9 Best Retinols for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists

Recommended by Dr. Liu and Dr. Koh, the Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum has a pH level of 6.0-7.0 to match the natural pH of skin, so it’s less likely to damage your skin barrier and cause inflammation. Dr. Koh loves how it also contains bio-fermented oligopeptide, which is a combination of yeast extract and soy amino acids that provide gentle exfoliation properties.

Testing notes: “This serum has a liquidy gel texture that absorbs into skin almost instantly without feeling sticky or tight and layers perfectly under a rich moisturizer,” says Glamour contributor, Devon Abelman. “I wake up with glassier skin every time I use it,” she says.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum

• Pros: Helps reduce inflammation and the appearance of acne scars and marks
• Cons: Has fragrance, which might be irritating to some

Acne can leave behind discoloration, poc marks and uneven skin texture that can be stubborn to correct. Incorporating a gentle retinol into your routine, even if you have active breakouts, can help with this. This formula combines retinyl ester, retinol and retinal to gently clarify blemishes and pimples, and leave skin looking soft, plump and smooth.

Testing notes: “What I love most about this product is how quickly it absorbs into the skin without forming that overly greasy layer. Unlike most retinoid formulas I’ve tried, the Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum doesn’t result in any irritation whatsoever. If anything, my skin ended up looking more soothed and hydrated,” says Glamour contributor, Denise Primbet.

Best K-Beauty Retinol: IOPE Retinol Super Bounce Serum

• Pros: Moisturizing; doesn’t sting; works fast
• Cons: Fermented ingredients can be sensitizing for some people’s skin

For decades, Korean skin care products were rarely formulated with retinol because most focus on intensely hydrating and calming skin. Though, Korean retinol products are becoming more abundant now, and one, in particular, has become highly sought after in Seoul: IOPE’s Retinol Super Bounce Serum. This gentle formula is moisturizing with the addition of squalane, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil.

Testing notes: “I’m now almost done with my third bottle of this serum, which is gentle enough for me to use every night. In the past I’ve had to buffer retinols by layering them over moisturizer so I don’t start flaking, peeling, and turning red. Not only does this serum stay gentle, it also makes my skin look smoother, plumper, and more even with continued use,” says Glamour contributor, Sarah Y. Wu.

Best for Under Eyes: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal

• Pros: Helps wake up and rejuvenate the skin; fades under eye lines without being harsh
• Cons: Extremely gentle, so it might take weeks to see results