The best vegan Retinol serums for sensitive skin

Looking for a vegan Retinol serum that will be gentle enough on your sensitive skin? Check out these 5 top picks.

PS: Also check out the best vegan Bakuchiol serums (gentle Retinol alternative) on a budget.

Can Retinol be used on sensitive skin?

The answer is yes, if you ease your skin into it and choose the right product. Here are 3 golden rules to follow:

  • Begin with a lower concentration product and gradually increase usage over time.

  • Apply your Retinol serum every few nights initially, allowing your skin to adapt.

  • Choose a Retinol serum designed for sensitive skin, often featuring soothing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide.

Top 5 vegan Retinol serums for sensitive skin

Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum

Perfect for Retinol beginners or those with sensitive skin, this serum is a time-defying powerhouse crafted with a blend of natural alternatives to Retinol – Arophira and Bakuchiol – alongside encapsulated Retinol itself.

The result? A rejuvenated complexion that's smoother, refined, plumped, and luminous, all achieved without reactivity or redness.

RRP: £20 - Find it on Cult Beauty or Lookfantastic

Glossier Universal Pro-Retinol

This serum harnesses the benefits of Retinyl Sunflowerates, an ingenious blend of pure Retinol and Sunflower seed fatty acids. This innovative derivative maintains remarkable efficacy while being gentler on the skin, making it less irritating.

Witness the improvement in fine lines, dark spots, texture, and blemishes without the typical downsides like irritation, dryness, or peeling.

But that's not all – the formula also boasts the goodness of Stevia, contributing to the overall smoothness of your skin and Mondo Grass Root Extract acting as a natural humectant to retain essential moisture.

RRP: £35 - Find it on Glossier or Sephora

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

Groundbreaking innovation in the realm of retinoids, Crystal Retinal features an exclusive patented stability system for unmatched levels of retinal potency.

This serum is available in 5 strengths, and those whith sensitive skin or beginning their Retinol journey should start with Strength 1.

The formula also features Hyaluronic Acid, a moisture magnet, as well as moisture-sealing Glycerin and antioxidant-rich Vitamin E.

RRP: £45 - Find it on Medik8, Lookfantastic or Cult Beauty

First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Serum Pure Concentrate Beginner

Catering to sensitive skin and those new to retinol, this gentle yet potent formula incorporates 0.25% pure Retinol and First Aid Beauty’s exclusive Skin Saver Complex, granting the benefits of retinol without the usual irritation.

The dynamic pairing of Retinol and advanced peptides works to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, revealing a smoother skin texture.

Infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and Aloe, the serum creates a harmonious blend that soothes and nurtures the skin, providing a comforting sensation.

RRP: £51 - Find it on Lookfantastic, Sephora or Selfridges

REN Bio Retinoid™ Youth Serum

Tailor-made for sensitive skin, this clinically proven serum for healthy ageing merges a plant-derived Retinol alternative, Bidens Pilosa, with fortifying Ceramides and brightening Niacinamide to achieve a harmonious blend.

The results? Even skin tone, less pigmentation, plumper and firmer complexion, not to mention less visible fine lines in just 7 days!

RRP: £64 - Find it on Lookfantastic, Naturisimo or Space NK

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