Expert-Approved: 20 Best Moisturizers To Use With Tretinoin Creams (2024)

A skincare routine is all about addressing all your skin concerns without compromising on maintaining your skin’s basic level of moisturization. So, when you include an active ingredient like tretinoin or retinol to treat fine lines, wrinkles, acne, removing dead skin cells, and hyperpigmentation, it may alter the typical state of your skin by potentially drying it out, which is why it helps to include the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream in your regimen. After all, maintaining a healthy level of moisturization is key to having flawless skin. 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 cell turnover and blemish-free and smooth skin.In addition, when using tretinoin cream, incorporating an plumping emollient moisturizer with peptides can effectively help with your skin’s natural barrier repair 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, I consulted Dr. Schwarzburg, MD, Cosmetic Physician, and curated a list of the best moisturizers to use with tretinoin cream. Scroll down and take your best pick now!

Top Picks	CHECK PRICE
Best Long Lasting:Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream Extra-Dry	Price on Amazon
Best Oil - Free:CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion	Price on Amazon
Best Dermatologist-Recommended:La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer	Price on Amazon
Best Affordable:Differin Oil-Absorbing Moisturizer With Sunscreen	Price on Amazon
Best For All Skin Types:Olay Active Hydrating Cream Face Moisturizer	Price on Amazon
Best For Dark Spots:L'Oreal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Anti-Aging Day Moisturizer	Price on Amazon
Best For Natural Glow:Vichy Laboratories Aqualia Thermal Riche - Rich Moisturizer	Price on Amazon
Best For Sensitive Skin:Eau Thermale Avène Skin Recovery Cream	Price on Amazon
Best Vegan:Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturizer	Price on Amazon
Best Non-Comedogenic:Juice Beauty The Organic Solution SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer	Price on Amazon

20 Best Moisturizers To Use With Tretinoin Creams(2024)

1. Best Long Lasting: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 Batman and Robin in terms of skincare. The protective and rejuvenating formula with hyaluronic acid is the best moisturizer with tretinoin peeling that offers smooth, supple, and super-hydrated skin. It locks in moisture for long hours and restores skin’s natural barrier. The non-comedogenic formula of the gel cream is validated by leading dermatologists. It absorbs quickly and is suitable for all skin types. The expert-recommended formula is effective in combating dryness. It repairs skin damage and is oil-free, dye-free, and fragrance-free. Check out this review for a closer look into the product.

G, a blogger, living in San Diego, writes in her blog, “True to its claims, this product absorbs quickly into the skin, which I love. I can feel a noticeable difference in the morning after I’ve applied this the night before, and I’ve also noticed that my skin feels more hydrated throughout the day when I use this the night before. You only need a tiny bit to cover your entire face and neck, which means that this 1.7 oz jar should last you a good, long while (i).”

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. Best Oil – Free: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 skincare routine to soothe your skin. Formulated using MVE technology with 3 essential ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it helps soothe and calm your skin. This restorative smoothing lotion is one of the best moisturizers while on tretinoin, 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.

Tia, a blogger, shares her experience of using the CeraVe Lotion. She says, “It’s hydrating without feeling heavy or sticky, and it sits very well under makeup. Also I have very sensitive skin and avoid anything with fragrance so this is perfect for sensitive to normal skin types (and even oily skin types will like this too since this is so lightweight) (ii)!”

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. Best Dermatologist-Recommended: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. Many reviewers’ feedback state their positive experience with this moisturizer, mentioning its effectiveness in restoring skin health. 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. Best Affordable: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. Numerous reviews highlight the effectiveness of this cream in maintaining skin hydration. 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. Best For All Skin Types:Olay Active Hydrating Cream Face Moisturizer

The Olay Active Hydrating Cream Face Moisturizer has a rich and creamy texture that seals in moisture without feeling heavy on the skin. This results-driven product contains hydrating ingredients that help to replenish the skin’s lost moisture and offers up to 48 hours of nourishment, so you can enjoy a long-lasting healthy-looking complexion. It is a lightweight, non-greasy formula that soothes dry skin and helps to counteract the drying effects of tretinoin. This dermatologically-tested smoothing cream reduces fine lines and works on the appearance of wrinkles while strengthening your skin’s barrier. It is proven to deliver visible results.

