Retinol for Sensitive Skin

For beginners, even a low concentration of retinol (0.01–0.3%) is enough to stimulate skin cell renewal. What matters isn’t “a lot,” but rather “regular use and skin compatibility.” A gently formulated serum with a low dose of retinol, combined with soothing active ingredients, is ideal for getting started.

If you're new to retinol, it's best to incorporate it into your evening routine gradually. Start with just a few applications per week on clean, dry skin, and follow up with a moisturizer. This allows your skin to gradually adjust to the active ingredient and get the most out of its regenerative benefits.

The 3-2-1 rule describes a gradual increase in application frequency: In Week 1, retinol is applied every 3 nights; in Week 2, every 2 nights; and starting in Week 3, every night. The frequency can be adjusted individually depending on how your skin feels. It’s important to always use consistent sun protection during the day, as retinol makes the skin more sensitive to light. We highly recommend our Four Seasons Day Cream with SPF 50+.

For beginners, a precisely formulated retinol serum is most effective—followed by a suitable moisturizer. We recommend using our Ultra Rich Night Cream or Time Machine after applying the retinol serum.

For beginners, low-dose retinol is clearly a better choice. Retinal (retinaldehyde) acts much faster and more intensely, since it is only one conversion step away from active retinoic acid. As a result, it can more easily overwhelm the skin and is often too strong for sensitive skin or skin that is not used to retinol. Retinol, on the other hand, is converted into its active form more slowly. This delayed activation makes its effects more controlled and easier to manage, allowing the skin to gradually adjust to it. Mildly formulated retinol is therefore the safer and more sensible long-term choice for those new to retinoid skincare.

Retinol should always be applied in the evening. The active ingredient is sensitive to light and ideally exerts its regenerative effect overnight, when the skin is in its natural repair mode. In addition, UV radiation breaks down retinol more quickly, which would reduce its effectiveness in the morning. For both beginners and experts, applying it once in the evening is perfectly sufficient. 

The skin usually needs at least 2–4 weeks to adjust to retinol. During this time, cell renewal is gradually stimulated. Slowly increasing the frequency of application helps the skin adapt optimally.

Yes, bakuchiol and retinol complement each other very well in a formulation. While retinol specifically stimulates cell renewal and collagen production, bakuchiol also provides antioxidant and skin-soothing benefits. This combination is particularly beneficial for beginners or those with sensitive skin, as bakuchiol can help improve tolerability. At the same time, experienced users also benefit from this combination because bakuchiol gently intensifies retinol’s cell-renewing and smoothing effects.

There is no “better” or “worse”—both active ingredients have different strengths. Bakuchiol is considered a plant-based, particularly gentle alternative to retinol. It can help improve skin texture and elasticity, but it works more slowly and less intensely. Retinol has been much more extensively studied and is considered the gold standard in anti-aging skincare, as it specifically promotes collagen production and cell renewal. However, high-dose retinol can be “too strong” for many people or lead to an initial worsening of symptoms or side effects. For dry or sensitive skin, therefore, combinations of low-dose retinol and bakuchiol-like active ingredients are particularly beneficial.

Yes, bakuchiol can help visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This plant-based active ingredient supports collagen production, which can make the skin appear smoother and plumper. At the same time, it improves elasticity, so that the skin’s contours appear firmer and more toned. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, bakuchiol also helps protect the skin from environmental aging. It has a soothing and nourishing effect and is particularly well-suited for demanding, sensitive, or dry skin. Since bakuchiol is gentler than retinol, it works gradually and is ideal as a nourishing anti-aging ingredient—either on its own or in combination with retinol for maximum efficacy.

Novoretin is not a traditional retinol, but rather a modern, retinol-like active ingredient of plant origin. It supports skin renewal in a similar way to retinol, but is considered to be particularly well-tolerated and is extracted from the resin of the mastic tree on the Greek island of Chios.

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and helps protect the skin from free radicals and environmental stress. In addition, green tea has antibacterial properties and can help reduce blemishes and redness, giving the skin a clearer overall appearance. As a result, it supports skin health and makes the formula suitable for all skin types and a gentle introduction to retinol skincare.

Retinol doesn’t work overnight—but its effects are long-lasting. Initial changes, such as a fresher complexion, may become visible after about 3–4 weeks. During this time, cell renewal is stimulated, and the skin begins to feel smoother and more even. More noticeable effects on skin texture, pore appearance, and wrinkles usually become apparent after 8–12 weeks of regular use. Since retinol supports collagen production over the long term, skin quality continues to improve steadily. Patience pays off: Retinol is one of the few active ingredients whose results actually become even more pronounced over time.

Yes, a mild retinol formula like Retinol Sensitive can also be used in the summer. It’s important to use sunscreen consistently during the day, as retinol can make the skin more sensitive to light. This way, the skin remains protected while also benefiting from the regenerative effects.

Yes, even dry skin can benefit from retinol. It’s not just the active ingredient itself that matters, but the overall formulation. Modern, clean-formulated retinol serums combine the active ingredient with soothing and moisturizing ingredients that help keep the skin supple and strengthen its protective barrier. This allows retinol to deliver its skin-renewing and texture-improving benefits without unnecessarily stressing the skin. It’s also important to follow up with a rich moisturizer to lock in moisture. When used correctly, retinol can help even dry skin achieve greater smoothness, evenness, and firmness.

It is recommended to avoid retinol during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Plant-based active ingredients such as bakuchiol and NovoRetin™ are considered popular alternatives.

Yes, thinner skin in particular can benefit from retinol’s collagen-stimulating effects. At first, retinol can promote the shedding of superficial, keratinized skin cells, which may cause the skin to feel slightly thinner or more sensitive for a short time. In the long term, however, retinol has been proven to support collagen production in deeper layers of the skin, which strengthens the skin’s structure and can make the skin appear more resilient and firmer overall.