One of the most evidence-backed skincare ingredients, tretinoin—or retinoic acid—is often recommended for persistent acne and is considered the gold standard for preventing visible signs of ageing. However, the benefits of tretinoin are accompanied by some notable drawbacks; namely dry, irritated, red, peeling or flaking skin. Endearingly termed the ‘retinol uglies’, using tretinoin or another prescription retinoid often requires a few skincare tweaks. The best face washes and cleansers to use with tretinoin, Retin-A, or a powerful OTC retinol product are those that are gentle, non-active, and hydrating.
What to look for in a cleaner to use with tretinoin or other retinoids
When using tretinoin or prescription retinoids, avoid face cleansers with essential oils and strong active ingredients like AHA, BHA, and benzoyl peroxide and opt for oil, cream, balm, or lotion formulas over gel iterations. Ingredients that work to support the skin barrier can be helpful, such as glycerin, centella asiatica (cica), aloe vera, panthenol, ceramides, niacinamide, liquorice root, and oatmeal.
Related: Overdone the retinol? These are the best creams to repair a damaged skin barrier
The best cleaners to use with tretinoin and retinol in 2024
Fortunately, there are several gentle, non-irritating cleansers and face washes that fit the bill. Herewith, the best face washes and cleansers to use alongside retinol, tretinoin, and Retin-A.
1. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
A budget-friendly favourite, the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a fragrance-free formula with a light, creamy texture that works to cleanse the skin without stripping it of moisture. Made with hyaluronic acid and three types of ceramides, it strengthens the skin barrier and keeps the skin feeling nourished and hydrated. Dermatologically approved, it’s one of the best daily face cleansers to use alongside tretinoin or retinol.
Price: $17.99AUD
What we like:
- Gentle on skin, creamy texture, hydrating
What we don’t like:
- Takes two cleanses to remove makeup
2. Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm
One of the most luxuriously textured cleansers, the Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm differs from conventional cleansing balms in that it works well on both wet and dry skin. Omega-rich plant oils jojoba and meadowfoam combine with coconut-derived fatty acids to create a soothing balm that nourishes the skin as it cleanses. Great as the first step in a double cleanse routine or even as a solo cleanser, this cleansing balm washes off clean without leaving any residue on the skin.
Price: $33.60
What we like:
- Feels rich and luxurious, takes all makeup off, leaves skin feeling moisturised
What we don’t like:
- The screw-top packaging can be annoying to use
3. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
A fragrance-free, milky formula, the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser is a non-irritating face wash that cleanses the skin while the addition of humectant glycerin locks in moisture and prevents skin from feeling dry or tight.
Price: $27.99AUD
What we like:
- Fragrance-free so doesn’t irritate skin, soothing milky texture
What we don’t like:
- Requires two cleanses to fully remove makeup
4. Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion
Designed with dry, hypersensitive skin in mind, the Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser Lotion uses minimal ingredients in a milky formula to gently but effectively cleanse the skin while reducing skin sensitivity and strengthening the skin barrier. Technically a no-rinse cleaner, it can be gently wiped off with a damp cotton pad or washcloth, followed by rinsing with plain water.
Price: $27.99AUD
What we like:
- Can be used without water so good for travel, suitable for extremely sensitive and reactive skin
What we don’t like:
- Nothing — we love it!
5. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser
Much like the cult-favourite cream in this range, the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is equal parts gentle and nourishing. If you can’t get used to the idea of a creamy or milky cleanser, this is your best bet for a gel cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin; formulated with squalane, apricot seed oil, and vitamin E, and avocado oil, it’s gentle on the skin and works to dissolve debris, impurities, and excess oil while keeping the skin supple and moisturised.
Price: $46AUD (150ml)
What we like:
- Leaves skin feeling super clean but not dried out, lathers up well for a satisfying cleanse, takes off makeup well
What we don’t like:
- Nothing — we love it!
6. CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser
A new addition from dermatologist-approved brand CeraVe, the CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser combines the nourishing effects of an oil cleanser with the satisfying deep clean of a foaming formula. Gentle enough to be used on babies, it features CeraVe’s signature ceramides combined with squalane and triglyceride to nourish and protect the skin from moisture loss.
Price: $30.99AUD
What we like:
- Leaves no residue behind (unlike many oil cleansers), good lather
What we don’t like:
- Can sting sensitive eyes
7. Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser
A creamy, foaming formula best suited for normal to combination skin types, the Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser uses a blend of soothing plant-derived soaps to draw out impurities from the skin without causing dryness. French green clay works to lift dirt, oil, and debris from pores, while the addition of rice oil soothes the skin and protects against dryness. Ideal for those using OTC retinol products.
Price: $58AUD
What we like:
- Has pore-cleansing ingredients, suitable for acne-prone and combination skin, non-drying
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t give the skin that freshly cleansed feeling, goopy texture
8. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
An alternative to traditional cleansers, the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water makes for the ideal first step in a double cleanse routine, working to remove dirt and makeup without irritating the skin. Featuring a patented complex targeting skin sensitivity, it builds up the skin’s tolerance with continued use, making it ideal for use with retinoids.
Price: $27.99AUD (500ml)
What we like:
- Removes makeup SO effectively, doesn’t irritate sensitive skin
What we don’t like:
- Needs to be used with a cleansing pad or cloth
9. Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser
This ultra-gentle, non-foaming formula boasts a creamy consistency, working to balance and correct the skin’s acid mantle as it cleanses. Ideal for soothing the dryness and irritation that often accompanies retinol use, it includes vitamin E and aloe vera to nourish and calm the skin.
