1. Avène | 2. La Roche-Posay | 3. EltaMD |
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Tretinoin is known as a miracle skin repair treatment to deal with damaged skin. It treats acne, acne scars and is a proven effective anti-aging ingredient. While repairing the skin, it can cause skin problems like dryness, redness, or even swelling.
A tretinoin-compatible, hydrating moisturizer can work wonders for the skin and nourish it with some extra moisture. The skin becomes already really sensitive while being treated with tretinoin and needs plenty and gentle moisturization to continue looking smooth and healthy.
If you are looking for the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream, you will find many suitable options in this guide. Browse through them and also stick around for some useful tips mentioned towards the end.
Top 15 Best Moisturizers To Use With Tretinoin Creams 2021
1. Eau Thermale Avene Exclusive Soothing and Protecting Skin Recovery Cream, 50ml

Hypersensitive skin requires a moisturizer that is super gentle on the skin. This premium skin recovery cream is entirely fragrance and colorant-free. It is formulated especially for skin that is prone to allergy. It works gently but effectively on the skin.
It is the only cream in the whole cosmetic industry that is free from any preservatives. As a result, it eliminates the chance of skin reactions. It is the most reliable treatment that you can get for sensitive skin. It will soothe the irritation and itch caused by tretinoin cream and will help reduce redness.
The texture of this cream makes it easy to spread over the skin. It is comfortably light and non-greasy and will not clog pores when you use it on your face. Its regular use will make your skin feel smooth and soft while rejuvenating it from within. If your tretinoin cream causes your skin to become flaky, this cream will fix it.
It acts as a barrier for your skin and protects it from further damage. Some contents of this cream are plant squalene and glycerin, which provide nourishment and maximum moisture to the skin. This cream is a little expensive but is worth spending on because of its promising quality.
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2. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Multipurpose Balm for Dry and Irritated Skin, 40ml

This cream is gentle on the skin and is paraben and fragrance-free. You can apply it to the hands, body, face, and lips of adults, children, and babies.
It is rich in moisturizing and nourishing contents like shea butter and glycerin and gives a non-greasy, matte finish to the skin. It moisturizes deeply but doesn’t leave the skin looking excessively glossy.
It is suitable for use on all types of skin, including sensitive skin. The cream is dermatologically tested and created to relieve the irritation caused by tretinoin. It consists of Madecassoside, copper, zinc, and manganese- ingredients proven to reduce redness and dryness on the skin. It will smoothen out any rough patches on the skin.
The cream has a dense texture, and is soothing, and will make flaky skin naturally smooth and soft. This cream is also suitable for oily skin that remains dehydrated from within. You can rely on it to fix your issues related to dryness caused by tretinoin.
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3. EltaMD UV Daily Face Sunscreen Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and SPF40, 48ml

As it is best not to apply too many products on hypersensitive and acne-prone skin, this lotion consists of a 2-in-1 formula. It protects against the sun while moisturizing the skin. It is easy to apply because of its sheer and liquid consistency. It almost feels like a gel.
It is an affordable choice for anyone looking for the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream. The non-greasy formula gets fully absorbed into the skin and can be worn under makeup as well.
This moisturizing lotion also provides excellent protection against UV rays. Apply it at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun, and its antioxidant protection will act as a barrier against UVA and UVB rays from the sun. The 9% zinc oxide in the moisturizer makes it super useful as a sunscreen.
Other ingredients in this formula, such as hyaluronic acid, boost the skin’s natural moisture retention properties to make the skin look and feel super soft. It will also help in diminishing fine lines and wrinkles.
This product is suitable for combination, normal, and post-procedure skin. It is not the most gentle formula in terms of ingredients but is useful in providing a soothing feeling on the skin. Hence, when used on sensitive skin prone to acne, it will provide a soothing feeling to the user. It will help with anyone facing redness and itch on the skin as well. Moreover, these symptoms are a common occurrence for people who use tretinoin, so you know this cream will be effective with it.
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4. Juice Beauty SPF30 Oil-Free Moisturizer with Vitamin C, 60ml

