While tretinoin is exceptionally beneficial for various skin concerns, it has some side effects, too. Using tretinoin cream might dry out your skin, and that is why you need a good quality, hydrating moisturizer. The combination of tretinoin cream and a good moisturizer calls for blemish-free and smooth skin. In addition, a good moisturizer will help restore your skin’s natural barrier and provide deep hydration. If you are unsure which moisturizer to pair with your tretinoin cream, this article is just for you. To make your job easy, we have curated a list of the best moisturizers to use with tretinoin cream. Scroll down and take your best pick now!
10 Best Moisturizers To Use With Tretinoin Creams To Soothe Your Skin
1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry
This is indeed one of the best moisturizers to use with tretinoin cream and together, they work like the Batman and Robin in terms of skincare. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this facial moisturizer for Retin A peeling leaves dry skin smooth, supple, and super hydrated. It locks in moisture for long hours and restores skin’s natural barrier. The non-comedogenic formula of the gel cream from this dermatologist-recommended brand absorbs quickly like gel and is suitable for any skin type. It repairs skin damage and is oil-free, dye-free, and fragrance-free. Check out this review for a closer look into the product. Pros
Fragrance-free Suitable for extra dry skin Makes your skin smooth and soft Non-comedogenic Dermatologist-recommended Oil-free and dye-free
Cons
Some may find it a little greasy.
Dr. Schwarzburg, a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City, suggests, “When starting a new product, always start off with a patch test to see how your skin responds to it. This is particularly important if you are using harsher products such as tretinoin.”
2. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
While acne itself can be painful, it can be even more difficult if your Retin A treatment causes any discomfort or side effects. Hence, you need the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream. Add this facial moisturizer as the last step in your evening skin care routine to soothe your skin. Formulated using MVE technology with 3 essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it helps soothe and calm your skin. The lotion is one of the best products to use with Retin A as it retains your skin’s moisture and restores its natural barrier. It is a dermatologist-recommended product that is gentle on the skin and hence is suitable for dry, sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin. Pros
Lightweight Uses MVE Technology Restores skin’s natural barrier Dermatologist-recommended Suitable for all skin types Fragrance and paraben-free Non-comedogenic Allergy-tested
Cons
Some may find the consistency slightly thicker.
3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
One of the best moisturizers to use with retinol cream for all the right reasons, this can be your own personal holy grail moisturizer. It helps restore the health of your skin with its high concentration of prebiotic thermal water, ceramide-3, niacinamide, and glycerin. The oil-free moisturizer with a creamy texture moisturizes skin and locks it in for up to 48 hours! Dermatologist-recommended and allergy-tested, it is suitable for sensitive skin and does not clog your pores. It helps restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. With all that’s been said about this product, we’re sure you understand how it can be a perfect addition to your at-home self-care routine. This video review will help you understand more about the product. Pros
Fragrance and paraben-free Non-comedogenic Allergy-tested Oil-free Restores skin’s natural barrier
Cons
May take some time to get absorbed into the skin
4. Differin Oil-Absorbing Moisturizer With Sunscreen
You need not think about robbing a bank for great skincare. Try this best moisturizer for Retin A dryness which is affordable while also being effective. Recommended by dermatologists, It comes with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection from the sun, helping you shoot two birds with one stone. Its lightweight and non-comedogenic formula utilize micropearl technology and oleosome technology to soothe your skin, protect it from sun damage, and to absorb surface oil for a matte finish. It provides maximum hydration to your skin and does not leave your skin greasy or sticky. Thus, this moisturizer can be a perfect addition to your self-care routine. If you are still unsure, check out this honest unboxing review. Pros
Non-greasy Non-comedogenic Hypoallergenic Fragrance-free Dermatologist-recommended Offers matte-finish Hydrates your skin Protects from harmful sun rays
Cons
Contains phenoxyethanol
Dr. Schwarzburg, a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City, says, “Non-greasy moisturizers are great for people who have acne prone or already greasy skin.”
5.Vichy Laboratories Aqualia Thermal Riche – Rich Moisturizer
We call this among the best moisturizers to use with retinol cream as it meets all the criteria of an exceptional moisturizer to be a part of your skincare routine, especially when you are undergoing a tretinoin treatment. It not only provides 48-hour moisturization to your dry and parched skin but also gets absorbed into the skin in no time to strengthen the skin barrier. This rich and refreshing cream contains 97% natural origin ingredients like hyaluronic acid, plant sugar, and 15 mineral-rich Vichy volcanic water that soothe your skin and improve your complexion. This is a good moisturizer to use with Retin A as it also smoothes out fine lines to make your skin soft and supple while adding a natural glow. Pros
Reduces fine lines Offers deep moisturization Rich, creamy texture Strengthens skin barrier Dermatologist-tested Paraben-free and allergy-tested
Cons
Some may find it slightly heavy.
6. Eau Thermale Avène Skin Recovery Cream
Skin irritation and redness due to tretinoin cream can make every day a challenge, but not anymore. Boost your self-confidence with this moisturizer to use with Retin A. The face moisturizer is made with minimum ingredients to provide maximum tolerance against skin irritation and redness. The ingredients include paracrine, plant squalene, glycerin, and Avene thermal spring water that help calm your skin and restore its natural barrier. Recommended for irritated and hypersensitive skin, it protects and nourishes your skin by providing deep hydration. Look no further as this is your solution to soft and smooth skin. Pros
Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic Paraben and fragrance-free Gluten-free Oil and soy-free Helps reduce redness and irritation
Cons
Slightly expensive
7. Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturizer
No products found. Treating acne with tretinoin cream can be expensive and hence, if you would like to cut down on the budget, you can try this moisturizer to use with retinol cream. This budget-friendly product is effective in moisturizing and nourishing your skin with its skin-loving ingredients like pro-vitamin B5, glycerin, bisabolol, and allantoin. The face moisturizer works for up to 12 hours and leaves your skin silky smooth. Cruelty-free and vegan, this non-comedogenic moisturizer is tested and approved by dermatologists even for sensitive skin. As it does not contain any harmful chemicals, it mostly does not cause any skin irritation and does not clog pores. See? not all good products need to be expensive. Pros
Non-greasy Suitable for sensitive skin Does not clog pores Brightens complexion Cruelty-free and vegan Dermatologist-tested Hypoallergenic
Cons
Some may find the scent unpleasant.