Price: $54.95
What we like:
- Feels good on the skin, leaves skin hydrated after use, effective at removing makeup
What we don’t like:
- One of the more expensive formulas on this list
10. Paula’s Choice Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser
Working to cleanse the skin of makeup and impurities, the lotion-like Paula’s Choice Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser supports the skin’s barrier with calming ingredients such as green tea and chamomile.
Price: $38AUD
What we like:
- Very moisturising and hydrating, doesn’t break out acne-prone skin, good for use alongside retinol, pump bottle is convenient to use
What we don’t like:
- Nothing — we love it!
11. Fresh Soy Face Cleanser
Gentle yet efficacious, the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser is a pH-balanced formula designed to banish impurities while amino acid-rich soy proteins soften the skin. The gel consistency makes for a satisfying cleansing experience, with the addition of aloe vera and rosewater having a soothing and calming effect.
Price: $59AUD (150ml)
What we like:
- The gel consistency and slight lather makes it satisfying to use, cooling and hydrating on the skin, skin feels soft and comfortable after use, doesn’t leave any residue behind
What we don’t like:
- A little pricey (but honestly worth it!)
12. Skinstitut Gentle Cleanser
Enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, the Skinstitut Gentle Cleanser is a lightly foaming gel formula that cleanses the skin of makeup and impurities without stripping it of its natural oils, making it ideal for use alongside retinol or tretinoin. The addition of antioxidants like green tea and goji berry aid in strengthening the skin with consistent use.
Price: $52AUD
What we like:
- Nice gel consistency, leaves skin feeling fresh and clean but not stripped of moisture
What we don’t like:
- Nothing — we love it!
13. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Made with squalane and fatty acids, this cleanser transforms from a balm into a creamy gel upon contact with the skin and water, working to remove sunscreen and makeup and cleanse the skin of impurities. Designed with dry skin in mind, its gentle nature makes The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser ideal for use as the first step in a double cleanse routine or as your only cleanser in tandem with tretinoin or retinol. For best results, apply to dry skin to dissolve sunscreen and makeup before rinsing off with water.
Price: $18AUD (50ml)
What we like:
- The soft balm texture is comforting on the skin, suitable for dry skin and those using retinol/tretinoin
What we don’t like:
- Can leave residue behind, best used as a first cleanse and followed with a gel or cream cleanser
14. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
A tried-and-tested favourite, the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser has been a staple for those with sensitive (or sensitised!) skin for aeons. This dermatologist-approved formula features a creamy texture enriched with niacinamide, panthenol, and glycerin which work to strengthen the skin barrier and promote lasting hydration. Its absence of harsh actives (not to mention its eminently affordable price point) makes it a failsafe option for those using retinoids.
Price: $18.99AUD (500ml)
What we like:
- Super affordable, hydrating on the skin, suitable for even the most sensitive skin
What we don’t like:
- Nothing — we love it!
15. Go-To Skincare Juicy Gel Cleanser
Designed with sensitive and mature skin in mind, the soothing nature of the Go-To Skincare Juicy Gel Cleanser makes it ideally suited for use alongside tretinoin or retinol. Made with soothing ingredients like cucumber extract, lotus root water, and aloe vera, it cools and hydrates the skin as it cleanses.
Price: $39AUD
What we like:
- Cooling on the skin, fun jelly-like gel texture, doesn’t dry out the skin
What we don’t like:
- The scent can be overpowering for some, fragrance may be an issue for those whose skin is sensitive to scents
16. Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser
This gel-cream hybrid combines soothing extracts of raspberry, lavender, coneflower, and cucumber with glycerin, panthenol, and oatmeal to create a cleanser that calms and hydrates the skin as it cleans. Free from added fragrance, it works without irritating the skin and is suitable for those with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin (as well as those using retinoids).
Price: $100AUD (500ml)
What we like:
- Comforting on the skin, oat and botanical extracts soothe redness and reduce sensitivity
What we don’t like:
- Doesn’t foam so may not provide a satisfying cleansing experience for some
17. First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser
One of the best gentle cleansers for those using retinol or tretinoin, the First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser is a gentle fragrance-free cream-based formula that effortlessly cleanses the skin of makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping it of moisture. Enriched with aloe vera, allantoin, and glycerin, in injects much-needed hydration into the skin, leaving it feeling thoroughly cleansed yet comfortable after use.
Price: $58AUD (226g)
What we like:
- Gentle on the skin yet removes every trace of makeup, rich cream formula is suitable for even the most sensitive skin, fragrance-free
What we don’t like:
- Nothing — we love it!
FAQ
Retinol and tretinoin are both derivatives of vitamin A, making them both retinoids (i.e. the umbrella term for all vitamin A products). By binding to receptors in our skin’s cells and activating the cell maturation process in the skin, retinoids encourage faster turnover of skin cells and enhanced collagen production. With consistent use over an extended period of time, retinol and other retinoids can improve skin texture and appearance by reducing fine lines and wrinkles, lightening scarring and pigmentation, and reducing the incidence of acne.
Those new to retinoid use may experience irritation, inflammation, and sensitivity when using retinol or tretinoin. It’s common for retinol and tretinoin users to experience redness, dryness, flaking, and irritation.
It’s important to combat the irritation nature of retinol by selecting a cleanser with gentle, hydrating, and soothing ingredients. Stay away from cleansers with strong active ingredients (such as AHAs and BHA, vitamin C, and benzoyl peroxide) and look for formulas with soothing and calming ingredients like aloe vera, glycerin, panthenol, colloidal oatmeal, and niacinamide. Skin strengthening ingredients such as ceramides and peptides can also be beneficial. Cream- or balm-based cleansers such as the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser are often best, however there are also gentle gel-based cleansers like the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser.
Words by Esmé Duggan
Feature image courtesy of Steven Meisel for Vogue Italia
