10 Of The Best Moisturizers To Use With Retinol
Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient in skincare, known for its ability to reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone. However, it can also cause dryness and irritation, especially for those new to using it. That’s why it’s essential to pair retinol with the right moisturizer. Using a suitable moisturizer not only helps to keep your skin hydrated but also minimizes any potential side effects from retinol. In this post, I’ve listed some of the best moisturizers to use with retinol to ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant.
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Can You Use Any Moisturizer After Retinol?
Using any moisturizer after retinol isn’t always the best idea. Retinol can be quite potent, leading to dryness and irritation, so it’s crucial to choose a moisturizer that can effectively counteract these effects. Look for moisturizers with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides. These ingredients help to replenish moisture, repair the skin barrier, and soothe any irritation caused by retinol.
It’s also important to avoid certain ingredients in your moisturizer. Fragrances can irritate the skin, especially when using retinol, and alcohol can further dry out the skin, exacerbating the dryness caused by retinol. Additionally, harsh exfoliants should be avoided, as combining these with retinol can lead to excessive irritation.
Choosing the right moisturizer can make a significant difference in how well your skin tolerates retinol, ensuring you get the maximum benefits without the negative side effects.
Related: The Best Gentle Retinol Products For Beginners
What Does Retinol Pair Well With?
Retinol is a versatile ingredient that can work wonders for your skin, but pairing it with the right products can enhance its effectiveness and reduce potential irritation. Here are some ingredients that complement retinol:
Hyaluronic Acid: Look for moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump. This helps counteract dryness and flakiness caused by retinol.
Soothing Ingredients: Centella, mugwort, aloe vera, and chamomile can calm and reduce irritation caused by retinol, promoting a smoother complexion.
Niacinamide: Choose moisturizers containing niacinamide, a vitamin B3 with anti-inflammatory properties that improve the skin barrier and help with uneven skin tone and texture.
Peptides: Opt for moisturizers with peptides, which support the skin’s natural repair processes and boost collagen production, enhancing retinol’s anti-aging benefits.
Azelaic Acid: Particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, azelaic acid helps refine skin texture and reduce acne blemishes.
Ceramides: Moisturizers with ceramides maintain and support a healthy skin barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental stressors.
Incorporating moisturizers or skincare products with these ingredients into your skincare routine alongside retinol can maximize its benefits while minimizing any potential side effects, ensuring healthier and more radiant skin.
Moisturizers To Use With Retinol:
1. Bioderma Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
The Bioderma Squalane + Omega Repair Cream is a great choice to pair with retinol, offering deep hydration and skin barrier support. Containing sugarcane-derived squalane and omega fatty acids, it strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier and provides deep hydration without clogging pores. This fragrance-free, rich cream is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is particularly ideal for dry skin or during the winter.
- Key ingredients: ceramides, fatty acids, hyaluronic acid, squalane
- Consistency: rich cream
- Size: 1.69 oz
2. Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
The Skinfix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream is my personal favorite and the moisturizer I use with retinol. Formulated with lipids, peptides, ceramides, and squalane, it effectively restores and maintains the skin barrier. The triple lipid complex locks in moisture and protects against environmental stressors, while peptides plump the skin and boost collagen production.This cream is ideal for combination skin as it deeply moisturizes without feeling heavy.
- Key ingredients: lipids, peptides, ceramides, squalane
- Consistency: rich cream
- Size: 1.7 oz (refillable)
3. Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb
Belif The True Cream Moisturizing Bomb is a great choice for pairing with retinol, offering intense hydration and long-lasting moisture. Formulated with peptides, ceramides, and squalane, this whipped, rich cream absorbs quickly, providing deep hydration without greasiness. It reinforces the skin barrier and locks in moisture, helping to prevent dryness and irritation from retinol. Suitable for all skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin, it ensures your skin remains smooth and nourished.
- Key ingredients: peptides, ceramides, squalane
- Consistency: whipped rich cream
- Size: 1.69 oz
4. Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
If you have oily skin and find Belif’s Moisturizing Bomb too thick, the Belief True Cream Aqua Bomb is a great alternative. This lightweight gel-cream pairs well with retinol, offering a refreshing burst of hydration. Formulated with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, it balances and soothes the skin while providing deep hydration. The gel texture absorbs quickly, delivering moisture without greasiness.