8. Juice Beauty The Organic Solution SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer
Sunscreen is an inevitable part of your skin care, especially if you are using a tretinoin cream as it makes your skin more photo-sensitive. So, buy one product and get 2 major benefits. This lightweight, zinc-based broad spectrum SPF 30 moisturizer provides protection from harmful rays of the sun and helps prevent early signs of aging. This is one of the best moisturizers to use with tretinoin cream as it is suitable for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin. Formulated with organic grape and pomegranate, soothing aloe vera, vitamins, antioxidants, and nutrient rich sea alga, it hydrates your skin quickly and promotes healthy-looking skin. The hyaluronic acid present in the non-comedogenic formula helps restore skin’s moisture and natural barrier. Pros
Lightweight Helps prevent early signs of aging Antioxidant-rich formula Absorbs quickly into skin Promotes healthy-looking skin Non-comedogenic Reef-friendly Formulated with organic ingredients
Cons
Some may find it slightly sticky.
9. COSRX Comfort Ceramide Cream
Your skin will thank you for relieving irritation and dryness when you use this K-beauty product which easily counts as one of the best moisturizers to use with retinol cream. Its buttery-smooth formula gets absorbed quickly into your skin to soothe and comfort it. The key ingredients of this good moisturizer to use with retin A that include ceramide NP, centella asiatica medical grade extract, and centella asiatica leaf water help repair your damaged skin and protect it from environmental irritants and loss of moisture. The matte balm texture does not leave your skin greasy or sticky, and can be used by anyone irrespective of their age. This cream is all the more beneficial when you use it post-breakout. Pros
Repairs damaged skin Improves skin elasticity Maintains skin’s natural barrier Promotes healthy skin Rich and creamy texture
Cons
May not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin
10. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Moisturizer
Find your true beauty with this moisturizer that can be used with tretinoin cream. Its one-of-a-kind formula that contains lipids, including 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol, and 2% fatty acids help restore skin’s natural barrier and promote natural healing of your skin. As it helps improve skin’s ability to self-repair, over a period of time, you’d notice better skin texture. The moisturizer for Retin A peeling offers intense hydration for 24 hours to your dry skin. It helps improve the appearance of fine lines and evens out your skin tone. With better skin elasticity and reduced pore size, you can flaunt your skin without any hesitation. Pros
Improves skin’s ability to self-repair Restores skin’s natural barrier Improves texture and radiance Anti-aging formula Suitable for all skin types Evens out skin tone Helps soothe fine lines and firmness
Cons
Slightly expensive
Now that you have gone through our list of the best moisturizers that work great with tretinoin to keep your skin hydrated, we recommend that you refer to our comprehensive buying guide to keep all the important factors in mind while purchasing one.
How To Choose Moisturizer To Use With Tretinoin Cream
Ingredients
It is advised to avoid using moisturizers with harsh alcohols, vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic, and lactic acids while using tretinoin cream. Gentle moisturizers and cleansers would be the best for your skincare routine. You can look for ingredients like glycerin, oat kernel extract, bisabolol, ceramides, and antioxidants as they help to soothe and hydrate your skin.
SPF Formula
As you use a Retin-A cream, your skin will become more sensitive to sun even though you apply the cream at night. Hence, you can look for a moisturizer with SPF to protect your skin from sunburn and save the efforts of your Retin-A cream.
Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic
While you pick a moisturizer, look for hypoallergenic ones if you have sensitive skin as it tends to prevent any allergic reactions. Hypoallergenic products are mostly free of common allergens. And if you are on a Retin-A cream for your acne-prone skin, you should check if the formula is non-comedogenic so that it does not clog your pores and makes your breakouts worse. Dr. Schwarzburg, a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City, suggests, “You should still speak with your doctor if you are prone to allergies, even with a hypoallergenic product.” Now that you have learned what are the best moisturizers to use with tretinoin cream and how to pick a moisturizer to use along with your Retin-A cream, let’s look at how to use one.
How To Use Moisturizer To Use With Tretinoin Cream
Step 1- Wait for at least 20 minutes after you apply the tretinoin cream. Step 2- Apply your moisturizer, but avoid applying too much or too little of it at once. Step 3- If you are leaving the tretinoin cream overnight, wash it off in the morning with a gentle cleanser. Step 4- After cleansing, apply the moisturizer, preferably, a water-based one. How often should you apply Retin-A? When you start using it, it is generally advised that you apply Retin-A every other night or every third night. As your skin starts adjusting to it, you can apply more frequently. Can you leave tretinoin cream on overnight? You may leave the cream on overnight and wash it off with a gentle cleanser in the morning so that it does not cause any problem with any other topical products you use during the day. How to prevent dry skin when using tretinoin? If your skin dries when you use tretinoin, you may use a moisturizer that is free of potential irritants. Should I use a moisturizer on my skin that appears to have minor burning after using tretinoin cream? Yes, you can use a moisturizer in such a case, but remember to invest in a lightweight, gentle formulation that does not have potent skin actives like vitamin C, alcohols, or acids. Instead, look for gel- or water-based formulas that soothe the skin without feeling too greasy.
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