Pros

• Long-lasting hydration
• Non-greasy formula
• Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles
• Lightweight
• Non-comedogenic
• Dermatologically-tested
• Suitable for all skin types

Cons

• Overpowering fragrance

6. Best For Dark Spots:L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Anti-Aging Day Moisturizer

If you’re looking for a way to make your skin firmer without using multiple products, the L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Collagen Expert Anti-Aging Day Moisturizer could be just right for you. This moisturizer has collagen, peptides, and niacinamide that help hydrate and plump up your skin. It helps to strengthen your skin barrier, even out your skin tone, and reduce dark spots. Many reviewers have shared their positive experiences with this moisturizer’s collagen-rich formula. This dermatologically-tested and allergy-tested moisturizer is perfect to pair with the active ingredient tretinoin, as it is gentle enough for sensitive skin, and it even has SPF 30 to protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Quick-absorbing
• Reduces dark spots
• Dermatologist-tested
• Allergy-tested
• Non-greasy
• Paraben-free
• Mineral oil-free

Cons

• Strong scent

7. Best For Natural Glow: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. This professional-grade formula not only provides 48-hour moisturization to your dry and parched skin but also gets absorbed into the skin in no time to strengthen and provide skin barrier support. This clinically-proven 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 allergy-tested product is a suitable moisturizer to use with tretinoin 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
• Helps strengthen the skin barrier
• Dermatologist-tested
• Paraben-free and allergy-tested

Cons

• Some may find it slightly heavy.

8. Best For Sensitive Skin: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
• Clinically-tested
• Gluten-free
• Oil and soy-free
• Helps reduce redness and irritation

Cons

• Slightly expensive

9. Best Vegan:Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturizer

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 is the best skin care product to use with tretinoin that is budget-friendly and effective at moisturizing, brightening 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 with tretinoin is tested and approved by dermatologists, ensuring its suitability even for those with heightened sensitivity. 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
• Dermatologically-approved
• Dermatologist-tested
• Non-irritating formula for acne treatment
• Hypoallergenic

Cons

• Some may find the scent unpleasant.

10. Best Non-Comedogenic:Juice Beauty The Organic Solution SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer

Sunscreen is an inevitable part of your skincare, 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, tropical zinc-based broad-spectrum SPF 30 moisturizer provides protection from the harmful rays of the sun and helps prevent premature aging. This is one of the best moisturizers to use with tretinoin cream as it is suitable for replenishing 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
• Quick absorbable
• Promotes healthy-looking skin
• Non-comedogenic
• Reef-friendly
• Formulated with organic ingredients

Cons

• Some may find it slightly sticky.

11. Best For Eczema: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 after tretinoin due to its variety of uplifting benefits on the skin. 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

12. 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

13. Best Antioxidant – Rich:Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer

The Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer is packed with ultra-hydrating ingredients like honey, fig fruits, and plant-based ceramides that seals in hydration and strengthens your skin barrier. The cream works is a delight to use as it wonders on your skin and leaves you with a dewy glow! It relieves dryness and ensures the skin looks and feels hydrated and plumper. The formula is also loaded with antioxidants and prevents dryness from recurring. This soothing moisturizer can be used to prep the skin before makeup application to ensure your skin looks flawless. Pros

• Boots skin’s elasticity
• Soothes distressed skin
• Dewy finish
• Paraben-free
• Silicone-free
• Cruelty-free

Cons

• May not suit oily skin

14. Best Lightweight:PCA SKIN Collagen Hydrator Night Cream

The PCA SKIN Collagen Hydrator Night Cream is a revitalizing night treatment packed with shea butter, olive oil, and sweet almond extract to moisturize, soothe, and relieve dry skin. It also has an added nourishment of vitamin E that works really well in providing moisture without leaving any greasy residue. The lightweight formula leaves your skin looking and feeling healthy, soft, and supple. This multitasking cream helps make your skin visibly firmer and is perfect for nighttime use with your retinol cream. Pros

• Maintains skin’s moisture balance
• Protects the skin from environmental damage
• Smoothes the signs of aging
• Non-greasy
• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance-free
• Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

