Retinol for sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, retinol-containing products, even in low concentrations, may be irritating. If you’re someone who’s reacted to actives before or have a generally reactive skin, you may consider mixing your new retinol product into your basic moisturizer. That said, it is critical that you analyze your moisturizer’s ingredient list carefully for any ingredients that are incompatible with retinol

Here are a few things to consider when using retinol on sensitive skin

1. Ingredients to Avoid
   

• AHAs and BHAs: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating acids as if combined with retinol, they can increase irritation.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Can oxidize retinol and make it less effective.

• Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid): Different pH requirements can reduce the effectiveness of both ingredients and increase the likelihood of irritation.

• Fragrance and Essential Oils: Can cause additional irritation when used with retinol.

1. Ingredients Compatible with Retinol:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Provides hydration and can help to mitigate dryness and irritation.

• Ceramides: Strengthen the skin barrier and help retain moisture.

• Niacinamide: Soothes inflammation and enhances the skin barrier function.

• Peptides: Promote collagen production and complement the effects of retinol.

How to prevent skin reactions if you have sensitive skin

If you're blessed with sensitive skin, don't rush applying retinol-containing products directly to your skin. Use your moisturizer as a buffer to dial down retinol's potency the first few times.

Try

• Buffering: Apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer before retinol to create a buffer to reduce irritation.

• Mixing: If mixing, ensure that the moisturizer is simple and hydrating, without actives that could react with retinol.

Side note: you can apply a compatible moisturizer right after using a retinol-containing product instead of mixing the retinol in.

Cheat sheet: actives that are safe to use with retinol

Check your moisturizer label. The below are safe to use with retinol

Ingredient	Benefit
Hyaluronic Acid	Hydration, plumps the skin
Ceramides	Strengthen skin barrier, retain moisture
Niacinamide	Reduces inflammation, enhances barrier
Peptides	Promote collagen production
Squalane	Hydration, non-irritating
Glycerin	Humectant, attracts moisture

Final thoughts:

Mixing retinol with a moisturizer can be a good way to reduce inflammation and prevent skin reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin. When mixing or buffering, review the ingredient list of your moisturizer to ensure it doesn’t contain ingredients that can interfere with retinol.