Updated on Feb 15, 2024
A good skincare regime is all we need to have flawless skin. But this isn't easy as it looks. You may have been using topical medications like tretinoin or retinol for various skin issues. The problem is these can lead to fluctuations in the natural state of your skin. As a result, the most common symptom we see is dryness (1). Although tretinoin and retinol can effectively treat acne, scars, fine lines, etc., they can absorb your skin's moisture and cause flakiness, especially tretinoin as it is the most concentrated and synthetic form of retinol. This is why you need the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream to help you restore lost moisture.
Based on our observations, a quality hydrating moisturizer in combination with sufficient amounts of tretinoin is the key to balancing the effects of both. While moisturizers can hydrate your skin, tretinoin can reduce hyperpigmentation, acne, and pimples.
As per our expertise, we’ve enlisted some effective moisturizers you can use with tretinoin to combat skin issues without drying it out. But before that let's first know more about tretinoin creams.
Our top picks
What Is Tretinoin Cream?
Tretinoin is a topical form of vitamin A that has anti-inflammatory properties to treat acne (1). It also works as a chemical exfoliator to remove dead skin and rejuvenate new cells. But many times, most people try using tretinoin cream without any prescription. This can cause severe skin problems such as dryness, burning, and redness, and may worsen the situation. So, it's better to use it as per your doctor's recommendation. Your healthcare provider can also suggest that you get yourself a good moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream to control flakiness and increase moisture retention.
13 Best Moisturizers to Use With Tretinoin Cream
The CeraVe night lotion is made with 3 essential ceramides, which can help maintain your skin's natural barrier and reduce irritation (2). It also incorporates hyaluronic acid and niacinamide that retains skin moisture and delivers optimum hydration throughout the night (3). It's a clinically tested moisturizer recommended for oily, sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Allergy tested
- Paraben-free
- Oil-free
- Unscented
Cons
- May cause irritation
2
Best Oil-free Water Cream
StriVectin Re-Quench Water Cream Hyaluronic + Electrolyte Moisturizer
Packed with powerful hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, electrolytes, and mineral-rich waters from the orange and lotus plants, this moisturizer from StriVectin effectively penetrates into the skin to make it soft and smooth. When we used the product, we loved how it made the skin feel hydrated and moisturized throughout the day. Its skin-nourishing formula helps combat a lot of skin concerns, including lack of moisture, signs of aging, and dull skin. This product is loved by many, as it delivers weightless hydration to the skin and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Skin-enriching ingredients
- Boosts skin hydration
- Evens out skin tone
Cons
- Slightly overpriced
3
belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
When it comes to managing flakiness for all skin types, this belif cream can be a great product to consider. With active ingredients such as ceramide and glycerin, it can help you get calm and radiant skin (2), (4). It's infused with bioactive components such as squalene and lady's mantle that control sebum and maintain skin moisture levels. It works like magic and absorbs quickly within a few seconds. Besides, it's clinically tested to enhance hydration up to 70% and promises an improved moisture barrier within 7 days.
Pros
- Reduce dullness
- Lightweight
- No greasiness
- Beautiful smell
4
Best Creamy Formula
Perricone MD Face Finishing & Firming Moisturizer
Perricone MD Face Finishing & Firming Moisturizer features powerhouse ingredients, including vitamin E and kukui nut oil, that provide the skin with the nutrients it needs to stay soft and supple. Vitamin E naturally possesses anti-inflammatory properties that help fight inflammation, treat swelling, and protect the skin from UV damage (2). This product penetrates deep into the skin cells and keeps it hydrated without feeling heavy on the skin.
Pros
- Protects the skin from environmental aggressors
- Skin-nourishing ingredients
- Gives radiant looking complexion
- Intense hydrating formula
Cons
- Might not be suitable for sensitive skin
- Strong scent
5
Best for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
The La Roche-Posay Toleriane double repair moisturizer is one of the most reliable options you can apply to balance tretinoin effects. The dermatologically tested formula repairs your skin barrier and provides a 48-hour moisture lock, all thanks to its active components — prebiotics, ceramide, and glycerin. Moreover, its oil-free, non-comedogenic formulation hydrates and restores healthy-looking skin. Our analysis of the product revealed that it works well on sensitive skin.
