15 Retinol Oils That Won't Dry Out or Irritate Even the Most Sensitive Skin

Allure editors and dermatologists have been singing the praises of Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil for years. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, says that it's a good pick for those with sensitive skin. "It doesn't have retinol but it does have hydroxypinacolone retinoate, a retinoic acid ester, a much more gentle ingredient so there is a lower risk for irritation, dryness, and flaking," he says.

"Thankfully, a lot of the nonprescription retinoid products have really improved their formulations by having the retinol release over time," board-certified dermatologist Sheila Farhang, MD, has told Allure. She recommends Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil, because, in addition to the gentler oil format, it's a sustained-action retinol formula.

New York City-based board certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, loves the Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Maretinol Oil because it hydrates and calms inflammation while helping with texture. "There's also ceramides in the formula to help heal cracks in the outer skin layer to maintain a healthy barrier," he adds.

Strivectin S.T.A.R. Light Retinol Night Oil provides the benefits of retinol in three ways: retinol's retinoic acid ester cousin, hydroxypinacolone retinoate, the retinol-mimicking bakuchiol, and of course, regular ol' retinol itself. This trio packs quite a punch against lines and wrinkles, but don't worry — that punch feels more like moisture replenishment due to squalane and chia seed oil.

Texture-refining retinol sits right smack in the middle of Mara Algae Retinol Face Oil's long ingredient list of botanical oils and fermented extracts that deliver much-needed antioxidants and fatty acids to the skin. Retinol's titular costar, algae, lends to the formula's firming abilities, while other natural wonders — like hemp seed oil and cacay — replenish moisture and soothe.

Retinol and one of its esters, retinyl palmitate, have got the smoothing and refining aspect of Pixi Overnight Retinol Oil fully covered, while its peptides concentrate on firming your skin. Its sweet almond oil base also hosts a special ceramide that makes sure skin stays moisturized, letting your beauty sleep result in a revitalized complexion.

Although many — if not most — retinol products emphasize their line-smoothing prowess, Dermalogica Retinol Clearing Oil is focused on retinol's ability to lessen breakouts. "From an acne standpoint, the increase in cell turnover helps unclog pores," Dr. Farhang previously explained about retinol. "This also helps decrease the appearance of brown or red post-acne spots — post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — as well as help collagen synthesis for acne scarring." This particular product gets a major assist from gold-standard acne-fighting ingredient salicylic acid, not to mention naturally sebum-like jojoba oil. 

Don't be scared by Votary Intense Night Oil's name; although it's potent, it's also thoughtfully formulated to keep skin calm. The aforementioned retinoic acid ester known as hydroxypinacolone retinoate encourages radiant, plumper skin. Meanwhile, the nightly treatment's impressive oil combination — grapeseed, avocado, apricot kernel, tomato seed, paracress, and more — ensure less inflammation and more moisture.

In Colleen Rothschild's Retinol Supreme Oil, the vitamin A derivative is joined by vitamin C and vitamin E for extra antioxidant protection against environmental ickiness. While you sleep, its numerous plant oils — like that of cotton seed, evening primrose, and moringa — ensure you wake up to moisturized skin that looks a little more radiant each day.

Retinyl retinoate, yet another retinoic acid ester, is the "retinol 8" in Verso's Super Facial Oil With Retinol 8. (Retinoate, retinol 8 — see what they did there?) This simple yet sophisticated formula is made specifically to allow sensitive skin to reap retinol's benefits. Not only does it keep skin from becoming reactive, but it may also visibly soothe it by reducing redness. 

Retinol and bakuchiol are united in this herb-infused formula that promises to reduce hyperpigmentation and encourage smoother skin. In addition to plant oils favored by many of the picks on this list, Naturopathica Holy Basil & Retinol Ageless Night Oil also features holy basil (of course) to combat the effects of stress and free radicals, as well as proven soothers like oatmeal and turmeric. 

Made with a higher concentration of retinol than many other oils — 1 percent to be exact — 111 Skin Celestial Black Diamond Retinol Oil is not messing around when it comes to making a difference in the tone and texture of your skin. The nighttime treatment may be on the more intense side, but it's still super comfortable to use thanks to moisture-boosting sweet almond, olive, and grapeseed oils that reduce the irritation that can come with stronger retinol formulas.

As the hydroxypinacolone retinoate in Absolute Joi's Skin Refining Night Oil works to increase cell turnover for brighter, smoother skin, the antioxidant vitamins C and E help protect skin from the aggressors that threaten to dull your complexion. The base of largely organic oils like that of argan, jojoba, and evening primrose provide skin with moisturizing, fortifying fatty acids that give skin a healthy-looking glow and smooth feel.