This product is an organic oil-free moisturizer that can be used by anybody who experiences extreme dry skin. It might be a little harsh for extremely sensitive skin but works well to hydrate and nourish combination skin.
It is rich in antioxidants and organic ingredients such as aloe vera, grape, pomegranate, vitamins, and sea algae. It helps to cover up premature signs of aging and also protects against the sun.
It has SPF30, which will help keep your skin protected from the harmful UV rays of the sun. It works well as a moisturizer too but is not so good at reducing the skin’s redness. When we talk about this cream’s texture, it blends smoothly, is non-greasy, and doesn’t clog the pores.
It contains algae-rich ingredients but is ethically made and is coral reef-friendly. It works to retain the skin’s natural moisture.
This moisturizer is slightly tinted because of the zinc oxide and will leave a residue on brown or dark skin. You can use it as a coverup of light spots and marks on fair skin. Overall, it doesn’t serve the purpose of a compatible moisturizer to use with tretinoin creams. It is only a standard moisturizer.
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5. Mizon Water Volume Ex Cream, 100ml

This product is an economical box of hydrating cream suitable for people with dry or normal skin type. People with hypersensitive skin can find this moisturizing cream unsuitable for their skin because it is a little harsh and cannot be effective.
For normal or dry skin type, it acts as a powerful moisturizer that nourishes deeply. It is not fragrant. So it can be suitable for allergy-prone skin. The texture is light and runny, so it is easy to apply and gets absorbed quickly.
It is a little greasy, and the skin can feel somewhat sticky after use. This can cause your skin to look a little oily.
Even for dry skin, this product may not be hydrating enough. It is not worth it to buy this moisturizer. It is not up to the mark and cannot take care of hypersensitive skin well. It will disappoint you if you are looking for a moisturizer that can go with tretinoin cream.
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6. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides for Dry Skin, 539ml

Provide long-lasting hydration to your skin with this CeraVe moisturizing cream. Its MVE technology works with powerful hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. It comes in a dense, thick texture that smoothens the skin and gets absorbed quickly despite this texture.
It doesn’t leave any unpleasant greasy or sticky residue. Its gentle and non-irritating formula makes the skin feel rejuvenated and sufficiently hydrated. It also works well on sun-damaged skin and reduces redness over time.
It consists of three essential ceramides that help to restore the skin’s natural barriers. After a four-week use, the cream is proven to increase the natural ceramides levels in the skin. It will relieve itch and flake on the skin surface and make it look smooth and clean.
It is dermatologically tested for being suitable on allergy-prone skin. It doesn’t contain any parabens or fragrances. It is the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream if you want an affordable one. People can use it on most skin types, including dry, normal, sensitive, acne-prone, oily skin.
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7. Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy for Dry, Cracked or Irritated Skin, 396ml

This moisturizer is another affordable choice for those with damaged, dry, or irritated skin. It restores dry skin to a smooth and healthy texture and is clinically proven to be effective. It is recommended by dermatologists as well, so you know that you will get results after applying this lotion.
You can use it on the face, body, and lips. It is excellent for treating chapped lips, dry skin, and feet. This product is an ointment that one can use for multiple purposes. It gives you a good value for money because you can apply it as a lotion all over your body.
It is hypoallergenic, and therefore, suitable for hypersensitive skin. You can expect not to get any rashes, redness, or any other reaction on your skin after applying this treatment.
Fragrance can be a skin-drying element, but this cream is free from preservatives and unnatural fragrances and dyes. It comes at a very affordable price and is suitable for use all over the body, so it comes as a smart purchase item.
As far as its performance is concerned, it is clinically proven to work. Even if you are not sure about its work on your skin, you can easily buy and test this product out since it is so affordable.
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8. Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream with Vitamin C and E, 100ml

This cream uses a complex formula to provide 48 hours of hydration to the skin. It penetrates the skin to lock moisture there and prevent trans-epidermal water loss. This long-lasting hydration is what people who have problematic skin because of tretinoin usage need. It is one of the best moisturizers to use with tretinoin cream.
When we talk about ingredients, it contains a hyaluronic acid complex that works with cucumber, arnica, and mallow to distribute moisture all across the skin. It also contains ingredients with natural antioxidants, like grapeseed, vitamin C, and E. With such ingredients that rejuvenate and actively repair the skin, this cream provides guaranteed results.
It works with the active HydraMesh technology that targets the skin to boost it with moisture. The product is entirely safe to use and improves the skin’s natural health.
It works well with dry skin, sensitive skin, and combination skin and offers maximum protection from the damage caused due to pollution and the sun, and will restore the skin to its natural, spotless glow. The texture of this cream is rich, and it does not feel greasy on the skin. It comprises ingredients that are entirely vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free.
Overall, it is a good moisturizer and is suitable for use alongside tretinoin creams. You can get a good value for money if you choose to invest in this cream.
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9. Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin, 48ml

