oily skin may not get along with it
A face oil? Sensitive skin? Sounds scary, I know, but Byoma’s Sensitive Retinol Oil has been meticulously formulated for those with temperamental skin.
A few drops instantly sink in without feeling greasy or you can mix a few drops into your facial moisturiser to give it a smoothing boost. As for the ingredients, alongside retinol the oil contains squalane, soybean, sunflower and carrot oil to keep the skin hydrated and plump.
Glowing customer review: “I’ve only been using this for a short period but I haven’t reacted like I usually would to retinol. I use it in the evenings before a basic moisturiser.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | vitamin A, soybean, sunflower seed and carrot oil |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
First Aid Beauty 0.3% Retinol Complex Serum
Pros
- It has a very delicate percentage of retinol making it great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some may find the percentage too low to see quick results
This silky-smooth serum contains 0.3% retinol, a gentle dose of vitamin A, so it will slough away dead skin cells, exfoliate and brighten over time. The rest of the formula is packed with nourishing peptides which not only feel like a soft hug on your skin, but the amino acids will boost your barrier strength and promote plump, firm skin.
Glowing customer review: “I have sensitive, acne prone skin and this is literally the only retinol my skins can tolerate. My skin is soft, clear and looks the best is has in probably a decade and a half. If they ever discontinue this product I will hoard it like a doomsday prepper.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | retinol, retinyl propionate, peptides |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum
Pros
- Helps smooth skin and reduce irritation with niacinamide
- Fairly moisturising, thanks to hyaluronic acid and sunflower seed oil
Cons
- Some reviewers found the thin, oily texture too heavy
My BFF has majorly sensitive skin, which is a bummer for me because I constantly need people in my life to test products for me (your girl only has one face!). So when this landed on my desk, I knew she’d be the perfect test subject. The gel serum uses pure retinol, but in a small dose that’s ideal for sensitive skin, along with soothing niacinamide, which, Dr. Cheung says “is a powerhouse active ingredient that helps boost hydration, calm irritation, and brighten skin.”
Plus, it’s also got moisturising ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and sunflower seed oil. And I was right: Now, a year later, she’s bought her very own second and third tube. She swears by how gentle and lightweight it is while majorly smoothing and plumping up her skin over time.
Glowing customer review: “Been using this product for six months now.. very lightweight and perfect for beginners who are looking to start using retinol in night routine. Love love love this product!”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Retinol, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, sunflower seed oil |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-free? | Yes |
The Inkey List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturiser
Pros
- Uses bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, to smooth skin and increase collagen production
Cons
- Doesn't work as fast as regular retinol
I personally have a love affair with The Inkey List – all of its products are super affordable, and the formulas are simple and effective, without any of the junky irritants (hi, my pet peeve). And this gentle moisturiser is no exception: It’s filled with bakuchiol to smooth lines, squalane to moisturise, and sacha inchi oil to lock in hydration.
Glowing customer review: “I am on my fourth tube of this stuff, and it is great. I have noticed the deep lines on my forehead and neck reduced using it once a day before bed and before applying moisturiser.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Bakuchiol, squalane, sacha inchi oil |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Tula Wrinkle Treatment Drops Retinol Alternative Serum
Pros
- Super customisable for your routine
Cons
- Can be easy to overdo
If a retinol cream feels too intense or heavy for your sensitive skin, I highly recommend these face serum drops that use bakuchiol to help smooth and tighten skin over time. FYI: “Bakuchiol is a plant-based retinol alternative that also boosts collagen with less irritation and can be combined with retinol to enhance efficacy while decreasing side effects,” says Dr. Cheung.
Massage a few drops over your clean, dry skin before following with the rest of your skincare routine, or mix a few drops in with your regular face moisturiser to dilute the bakuchiol even more (if you’re a first-time scaredy cat like I was).