• May pill under makeup

15. Best Anti – Aging:Curel Intensive Face Moisturizer Cream

The Curel Intensive Face Moisturizer Cream is most ideal for dry to very dry and sensitive skin. It is enriched with ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, leaving you with silky, smooth skin. The cream is the perfect final step in your nighttime routine to seal in moisture, reduce wrinkles, and offer long-lasting hydration. But that’s not all – it’s also gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin and can even be used as an eczema cream. This deep nourishing cream absorbs quickly, thanks to its light and airy texture, giving it your skin a healthy glow. Pros

• Soothes dry and sensitive skin
• pH-balanced
• Colorant-free
• Alcohol-free
• Fragrance-free

Cons

• Expensive

16. Best For Dry Skin:Raw Science Anti-Aging Collagen Face Moisturizer

The Raw Science Anti-Aging Collagen Face Moisturizer hydrates the skin to a whole new level. It contains hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, retinol, and collagen to help you achieve noticeably plumper and smoother-looking skin. The lightweight texture feels and looks indulgent and helps to fill in fine lines and wrinkles while adding a dewy glow. This nourishing moisturizer is the perfect pick for dry skin types and can be used throughout the year. Pros

• Fast-absorbing
• Non-greasy
• Contains SPF 30
• Boosts skin’s elasticity
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Non-comedogenic

Cons

• Contains fragrance

17. Best For Even Skin Tone:The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer

The Inkey List Peptide Moisturizer is packed with peptides and hyaluronic acid that smoothen the fine lines and wrinkles and leave you with radiant-looking skin. It deeply hydrates the skin and helps support the skin’s natural collagen production to help your retinol cream perform better. The cream can be used both day and night to even out the skin, delay aging, and achieve a youthful glow. Pros

• Fast-absorbing
• Suitable for all skin types
• Safe for pregnant and lactating mothers
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Fragrance-free

Cons

• Might take a while to show visible results

18. Best For Pollution Protection:Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturizer

The Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturizer is packed with antioxidants and SPF 40 to protect your skin from UV rays and counter the damage from free radicals. The lightweight formula enhances the skin barrier and boosts overall skin health. It even helps slow down signs of aging and offers a refreshing sensation. This moisturizer is also excellent for those with dry skin, as it combats dryness effectively. Pros

• Vegan
• Paraben-free
• Phthalate-free
• Formaldehyde-free
• SLS-free
• Mineral oil-free
• Petrolatum-free
• Paraffin-free

Cons

• Some may not like its fragrance

19. Best Multi-Use:BareMinerals Smoothness Bare Haven Soft Moisturizer

If you want to enhance your skin’s texture without spending too much, get your hands on the BareMinerals Smoothness Bare Haven Soft Moisturizer. The formula is loaded with hydrating botanicals that boost your skin’s moisture levels, resulting in softer, smoother, and more supple skin. It contains peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants that offer a radiant and healthy-looking skin tone. This multi-tasking cream is perfect to pair with tretinoin at night and under makeup during the day to enhance your look. Pros

• Lightweight
• Dermatologist-tested
• Non-comedogenic
• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Talc-free
• Synthetic fragrance-free
• SLS-free

Cons

• Expensive

20. Best For Sun Damage:Somme Institute A-Bomb Daily Moisturizer

The Somme Institute A-Bomb Daily Moisturizer is a multi-tasking cream to seamlessly pair with your retinol cream. It is formulated with innovative molecular dispersion technology to improve overall skin health by helping vitamins penetrate deeper into your skin. The ultra-lightweight texture absorbs quickly onto the skin and leaves the skin looking brighter, plumper, and softer. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and leaves you with silky-smooth skin. This potent moisturizer also controls sebum production, fights blemishes, reverses sun damage, and helps in preventing future breakouts. Pros

• Fast-absorbing
• Non-comedogenic
• Promotes cell renewal
• Prevents acne formation
• Non-greasy
• Travel-friendly

Cons

• Expensive

Now that you have gone through our list of the best moisturizers that work great with tretinoin, a topical retinoid, 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.” Make sure you seek medical advice before applying the topical cream. 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. Also, remember to patch test new products, especially tretinoin, and choose a compatible moisturizer for your skin type. Tretinoin can make skin more sensitive, so prioritize gentler options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 do I 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.

(i) Nouveau Cheap

https://nouveaucheap.blogspot.com/2015/01/review-new-neutrogena-hydro-boost-water.html

(ii) Artistry Beauty Blog

https://www.artistrybeautyblog.com/cerave-pm-moisturizer-review/.

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