Formulated especially for sensitive skin, this gel moisturizer by Aveeno works on soothing irritated skin and restoring the skin’s natural moisture. It instantly hydrates skin that may be irritated or dry due to tretinoin cream or any other procedure. It will calm down any itch, rashes, or redness on the skin and make it even all over.
Since its formula targets the sensitive skin type, it works with a hypoallergenic formula. This formula is clinically tested to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier gently. It stimulates the skin to naturally produce the required moisture to combat the dryness caused by tretinoin.
It contains gentle ingredients like prebiotic oats to calm itchy skin, and it will produce a soothing sensation on the skin. The moisturizer comes in a gel form and is light in weight, and feels perfectly non-greasy on the skin. It will not leave any unwanted shine on the skin, nor will it make it uncomfortably tight right after use, unlike other restoring gels.
The intense moisturization from this cream can last for up to 24 hours. It will also help with clearing out any red, dry patches from the skin over time after regular use.
It contains no fragrance and is free from parabens, alcohol, dye, phthalate, and is non-comedogenic, so it will not clog pores or cause the skin to react adversely. It is quite an affordable cream that will give you guaranteed results. Aveeno is a loved brand, and you can bet your money on it to get the desired results. It will nourish, repair, and intensely hydrate dry skin.
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10. Honeyskin Aloe Vera + Manuka Honey Ultimate Face and Body Cream, 227ml

This product is an all-purpose hydrating face and body cream. It is a one-product solution for dealing with dryness anywhere on your body. It goes seven layers deep into the skin to hydrate it from within. The cream is quick-absorbing and comprises all-organic ingredients, and therefore, works very gently but effectively. It is suitable for oily, sensitive, normal, and dry skin.
It has a design to balance the pH levels in the skin to a neutral pH of 5.5. This property helps keep the skin’s natural oils in place while providing deep hydration, and that precisely is what the skin needs when it is undergoing treatment with tretinoin. This cream will help in easing out dry patches and redness from the skin.
Some of the main ingredients in this cream are manuka honey, aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, and more. All the ingredients are non-allergenic and fragrance-free and will leave your skin feeling refreshed and nourished. The honey helps lock moisture within the skin to make it lasting and protect the skin against dryness. It also helps to renew the process of cell regeneration to help make the skin look visibly healthy.
It is safe to use even on hypersensitive skin and will not cause any reactions because of its natural ingredients. You can use this cream for various purposes, such as skin brightening and tightening cream, night cream, or even as a base for make-up. The only drawback seems to be the fact that it is quite expensive. However, since it is a multi-purpose cream, it is worth the price that you pay for it.
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11. Solimo Ultra Moisturizing Skin Cream for Dry and Sensitive Skin, 454ml

This product is an extremely affordable moisturizing cream for dry and sensitive skin. At the same time, it is fragrance-free and dermatologically tested to work wonders for dry skin. It comes in an adequate quantity for such a reasonable price and can be a go-to moisturizer for everyday use.
However, this cream disappoints in terms of its texture and application. It is very thick and doesn’t absorb easily on the skin.
Rubbing the cream itself on extremely sensitive skin to make it absorb on the skin surface could cause problems. But once absorbed, it doesn’t look greasy on the skin. Working with this cream’s texture can be a bit problematic, especially if you have hypersensitive skin.
Moreover, it is not a soothing cream and will not relieve the redness and itch caused on dry, acne-prone skin. It is a cost-effective dupe for Cetaphil moisturizing cream and is ethically made in the USA. It is free from parabens and phthalates, and other toxic ingredients.
This cream will deeply hydrate but will not work the best with tretinoin creams. So, if you are looking for the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream, this is not it.
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12. Tatcha The Water Cream Oil-Free, Optimal Hydration Moisturizer for Pure Poreless Skin, 50ml

