When choosing the best Korean retinol for dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin, it’s better to go for the derivatives of retinol (like retinyl palmitate, bakuchiol, ethyl lactyl retinoate, and encapsulated retinol).

It is because the derivatives cause less irritation and redness but there are also studies that show these derivatives are stronger than retinol.

We choose these products based on often it was recommended and used by people with sensitive skin.

This is an eye serum with Retinal Liposome 2% (stronger than retinol) and Ginseng root extract 10% (provides moisture) that a lot of people with sensitive skin have recommended.

You can also use it on your face and there is no problem with that.

Pros:

• It contains ginseng root extract which provides moisture to the skin and retinal liposome which is stabilized by breaking down retinal into smaller elements and enclosing it in liposomes and then adding ingredients such as natural lipids and oils. it also contains ingredients like glycerin, cholesterol, and niacinamide.

• Irritation, redness, and dryness won’t happen when using this product as it contains a lot of moisture and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

• It is fragrance and essential oil-free.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic/​Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Butylene glycol Dicaprylate/​Dicaprate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Adenosine, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Dextrin, Cholesterol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Retinal, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Phytosteryl/​Behenyl/​Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Aluminum/​Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ceramide NP, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin.

This is a highly effective ampoule containing Retinol and Cica (centella asiatica-derived ingredient) that helps to reduce redness, visible pores, blemishes, and acne scars, and exfoliates the skin.

Pros:

• It contains 0.015% of pure retinol which is perfect for sensitive skin and if you are a beginner.

• It also contains cica which will help to reduce the irritation, dryness, and redness that will occur as a result of retinol.

Cons:

• Low concentration of retinol.

What ingredients does it contain?

WATER / AQUA / EAU, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, NIACINAMIDE, DIBUTYL ADIPATE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, SUNFLOWER SEED OIL, CHOLESTEROL, ALLANTOIN, SOYBEAN OIL, TOCOPHEROL, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, SODIUM METHYL STEAROYL TAURATE, PROPANEDIOL, CARROT ROOT EXTRACT, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ADENOSINE, ASIATICOSIDE*, MADECASSIC ACID*, CAMELLIA SINENSIS SEED EXTRACT, ASIATIC ACID*, RETINOL, STEARYL GLYCYRRHETINATE, HYALURONIC ACID*, MANNITOL, CERAMIDE NP*, BETAGLUCAN, BETACAROTENE, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, BHT, SALICYLIC ACID, ACETYL TETRAPEPTIDE-11.

This is a night cream that contains Retinal 300ppm + Bakuchiol 10,000ppm that yields fast and great results with fewer side effects.

It is perfect to use for sensitive skin.

Pros:

• It improves pore appearance and skin texture while providing moisturization.

• It is hypoallergenic and rebuilds collagen and repairs damage from UV Exposure, reducing wrinkles and age spots.

• The Primary Skin Irritation Test and Primary Skin Irritation Test for Sensitive Skin have been completed for this product.

Cons:

• None

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Bakuchiol, Trehalose, Behenyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Glucose, Fructooligosaccharides, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Retinal, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Fig Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Collagen, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Dextran.

This is a cream that contains 0.1% of retinol and should be perfect for sensitive skin.

Pros:

• It helps with fine lines, wrinkles, elasticity, and sagging, and provides skin lifting (more info on their website).

• It contains Pure Retinol, Panthenol, Adenosine, and Tocotrienol (Super Vitamin E).

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Trehalose, Panthenol, Shea Butter, Soybean Oil, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sunflower Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysilicone-11, Sodium Sulfite, Tocopherol, Carrot Root Extract, Retinol(0.1%), Allantoin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Rice Bran Wax, Tocotrienols, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Palmitic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Palm Oil, BHT, Beta-Carotene, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Glutathione, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate.

This is an anti-aging wrinkle serum that a lot of people with sensitive skin have recommended. It is perfect for beginners.

Pros:

• It shows definite wrinkle care (moisturizing, wrinkles, firmness, density, and elasticity) in just two weeks.

• It has a 0.1% and 0.3% concentration.

Cons:

• Low concentration of retinol and is expensive.

What ingredients does it contain?

Purified water, caprylic/capric triglyceride, propanediol, glycerin, dimethicone, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, trehalose, panthenol, shea butter, soja bean oil, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP copolymer, glyceryl polymethacrylate, polysilicone-11, hydrogenated lecithin, hydroxyethyl acrylate/sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, polyglyceryl-10 stearate, rice bran wax, cetearyl alcohol, carbomer, fragrance, sodium sulfite, tromethamine, retinol, allantoin, glyceryl caprylate, mannitol, glyceryl stearate, disodium EDTA, ethylhexylglycerin, stearic acid, polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, palmitic acid, sorbitan isostearate, BHT, myristic acid, lauric acid, acetyl tetrapeptide-11, ascorbic acid, meadowfoam seed oil, ethyl ascorbyl ether, sodium ascorbate, glutathione, sodium hyaluronate, 1,2-hexanediol, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, hyaluronic acid, sodium acetylated hyaluronate

This is a retinol with a really high percentage and should be suitable for you if have experience with retinol.

Pros:

• It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

• It is free from parabens, gluten, formaldehyde, fragrance, sulfate, and artificial color.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Retinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polysorbate 20, Vitamin E, Rosa Damascena Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Ext, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Ext, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Ext, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Disodium EDTA.

This is another retinol cream that helps provide moisture and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Pros:

• It contains 69.9% of swiftlet nest extract and 2.5% of retinol to nourish and revitalize skin for a healthy glow.

• It helps restore the skin’s oil-moisture balance and regulate sebum secretion caused by dehydration.

• It boosts elasticity and improves the appearance of wrinkles.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Swiftlet Nest Extract, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Beeswax, Cetyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Dipropylene Glycol, Retinol, rh-Oligopeptide-1, Sodium Polyacrylate, Allantoin, PEG-100 Stearate, Adenosine, Carbomer, Betaine, Propylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 20, Arginine, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ceteth-3, Rapeseed Sterols, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetyl Phosphate, Cholesterol, PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Ceteth-5, Disodium EDTA, Glyceryl Stearate, Fragrance.

Which of these products should be suitable for me?

We recommend going for the Beauty of Joseon – Eye Serum because we believe it is the best Korean retinol for sensitive skin out there. The Innisfree – Retinol Ampoule is another option.

If you need retinol in cream form, then Wishtrend’s Bakuchiol Night Cream, COSRX – Retinol Cream, and Elizavecca – Retinol Cream should be good options.