If You Think Retinol Is "Too Much" for Your Skin, These 12 Face Creams Will Change Your Mind

Retinol is one of the most talked-about ingredients in skincare—and for good reason. Backed by decades of research, it's known to speed up cell turnover, boost collagen, smooth fine lines, fade hyperpigmentation and even keep breakouts in check. It is widely considered the gold standard in skincare for mature skin, but beyond that it's the kind of multitasking powerhouse that dermatologists consistently recommend to all. But despite its glow-inducing potential, retinol has also earned a bit of a reputation. If you've ever dipped your toe into the retinoid pool and come out the other side with red, flaky or irritated skin, you’re not alone.

For many, retinol can feel like too much: too drying, too intense, too risky for sensitive skin. But here’s the good news—not all retinol formulas are created equal, and if you’ve only tried potent serums or prescription-strength gels, you might be missing out on a whole category that’s far more gentle—retinol face creams.

These formulas are often buffered with hydrating, skin-repairing ingredients like ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils, making them more tolerable and even soothing for skin types that typically can’t handle a traditional retinol serum. Think of them as the gateway retinoids—essentially moisturisers with retinol that deliver visible results without triggering a full-blown skin freak-out. As an esthetician, I often recommend cream formulas to my clients who are retinol-curious but hesitant due to past irritation or dry, reactive skin.

"Unlike serums, moisturisers create a skin barrier that prevents moisture loss, making them ideal for those with dry and dehydrated skin," explains Osman Bashir Tahir, MBBS, MS, MRCS, MSc. "Retinol moisturisers are also great for all other skin types as the moisturising ingredients they contain help to combat potential dryness and flaking caused by retinol."

So, whether you're completely new to retinoids or looking to ease back in with something a little kinder to your barrier, these formulas just might change your mind about retinol altogether. Ahead, the best retinol creams that smooth, brighten and hydrate—no flaking required.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, a powerhouse ingredient known for its ability to speed up skin cell turnover and boost collagen production. It’s one of the most well-researched and dermatologist-recommended actives out there—loved for its ability to address multiple skin concerns at once, including fine lines, uneven tone, dullness, acne and even enlarged pores. In short, if there’s one ingredient that does it all, it’s retinol. Unlike prescription-strength retinoids (like tretinoin), over-the-counter retinol is typically milder, making it more accessible for everyday use, especially when formulated into creams that buffer it with nourishing, hydrating ingredients.

Where to Use a Retinol Cream in Your Routine

Retinol is best used at night. Because it’s an active ingredient, it shouldn't be applied alongside other actives, especially vitamin C or exfoliating acids.

Retinol serums would typically be applied before moisturiser, but if you’re using a retinol cream, the formula often functions as both treatment and moisturiser in one step, so you can skin your retinol serum altogether. If you’re new to retinol, start by applying it two to three nights a week, slowly increasing frequency as your skin builds tolerance. And don’t forget: retinol makes skin more sensitive to the sun, so facial SPF is non-negotiable during the day. Be wary of applying retinol too close to your delicate eye area—there are dedicated retinol eye creams which are best suited to target concerns in this area.

How to Choose the Best Retinol Face Cream

Choosing the right retinol cream comes down to understanding your skin’s needs and tolerance. If you’re a beginner or have sensitive skin, look for lower concentrations (around 0.1–0.3%) paired with calming ingredients like ceramides, glycerin or squalane. These buffers help to minimise irritation while still delivering long-term results.

Texture matters, too—a richer, more emollient cream will lock in moisture and reduce the risk of flaking or dryness. If your main focus is reducing the appearance of fine lines, opt for a formula that includes peptides or antioxidants to support collagen production. Those dealing with acne or congestion might prefer lighter textures with ingredients like niacinamide or zinc to balance oil. And always check the packaging—retinol is sensitive to light and air, so opaque, airtight containers help to maintain its potency.

The Best Retinol Creams 2025

1. Best Overall Retinol Cream: Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Smoothing Night Cream
2. Best Retinol Cream for Pigmentation: Allies of Skin Retinal 0.1% & Peptides Advanced Repair Night Cream
3. Best Retinol Cream for Skin Texture: Obagi Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream
4. Best Retinol Cream for Lines and Wrinkles: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
5. Best Retinol Cream for Breakouts: Face Theory Retinol Firming Moisturiser 0.2%

1. Medik8 Intelligent Retinol Smoothing Night Cream

2. Allies of Skin Retinal 0.1% & Peptides Advanced Repair Night Cream

3. Obagi Retinol + PHA Refining Night Cream

4. Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

5. Face Theory Retinol Firming Moisturiser 0.2%

6. Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream

7. RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration

8. Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.10%

9. Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

10. Perricone MD High Potency Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturiser

11. No7 Pure Retinol Night Repair Cream

12. Renew + Me Serum-In-A-Cream

How We Tested

As an esthetician with sensitive, reactive skin (and years of experience helping clients navigate the tricky world of active ingredients), I approached this testing process with both caution and curiosity. Many of these products I’ve returned to again and again over the years, but for those new to me, I spent time rotating them into my evening routine, allowing enough time to observe how each one performed.

I paid close attention to texture, absorption, and how the product layered with other staples in my nighttime routine. I also tracked how my skin responded: Was there irritation? Flaking? Redness? I noted whether the formulas caused purging, healed breakouts, improved texture, or left my skin more hydrated and resilient. The final edit reflects the creams that not only work but deliver retinol's impressive results without its unfortunate side effects.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.