Glowing customer review: “Makes my skin feel amazing. Have noticed [a] decreased look of lines in my face, especially [the] jaw area.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Bakuchiol, lactic acid, squalane, carrot root extract |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
No7 Lift & Luminate TRIPLE ACTION Night Cream
Pros
- Super rich cream that feels v moisturising, IMO
Cons
- Not as effective or potent as formulas with pure retinol
I’ll be honest with you: This fragrance-free cream barely counts as a retinol – and that makes it the perfect pick for anyone who wants a super-gentle night cream with some anti-aging benefits.
The only retinoid in the formula is retinyl palmitate (the weakest of retinoids), so all of the softening, smoothing, and brightening effects are really coming from the cream’s hefty dose of firming peptides and plumping hyaluronic acid. And yes, the combo really does work (the power of peptides is real, folks).
Glowing customer review: “I immediately noticed my skin looked brighter and healthier. I love the way this product feels on my skin. It doesn’t leave a greasy or oily film.”
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Retinyl palmitate, peptides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Retinol + HPR Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream
Pros
- Water-y, thin texture sinks in immediately, per my testing
- Combines pure retinol with HPR to reduce inflammation while increasing strength
Cons
- Testers didn't love the rosy scent
The MVP of this formula is “hydroxypinacolone retinoate, or HPR, a retinoid acid ester that binds to the retinoid x receptors only, which don’t cause any irritation when activated,” says dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engleman, who partnered with Elizabeth Arden on the launch.
“You get all the potency and efficacy with less likelihood of the harsh side effects, like dryness and flaking.” What I (and Dr. Engleman) love so much about this product is that it combines HPR with pure retinol to increase potency without increasing sensitivity, making it ideal for those who want to bump up their retinol but can’t tolerate high-strength products.
I have been loving this for my oily skin, because the water-based cream is majorly lightweight. I press down one or two pumps from the airtight container, then massage it over my skin at night after serums. It’s moisturising enough for my skin on its own (shout-out hyaluronic acid and ceramides), but I can easily add an occlusive barrier cream or face oil on top if I need it.
Glowing customer review: "This water cream is definitely the fastest-absorbing cream I’ve used while leaving no greasy residue or tacky feeling. Besides the scent, I’d say it does a fantastic job at keeping the skin moist while reducing wrinkles."
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients: | Retinol, HPR, phytosphingosine (antimicrobial ceramide), ceramides, bisabolol, hyaluronic acid |
|---|---|
| Fragrance free? | No |
What retinol is good for sensitive skin?
All retinoids (i.e., the umbrella term for all vitamin-A derivatives, including retinol) are created differently, with different potencies and efficacies. “Retinoids sink into your skin to speed up cell turnover, causing your body to churn out fresher, smoother, less wrinkled skin over time,” dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, previously told Cosmo. Weaker retinoids take longer (but are more tolerable), while stronger retinoids work faster (but with way more irritation). Here’s the general breakdown:
Retinoid strengths (weakest to strongest)
- Retinyl palmitate (super weak and not very effective as a retinoid on its own)
- Retinol (typically ranges from 0.01 percent to 3.0 percent. Sensitive skin types should stick to percentages under 0.5)
- Retinaldehyde, aka retinal (even stronger, but still has lower, tolerable doses for sensitive skin)
- Adapalene (the strongest high-street retinoid that’s formulated to treat acne)
- Prescription retinoids (like tretinoin or tazarotene; effective, but can be highly irritating)
There’s only one caveat here: bakuchiol. Which brings us to...
How to incorporate retinol into skincare routine:
The most important thing to remember when you start incorporating retinol into your skincare routine? Start slow. A good rule of thumb is massaging a pea-sized dot across your entire face one night for the first week, then two nights the second week, then three nights a week indefinitely. It’ll give your skin a chance to get acclimated without potential irritation or inflammation. If your skin starts to burn, flake, peel, or itch, take a beat for a few days and focus on moisturising and soothing.
We’re big fans of the skin cycling approach, where the first night you’ll exfoliate (usually with a chemical exfoliant, like lactic acid or mandelic acid, both of which are great for sensitive skin), the second night you’ll apply retinol, and the third and fourth nights you’ll moisturise. “Many people struggle with irritation when using retinol, so introducing the ingredient in this controlled way is a game-changer – especially for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin," dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, who coined “skin cycling” on TikTok, previously explained to Cosmo.