Pros
- Decrease peeling
- Paraben-free
- Allergy-tested
- Fragrance-free
- Reduces skin discoloration
Cons
- Might have packaging defects
6
Dual Formulation
Advanced Clinicals Retinol Firming Cream
Nothing could be better than a multi-purpose formula that not only fights acne but reduces aging symptoms too. This Advanced Clinicals product is a dual-function cream that diminishes deep wrinkles, fine lines, saggy skin, and other signs of aging skin while combating acne. It's composed of organic compounds, including chamomile, aloe vera, green tea, and glycerin, that work together to make the skin firm. With age, our skin loses elasticity and moisture, but this blend promotes collagen production to deliver perfectly radiant and youthful skin.
Pros
- No alcohol
- No animal products
- Sulfate-free
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
Cons
- Bad packaging
7
Best SPF Moisturizer
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Moisturizer
Neutrogena and tretinoin can be your best friends to deal with dullness, wrinkles, acne, dark spots, and numerous other dermal issues. Formulated with retinol and avobenzone, homosalate, and other SPF components, the Neutrogena face moisturizer is clinically proven to provide clear skin in 1 week and reduce dark spots and fine lines in just 4 weeks (5), (6). Besides, it protects the skin from sun damage and prevents sunburn. Not just that, it features a combination of retinol and hyaluronic acid that add plumpness to the skin by restoring its natural moisture.
Pros
- Brighten's skin tone
- Visible results in 1 week
- No mineral oils
- Zero parabens
Cons
- Small bottle size
8
Most Antioxidant Rich
Nature Theory Collagen Day & Night Anti-Aging Cream
The 1.7oz tub of anti-aging moisturizer by Nature Theory is the complete skincare regime that you need. The cream is crafted with pure anti-oxidant-rich ingredients and is suited for all skin types. It features hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed marine collagen, retinol, and vitamin E as the base components which enhance collagen production and improve overall skin health. The anti-aging face moisturizer supports cell renewal and restores the skin's natural water balance to provide lustrous and youthful skin. Thus, this a great moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream to have a natural glow.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Hydrates dry skin
- Absorbs quickly
- Smoothen pores
9
KLEEM ORGANICS Advanced Retinol Moisturizer
This cream is specifically made for neck and décolleté. For those who are frustrated with a saggy neck and double chin, this Kleem Organic product is the ultimate solution. It's a perfect fusion of organic components- retinol, vitamins, and collagen that tightens neck skin, decreases wrinkles, and lifts the jawline. In addition, the cream eliminates signs of aging and nourishes skin cells resulting in a firmer, younger, and more attractive neck. Our research indicates that applying this blend twice a day with gentle massages derives faster and more effective results.
Pros
- Penetrates quickly
- GMO-free
- Allergy tested
- No artificial colors
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Slightly costly
10
Best Botanical Blend
LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream
Bless your skin with LilyAna Naturals cream after a long tiring day. This lightweight formula is filled with the goodness of botanicals like green tea, jojoba oil, shea butter, etc., that feed your dermis and add moisture. It's a balanced blend of wrinkle-fighting and anti-aging activities. Use it twice a day to reveal your original complexion and have naturally alluring skin. Furthermore, the vitamin A-containing cream minimizes acne scars, redness, and uneven skin texture and tone, so you can appreciate your true beauty.
Pros
- Zero residue
- Smooth texture
- Minimize sun spots
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- May cause breakouts (dermatologist's recommendation needed)
11
Best Anti-aging Formulation
Medix 5.5 Retinol + Ferulic Acid Body Treatment Cream
Sagginess, aging, wrinkles, spots, and other skin disorders are our skin's inevitable enemies. But the Medix 5.5 Retinol Body Lotion can solve our skin problems. This lotion is a scientific blend of plant extracts like ferulic acid with vitamin E, green tea, chamomile, retinol, etc., that decreases visible redness and irritation and increases luminosity and plumpness (7). Also, the mixture defends your skin against environmental stress factors like pollution that cause acne, pore-clogging, blackheads, etc.