The cream contains powerful Japanese botanical nutrients targeted towards making the skin optimally hydrated. The advanced technology combined with the best organic ingredients makes this cream effective at what it does.
As this is a luxury cream, it is very costly, and you can undoubtedly get creams that are equally effective at a much lower price range. If the price is your concern, this cream will disappoint you.
Nevertheless, the cream’s ingredients contain the Japanese wild rose and leopard lily that work to tighten pores, control excessive oil production, and smoothen the skin texture.
It also consists of some active anti-aging ingredients, namely the Hadasei-3 complex. This ingredient includes green tea, rice, and algae. It will leave a subtle shine on the skin after use and will make your skin look healthy.
The drawback is that this cream is only suitable for dry or normal skin. It may not be ideal for sensitive skin because it is a little harsh. It has a unique water-based texture that breaks upon application.
It is an excellent skin cream, but the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream doesn’t necessarily have to be so costly. It reduces the pores and contains anti-aging elements, but if you are looking for a product to go with your tretinoin cream for sensitive skin, this product is not worth buying.
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13. Green Leaf Naturals Aloe Vera Manuka Honey Moisturizing Cream for Face and Body, 118ml

The organic ingredients in this cream make it supremely efficient for moisturizing and deeply hydrating the skin. It is purely vegan and consists of natural plant extracts and a range of oils, including jojoba oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil, Vitamin E, and more.
Along with healing and hydrating dry skin, it also dramatically improves the appearance of the skin. It also comes with anti-aging ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, cocoa butter, chamomile, and lavender to calm and soothe the skin. It makes the skin look healthy and glowy. It is gentle on the skin, and anybody can use it, even babies.
It absorbs readily on the skin and works to regenerate the skin. It is paraben-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and made with all-natural ingredients. It has antioxidant properties and relieves redness and swelling on the skin.
It is suited for all skin types and works to eliminate dryness and signs of aging. It is an affordable formula. However, if your skin is ultra-sensitive, you should do a little patch test before using this cream all over your face to be sure that it doesn’t react on your skin.
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14. Freya Organics Organic Rose and Dandelion Retinol Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and Green Tea, 60ml

This cream targets people who have acne-prone skin. It is equally suitable for all other skin types as well. It is very gentle on the skin because of its organic ingredients and is very useful in diminishing the damage caused by acne on the skin. It works to make your skin appear smooth and even.
It has ingredients that actively work to eliminate wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and redness on the skin. The plant-based active ingredients in this cream work gently to restore the skin to its natural firmness and glow.
It has a reasonable price for an all-organic cream. It is not very rich in texture but very light in weight. It consists of plant-based hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and shea butter to condition and smoothens the skin.
It helps in cell regeneration. It also helps to fade sun damage, pigmentation, discoloration, and spots. It also works as an anti-aging formula to help fade away blemishes and even out pores.
This cream doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. Also, it is fragrant and has the smell of roses. You can use it as a day and night cream, both. It provides the skin the nourishment that it needs. It is also helpful in fading out acne scars. It is not the best option for hypersensitive skin.
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15. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

