The Best Moisturizers to Use After Retinol, Per Testing

Editors at NewBeauty have reported a ton on retinol over the years; unsurprisingly, given that any dermatologist, aesthetician or cosmetic chemist will tell you it’s the gold standard in skin-care actives. We’ve written about the best starter retinols, the difference between retinol and retinal, the best options for sensitive skin, dermatologists’ favorite formulas and the recently-trending retinol body treatments, to name a few. Still, retinol is only a piece of the skin-care puzzle, and what you apply to your skin directly after a retinol product is just as important when it comes to getting the best results.

Beauty editors know the promise of a solid retinol routine, and they also test a lot of moisturizers. So, I was curious: which creams do beauty editors say are the best to use post-retinol? Below, six editors share their picks on the moisturizers that soothe, hydrate and lock in the acne-reducing, wrinkle-softening, texture-smoothing and dark spot erasing benefits of retinol.

1 / 6

Dieux Instant Angel Moisturizer ($45)

I’ve tested so many moisturizers I’ve lost count, but one that recently cemented a spot in my post-retinol routine is Dieux’s Instant Angel Moisturizer. Billed by the brand as “your skin barrier’s protector,” Instant Angel is a high-performance formula of hydrators and skin soothers like squalane, ceramides and glycerin. Even with deeply nourishing ingredients, it never leaves a residue like some other rich creams do, plus it’s fragrance-free. My skin feels like silk immediately after I slather it on and the next morning.

• BUY NOW – $45

2 / 6

TULA 24-7 Weightless Moisture Day & Night Gel Cream ($58)

Liz Ritter, NewBeauty executive editor, slathers TULA’s “airy” gel moisturizer over prescription tretinoin, Altreno. At its launch last May, Ritter reported, “For me, it’s a moisturizer that is literally weightless, yet visibly hydrating. It’s also not oily, greasy or over-the-top shiny—a perfect combo for this 45-year-old acne-prone skin.”

• BUY ON ULTA – $58
• BUY ON AMAZON – $58

3 / 6

AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream ($32)

“Retinol doesn’t always agree with me because I don’t stay loyal to one product (always testing new things!). Therefore, I love to buffer it with a barrier cream. I’m always trying new barrier creams too (there have been SO many launches lately), but right now I’m using the AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cream. This is actually my second tube in the past few years. It’s a great product! The rich texture just melts right into my skin, but isn’t greasy. However, the brand also has a lotion version if you prefer a lighter texture.” —Britt Burhop Fallon, beauty director

• BUY NOW – $32

4 / 6

Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Overnight Recovery Cream + Mask ($80)

“My rec for a post-retinol cream is Clinique’s Smart Clinical Repair. It’s rich, soothing and the Adenosine in the formula helps calm the skin while locking in moisture so you wake up hydrated, not irritated.” —Tatiana Bido, director of aesthetic content

• BUY ON ULTA – $80
• BUY ON AMAZON – $80

5 / 6

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 ($17)

“I’ve been using the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 and really love how soothing it is, even on my most irritated skin. I have recently become a retinol convert after years of thinking I was just too sensitive. Aside from starting slow and building up my skin’s tolerance, choosing a barrier-repairing moisturizer was an essential part of keeping my skin happy.” —Rowan Lynam, staff writer

• BUY ON DERMSTORE – $17
• BUY ON AMAZON – $17

6 / 6

Sofie Pavitt Face Omega Rich Cream ($64)

“Sofie Pavitt Omega Rich Cream is a go-to for me every night, but especially after retinol. It has a super lush texture that makes your skin feel like it’s being wrapped in a hug from a cloud and gives you that extra boost of powerful yet gentle hydration you need after using actives like retinol.” —Isabelle Buneo, editorial assistant

• BUY ON SOFIE PAVITT – $64
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $64