6 Gentle Resurfacing Retinol Options For Sensitive Skin

Best for: Low risk high dosage

Sunday Riley haven’t compromised on potency with this high dose serum. It uses an innovative blend of retinoid esters, liposomal-encapsulated retinol, and blue-green algae (a natural, retinoid alternative) to treat fine lines, wrinkles and congestion.

Sizes: 15ml / 30ml / 50ml

Key features:

• Retinoid esters (five per cent), liposomal-encapsulated retinol (one per cent) and blue-green algae (natural, retinoid alternative)
• Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
• Clears a congested complexion
• Encapsulated CoQ10 improves the appearance of impaired skin
• Hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, cactus extract, and ginger work to balance, calm and soothe

Available at:

• $200 from ASOS

Best for: Retinol newbies

Formulated for folks new to the world of retinol, this face cream sandwiches a gentle, yet effective concentration of 0.1 per cent retinol in between nourishing vitamin E and hydrating panthenol. All you need is a pea-sized amount for your whole face, and for the record, we’d recommend adapting the frequency of application over time once your skin has had the opportunity to get used to the potent ingredient.

Sizes: 20ml

Key features:

• Contains 0.1 per cent retinol
• Vitamin E nourishes and moisturises
• Panthenol binds moisture to the skin and hydrates
• Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
• Lifts and firms sagging skin
• Shrinks pores
• Non-comedogenic

Available at:

• $33 from Amazon Australia
• $33.05 from Beauty Amora
• $57 from Woolworths

Best for: Retinol veterans

Although this may not be the most potent concentration of retinol, if you’ve already got your skin used to the ingredient, then this face cream is gentle enough to use every evening without causing irritation. Formulated with 0.3 per cent retinol, soothing bisabolol (to minimise irritation), and specially packaged to preserve its potency, this night cream targets the first signs of ageing, as well as acne.

Sizes: 30ml

Key features:

• Gentle enough to use nightly
• Contains 0.3 per cent retinol
• Bisabolol soothes and minimises irritation
• Specially packaged to ensure potency
• Targets the first signs of ageing and acne
• Non-comedogenic and fragrance-free

Available at:

• $129 from SkinCeuticals
• $129 from Adore Beauty
• $129 from MYER

Best for: Improving texture and tone

Get brighter, smoother skin with this 0.3 per cent retinol serum that utilises time-release technology to minimise the risk of irritation, as well as a nourishing infusion of moisturising emollients (jojoba oil and vitamin E).

Sizes: 15ml

Key features:

• Contains 0.3 per cent retinol
• Time-release retinol minimises the risk of irritation
• Infused with nourishing and moisturising emollients (jojoba oil and vitamin E)
• Brightens skin and smooths texture
• Minimises the first signs of ageing

Available at:

• $79 from The Iconic
• $79 from Adore Beauty
• $79 from Look Fantastic

Best for: A streamlined skin care routine

Streamline your skin care routine with this all-rounder serum that’s enriched with vitamin A (encapsulated slow-release retinaldehyde), vitamin B3 (niacinamide), and vitamin C (Kakadu plum). It helps to refine pores, fine lines and dark spots, enhance radiance, unify tone, smooth texture and promote a more resilient complexion.

Sizes: 30ml

Key features:

• Gentle enough to be used twice a day
  Slow-release encapsulation prevents skin from becoming overwhelmed and sensitised
• Contains encapsulated slow-release retinaldehyde (vitamin A), niacinamide (vitamin B3) and Kakadu plum (vitamin C)
• Refines pores, unifies tone and texture
• Enhances radiance
• Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
  Strengthens barrier function

Available at:

• $220 from Rejuvaus

Best for: Spot treating

If you have sensitive skin, then the idea of slathering retinol all over your face may not sound appealing to you. But you can still use the ingredient as a potent spot treatment under the eyes to get a leg up on crow’s feet before they form and deepen, or dotted onto dark spots to diminish the depth of colour of hyperpigmentation.

Sizes: 15ml

Key features:

• Contains one per cent retinyl palmitate, a gentle retinol alternative
• Infused with two per cent ascorbyl palmitate, a vitamin C derivative
• Enriched with one per cent hyaluronic acid and vitamin E
• Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
  Promotes elasticity, firmness and collagen production
• Lightweight and non-greasy

Available at:

• $39.95 from Dope Skin Co
• $39 from Oz Hair & Beauty