Pros
- Clinically tested
- Softens skin texture
- Age reversing formula
- Non-irritating
- Antioxidant-rich
Cons
- Strong smell
12
Best for Pigmentation
Bella Beauty Retinol Cream Moisturizer
This Bella Beauty product is one of a kind formula that possesses 2.5% active retinol with green tea, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and other organic compounds that decrease hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. It allows the skin to regain its elasticity that may have been reduced due to dermal diseases, UV exposure, or bad lifestyle habits. Besides, the blend is rich in antioxidants and activates collagen to minimize fine lines and boost skin tone. With improved skin firmness and zero pigmentation, you can feel confident all day long.
Pros
- All-natural
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- For all skin types
Cons
- Slow results
13
Ebanel 2.5% Retinol Moisturizer Cream
The retinol cream works at the molecular level to deeply treat skin cells and show better results. The 3.5 Fl Oz bottle is an effective treatment for pimples, cysts, blackheads, breakouts, and aging signs. Enriched with retinol, peptides, vitamins, etc., this face cream acts as a skin rejuvenator and wrinkle filler, especially in the forehead, face, and under-eye areas. It's also an exfoliator that gently resurfaces dull skin and fastens skin turnover. Use it consistently to get desired results.
Pros
- Rose smell
- Vegan-friendly
- GMP Certified
- Fades age spots
Cons
- Might not be suitable for hypersensitive skin
Now that you've gone through our recommendations for thebest moisturizers to use with tretinoin cream, we suggest you check our buying guide for a better understanding before picking one.
How to Pick the Best Moisturizer to Use With Tretinoin Cream?
For this, go through the factors below:
- Ingredients
Ditch moisturizers with harsh chemicals, sulfates, parabens, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, etc. Use gentle moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, botanicals, etc.
- Allergy-tested formulations
It's good to pick allergy-tested or hypoallergenic formulations to prevent reactions, especially when you have sensitive skin. For acne-prone skin, the formula should also be non-comedogenic so it doesn't cause breakouts.
- SPF formula
As you're a tretinoin user, your skin is sensitive to sun exposure and UV radiation. So choose one with suitable SPF levels.
- Professional Recommendation
Never hesitate to consult your doctor in case of doubts. This will reduce the chances of causing side effects.
Now that you've understood how to choose the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream, let's know how to apply one.
How to Use Moisturizer with Tretinoin Cream?
Our contributor Ollie Wertheim, Founder and Chief Formulator at SENSITIVE SKIN, LLC, says, “Tretinoin is typically used at night because it can make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Applying moisturizer after using tretinoin helps minimize dryness and irritation, promoting a more balanced and gentle approach to skincare. Using a moisturizer to use with tretinoin is a 3-step process.
- Apply the cream and wait for at least 20-30 minutes.
- Apply the moisturizer in a specific quantity as recommended by your doctor.
- Let it set properly, and wipe it off with a gentle cleanser after a few hours. Our contributor Ollie Wertheim explains, ”Leaving tretinoin on for longer durations, especially overnight, can increase the risk of skin irritation, redness, and dryness. The percentage of tretinoin in the formulation also matters as higher percentages may require smaller quantities to prevent excessive irritation, highlighting the importance of adhering to prescribed dosage and seeking professional guidance for safe and effective use.”
Tretinoin exhibits numerous skin benefits right from treating acne to repairing sun-damaged skin. But it can induce dryness and flakiness if not used accurately. However, moisturizers always come in handy to neutralize the "dryness effect" of tretinoin. But this doesn't mean you can use any moisturizer that isn't relevant to your skincare goals. Doing so can only cause problems. Thus, you must check for the factors like ingredients, allergy severity, etc., before buying or applying a moisturizer with tretinoin cream. And do consider an expert's recommendation in case of any doubts or complications.
Contributor: Ollie Wertheim, Founder and Chief Formulator, Senstive Skin LLC.
FAQ's
What to avoid when using tretinoin?
During the initial 6 months, avoid exposure to extreme wind, sunlight, or cold weather. Your skin may experience dryness, irritation, or sunburn for the first 2 or 3 weeks, but you can support the treatment with a nourishing moisturizer.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Just like retinol, tretinoin effectively treats acne scars, pigmentation, melasma, fine lines, and wrinkles. Author and skincare expert, Anoushka, loves to double the benefits of tretinoin by combining it with a dense moisturizer that doesn't strip her skin of essential oils. Although tretinoin is one of the best ingredients to achieve flawless skin, Anoushka asserts it needs to be combined with a hydrating moisturizer with ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, aloe vera, green tea and chamomile.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
Author BIO
Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More