Want even more hydration to help offset dryness? Try the retinol sandwich method. “Start by applying a moisturiser, then retinol, and then another layer of moisturiser on top,” says Dr. Cheung. Essentially, this can help decrease some irritation, as it creates a barrier between your skin and the retinol, limiting its absorption a little bit, she explains. But don’t worry, this doesn’t majorly cut down on efficacy, so long as you’re using it consistently.
Is bakuchiol good for sensitive skin?
Bakuchiol (also called natural retinol or retinol alternative) is “considered a 'phytoretinol,' or a plant-based ingredient with similar functions and benefits of retinol, but is still gentle enough for very sensitive skin,” dermatologist Dr. Anar Mikailov has previously told Cosmo. Just like classic retinol, bakuchiol also triggers collagen production and increases your skin’s cellular turnover, leading to smoother, softer, and brighter skin over time.
So if you’re looking for the gentlest retinol for sensitive skin, look for formulas that contain low-dose retinol, low-dose retinaldehyde, or bakuchiol. Again, there’s not an exact percentage or formula that is “the best” overall, because everyone’s skin has different needs, so you need to play a lil trial-and-error – and also apply it correctly.
How to choose the best retinol for sensitive skin
Even the gentlest retinoid on this list can still give your skin problems if you’re not applying it correctly. If you have sensitive skin, make sure to start slow to mitigate the initial adjustment period of flakes and sensitivity: “Apply a pea-size drop to your entire face one night a week for one week, then two nights a week for two weeks, then three nights a week for three weeks, and then every other night indefinitely,” Dr. Gohara has said.
Re-read that again, because I truly cannot stress the importance of this advice enough: Only apply your retinol once or twice a week for three weeks to see how your skin reacts. The side effects from retinoids are cumulative and may not show up until your third or fourth use – so if you apply too much too quickly, your face may suddenly rebel, leaving you with inflamed skin that takes weeks to heal. My pro tip? Set calendar reminders on your phone for the next 12 weeks, so you know exactly when to apply your retinol next.
Think of the formulation.
Do you have super-dry skin? Try a retinol night cream, which can be layered underneath (or on top of) your regular moisturiser for double hydration to offset any irritation. Or, if you’re working with oily skin or acne-prone skin, try playing around with a retinol serum or retinol drops, which won’t feel heavy or greasy under your normal moisturiser.
Meet the experts:
- Dr. Dendy Engleman is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY where she practices at the Shafer Clinic. She's well-versed in products and ingredients, especially over-the-counter options.
- Dr. Jessie Cheung is a board-certified dermatologist with practices in Chicago, IL, and New York, NY. She focuses on the intersection of dermatology and overall wellness, taking a holistic approach to acne and skin.
- Dr. Anar Mikailov is not only a board-certified dermatologist at Barrington-Park Dermatology Associates in Rochester, NY, but also the founder of KP Away, a skincare line devoted to treating keratosis pilaris. Dr. Mikailov has previously spoken to Cosmo about bakuchiol skincare products.
- Dr. Mona Gohara is an associate clinical professor of dermatologist at Yale School of Medicine, and a board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut in multiple locations in CT. Dr. Gohara has previously spoken to Cosmo about how to apply retinoids in your skincare routine.
- Dr. Whitney Bowe is a board-certified dermatologist in New York and the founder of Dr. Whitney Bowe Beauty. Dr. Bowe treats a wide variety of skin concerns and is the creator of the viral skin cycling trend, which is why she was previously interviewed by Cosmo.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with six years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from cleansing balms to neck creams. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to the best retinol for sensitive skin after testing dozens on her own face and consulting dermatologists.
Chloe Metzger was the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nearly 10 years of experience writing about skincare. She’s tested hundreds of products for sensitive skin, including retinols, over her career that helped her write this story.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
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