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, squalane
- Consistency: lightweight gel-cream
- Size: 1.69 oz
5. REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm
REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm is ideal for soothing and nourishing skin post-retinol. Enriched with jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, and beta-glucan, this rich balm replenishes and hydrates overnight. Perfect for sensitive and dry skin, it delivers intense moisture and reduces redness and irritation from retinol.
- Key ingredients: jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, beta-glucan
- Consistency: rich balm
- Size: 1.02 oz
Drugstore Moisturizers To Use With Retinol:
6. Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer is a lightweight lotion containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides. Dermatologist-tested and free from common irritants, it’s ideal for sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to the skin, while ceramides help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. This combination alleviates dryness and irritation from retinol use, promoting a healthier complexion.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides
- Consistency: lightweight lotion
- Size: 3 oz
7. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
One of the best drugstore moisturizers to use with retinol is the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. It is a thick, nourishing cream enriched with hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides. Ideal for dry skin, it deeply hydrates and helps restore the skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid attracts moisture to the skin, while ceramides lock it in, providing long-lasting hydration. This formulation soothes dryness and minimizes irritation from retinol use.
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, 3 essential ceramides
- Consistency: thick cream
- Size: 19 oz
8. Weleda Skin Food Moisturizer
Weleda Skin Food Moisturizer is a deeply moisturizing cream known for its intensive hydration. It contains nourishing oils like sunflower oil and sweet almond oil, along with natural ingredients like pansy, chamomile, and calendula. Ideal for dry and rough skin, it soothes and replenishes after retinol use. However, it may not be suitable for sensitive skin as it contains fragrance and essential oils.
- Key ingredients: chamomile, calendula, pansy, sunflower oil, sweet almond oil
- Consistency: thick cream
- Size: 2.5 oz
9. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is a lightweight hydrating option for use post-retinol. Infused with prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, and niacinamide (vitamin B3), it provides all-day hydration and restores the skin barrier in an hour. This cream is ideal for normal to dry skin. Oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, it’s suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Key ingredients: prebiotic thermal water, ceramides, niacinamide
- Consistency: lightweight cream
- Size: 3.38 oz
10. Avène Revitalizing Nourishing Cream
Avène Revitalizing Nourishing Cream is a rich cream ideal for dry, sensitive skin. It combines Avène Thermal Spring Water, antioxidants, and vitamin E to provide luxurious hydration and nourishment. This cream replenishes moisture balance after retinol use, offering deep hydration with a texture that absorbs without heaviness. It strengthens the skin barrier, reduces irritation, and promotes a smooth, radiant complexion.
- Key ingredients: Avène Thermal Spring Water, antioxidants, vitamin E
- Consistency: rich cream
- Size: 1.6 oz
How to Use Moisturizer with Retinol
If you’re new to using retinol and want to minimize potential side effects, adjusting your application routine can be beneficial. Begin by applying moisturizer to clean, dry skin for the first few weeks. Let the moisturizer absorb completely before applying retinol. This approach creates a buffer that lessens the direct impact of retinol on your skin, potentially reducing irritation.
Once the moisturizer has absorbed, apply a pea-sized amount of retinol evenly across your face. As your skin becomes accustomed to the treatment, gradually transition to applying retinol directly onto cleansed skin. This gradual adjustment helps your skin adapt to retinol’s effects while minimizing dryness or irritation.
It’s essential to monitor how your skin responds and adjust the frequency and amount of retinol based on your skin’s tolerance. Additionally, remember to apply sunscreen during the day, as retinol can increase skin sensitivity to the sun. By establishing a consistent routine with retinol and moisturizer, you can promote smoother, healthier-looking skin over time.
Those are some of the best moisturizers to use with retinol. Choose one that suits your skin type and needs, and remember to always patch-test new products to ensure they work well for you. With the right moisturizer, you can achieve the benefits of retinol while maintaining hydrated and healthy skin.
