Getting dermatologists to agree on one particular skin-care product is not an easy task, but a whole bunch of them tell us they’re currently loving the singular sensation of SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Cream ($120)—a doctor-dispensed retinoid-meets-alpha hydroxy acid that comes with really the really amazing claim of being non-irritating. Sounds like an almost-impossible combo? See what the experts have to say:
“I have extremely sensitive skin. Most products make my face fall off (dry, irritated, red). I really like this product. I can use it everyday without irritation.” –Wilmington, NC dermatologist Kendall Egan, MD
“Hands down, SkinBetter AlphaRet. I have rosacea and very sensitive skin and I’ve tried about 30. This is my only success! –Georgetown, TX dermatologist Sarah Gee, MD
“Agree with SkinBetter AlphaRet. I usually only love the prescription retinoids and found retinols to either be too weak but AlphaRet does a great job similar to prescription retinoids.” –Oklahoma City dermatologist Kimberly Jerdan, MD
“SkinBetter AlphaRet is my go-to retinoid for sensitive skin. It combines alpha hydroxy acids with a retinoid, so you get gentle exfoliation and a boost to collagenesis. This product also contains niacinamide to decrease inflammation in the skin and ceramides, squalene and fatty acid to layer in moisture. It’s definitely a multi-tasking anti-aging product.” –Columbus, GA, dermatologist Tanda Lane, MD
“I have sensitive skin and can tolerate SkinBetter Science AlphaRet (non-prescription) and Altreno lotion (prescription retinoid), which I prefer.” –Cherry Hill, NJ dermatologist Sandra Kopp, MD
“It is perfect for a tolerable retinoid for sensitive skin!” –New York dermatologist Lilly-Rose Paraskevas, MD
“I agree with SkinBetter Science AlphaRet. Another gentle retinoid is Tony Nuara’s Foundation Skincare Night Renewal cream that contains hydroxypinacolone retinoate.” –Orange County, CA dermatologist Daniel Chang, MD
“I’m another vote for SkinBetter Science. The combination of glycolic acid with retinol gives your skin a nice glow. And it is not irritating to even the most sensitive skin.” –Knoxville, TN dermatologist Carley Fowler, MD
“I love retinols and retinoids and recommend it for each and every one of my cosmetic patients. There’s no single ingredient that is better at rejuvenating the skin than vitamin A derivatives. Retinols and retinoids are anti-aging powerhouses and brilliant multitaskers. They boost collagen production, reverse photodamage, decrease wrinkling, retexturize, improve crepiness, even out pigmentation, reduce pores, and control acne. My favorite for my patients is SkinBetter AlphaRet because it is well tolerated by all skin types and is a great starting point. I myself have been using a prescription retinoid for nearly 30 years. There’s no single skincare product that is better or more effective than a retinol or retinoid. And I will never give mine up.” –Bloomfield Hills, MI dermatologist Linda Chung Honet, MD