This product is not suitable for hypoallergenic skin. This cream contains retinol, and using that with tretinoin creams can cause side effects. If you want the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream, this cream will not give you the desired results.
It is a fragrance-free, anti-aging beauty cream that reduces fine lines, wrinkles and makes the skin appear smoother and brighter. It is also quite expensive to use for a trial. It delivers results but contains retinol, which is not suitable for use with tretinoin on sensitive skin.
It contains vitamin B3 and retinol complex to rejuvenate the skin. This cream may work on normal or oily skin, but if you are already using tretinoin on sensitive skin, this cream can even tear your skin up by making it dry.
This product is an excellent hydrating cream for the skin with guaranteed results. But unfortunately, it is not compatible with tretinoin creams because of the ingredients that it has in it.
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Factors To Consider Before Buying The Best Moisturizer To Use With Tretinoin Cream
1. The Ingredients
The ingredients of the cream are the first factor to consider. Specific components in the moisturizer can cause some irritating side effects on the skin and make it excessively dry. To avoid any unpleasantness, use a moisturizer that is free from ethanol and isopropyl alcohol. These ingredients make the cream easy to apply and can make the skin feel very dry and flaky.
Check to see if the cream is free from skin-drying elements like benzoyl peroxide. It is another ingredient that can cause dry skin. It helps to heal acne breakouts but can make the skin appear dry in the process.
However, using it with a tretinoin cream is a bad idea. Salicylic acid and artificial fragrances can also cause a reaction on the skin and make it drier. Synthetic fragrances included using chemicals may cause the skin to dry out or become flaky. Salicylic acid is an exfoliant, and one should not use it on sensitive skin with tretinoin cream.
Also, check the ingredients to see if it contains any ingredients that you may be allergic to. If you are particular about using all-organic or vegan products, you should pay even more attention to the product’s components. Moreover, it is better not to apply too many chemical ingredients on sensitive skin as it is always more vulnerable to skin reactions.
2. Your Skin Type
When it comes to skincare, a lot depends on the individual’s skin type to make it work. Before buying the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream, ensure that it is compatible with your skin type, especially if you have allergic or hypersensitive skin. If you are not sure about the compatibility, just take it to a dermatologist to get reliable advice.
Since people generally use tretinoin creams on acne-prone skin, it is also good to do a patch test at first to see if the product is not reacting to the skin. It can help you from further breakouts and reactions.
3. Price
Consider the price factor before buying a moisturizer. You do not necessarily have to invest in a moisturizer that is super expensive and luxurious. There are plenty of budget-friendly moisturizers that can work well for the skin.
You do not have to rush after big brands for reliable skincare. Their products can be unreasonably expensive and still be ineffective. If you still want to try out known brands, it is a wise idea to buy a small pack of the cream first.
Look for the product specifications and customer reviews if you are interested in a product. It will guide you and give you an idea of what exactly to expect from the product.
How To Use Moisturizer with Tretinoin Cream
When you have sensitive skin, putting the most gentle ingredients on your skin can cause it to act weirdly and is always prone to reactions. If you are using Tretinoin on your skin for treating acne or wrinkles, you can experience retinoid dryness on your skin. It becomes essential to pair the tretinoin cream up with a good hydrating moisturizer to avoid flaky skin. To make your routine, follow the given steps:
1. Cleanse the Skin
The first step is to clean the skin with a good, mild cleanser of your choice. It is vital to apply skincare products to clean skin. A thorough cleanse helps to keep further skin problems at bay. Make sure that you use a cleanser that is free from toxins and works gently on the skin.
2. Apply the Tretinoin Cream
Use the tretinoin cream of your choice on your face as usual. Give the cream at least 15-20 minutes to get absorbed into the skin before applying any other product over it. If you let the cream get fully absorbed into the skin, it will get to the action and start the healing process.
3. Apply the Moisturizer
Take a generous amount of the moisturizer and apply it gently with your fingertips in a circular motion over your face. Ensure that you cover your whole face with the product and leave it untouched once you are done applying.
Follow the directions on the moisturizer and apply it as and when directed. It is also a good idea to use the moisturizer once before going to bed as your skin needs that hydration at night time for skin repairing.
What’s your pick? – Conclusion
There is a criterion that decides which cream will work on a particular skin type. When you buy a moisturizer compatible with tretinoin, it becomes essential that you do the necessary research to see if it will work for you.
The only foolproof way to choose the best moisturizer to use with tretinoin cream is by doing a thorough research and going through plenty of reviews. The other factors that can help you select the ideal product are aforementioned in this guide.
We hope that it will lead you to the product that is best suitable for your skin.
FAQs on Moisturizers To Use With Tretinoin Creams
Q1. Can you mix tretinoin with moisturizer?
Yes, tretinoin is safe to mix with a moisturizer. Using tretinoin on the skin can cause dryness, chapped skin, and a tretinoin-compatible moisturizer can help relieve the effects of tretinoin and reduce redness, swelling, and itch on the skin. You can face many skin difficulties if you avoid using a moisturizer while undergoing skin treatment with tretinoin.
Q2. What products should you not use with tretinoin?
Avoid using topical products that may contain skin peeling agents like benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, or sulfur. Excessively fragrant products can also cause further dryness on the skin, and hence, you should avoid using them when you are using tretinoin on your skin.
Q3. Should I use a moisturizer before or after applying tretinoin?
You can apply moisturizer after you use tretinoin on your skin. Skin experts recommend using a moisturizer at least 20 minutes after applying tretinoin on the skin. This procedure will allow your skin plenty of time to absorb it. Adding a moisturizer layer after tretinoin will enrich the skin with plenty of hydration to deal with dryness.
Q4. Can the usage of tretinoin and moisturizer together cause side effects?
Tretinoin on its own causes redness, extreme dryness, or swelling on the face. Combining it with a good moisturizer can help reduce these effects. Make sure that the moisturizer is compatible and effective enough to use with tretinoin cream.