3 Gentle Cleansers for a Skincare Routine With Retinol

Products containing retinol are basically the closest thing we have to the Fountain of Youth.  “[Retinol] has been shown to drive cellular turnover, increase collagen production and improve tone and texture for a more youthful appearance,” says Dr. Lian A. Mack, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC and Skincare.com consultant. We like to think that the pros far outweigh the cons and although retinol has a reputation for irritating the skin, slight irritation is completely normal if used properly.

With any retinol product, it’s important to ease into use (start with a low concentration and work your way up gradually), apply your retinol at night, and always protect your skin with SPF in the morning.  It’s also a good idea to incorporate  gentle products in the rest of your routine, starting with your cleanser. 

When choosing a gentle cleanser for your skincare routine, Dr. Mack advises steering clear of formulas that contain exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acids. Too much cellular turnover may result in excessive dryness and ultimately irritation,” she says. “Gentle cleansers also shouldn’t foam aggressively,” she adds.

With her advice in mind, read on to find three gentle cleansers our editors love.

Garnier Green Labs Ultra Soothing Cream Cleanser

Amino acids and a super berry blend nourish skin in a fragrance-free, non-stripping formula that’s still more than capable of removing makeup and the day’s grime. Use before applying your retinol product. We suggest following up this cleanser with the Garnier Green Labs Retinol Berry Super Soothing Serum Cream — a three-in-one product that replaces your moisturizer, retinol serum and eye cream — for a complete nighttime routine.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser 

This face wash helps lift away dirt and excess oil without over-drying skin. With emollients like apricot kernel oil, avocado oil and squalane, the lightweight gel doesn’t strip the skin of natural oils. Pair it with the Kiehl’s Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum.

SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser 

Formulated with a rich amilite surfactant, glycerin and botanical extracts, this cleanser gently removes impurities while comforting sensitive skin. If you’re a retinol pro, pair it with the SkinCeuticals 1.0 Retinol. 

Design: Hannah Packer

Read More:

7 Cleansers to Try if You Have Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

How to Combine Vitamin C, Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid

Why Encapsulated Retinol Is Perfect for Sensitive Skin