The best retinol creams and moisturizers you can buy

Retinol is notoriously drying, but formulas that combine the powerful antiaging ingredient with moisturizer can mitigate the irritating effects.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream is our top pick because it contains a high concentration of retinol as well as peptides, vitamins, and oils to hydrate and nourish skin.

Retinol is a mixed blessing — the antiaging, acne-fighting effects are real, but so is the sensitivity and redness. Even if you're not super sensitive, retinol can make your skin itchy and flaky if you're using too much too fast, or using it in the a.m. as it can make your skin photosensitive.

There are several ways to mitigate the negative side-effects of retinol while still getting all the benefits.

I have mild rosacea and I find that applying over-the-counter retinol every other night instead of nightly works well. Another tip is to combine retinol with moisturizer — you can mix the two products together, layer retinol on top of moisturizer, or just use a moisturizer with retinol.

These creams and moisturizers often include hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to nourish skin while the retinol works its wrinkle- and acne-fighting magic. There's a host of incredible formulas on the market, from the drugstore to higher-end retailers.

Here are the best retinol creams and moisturizers you can buy:

Best retinol cream overall: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

Best drugstore retinol moisturizer: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream

Best high-strength retinol cream: SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream

Best retinol moisturizer with antioxidants: StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Intensive Night Moisturizer

Best retinol cream for sensitive skin: Clark's Botanicals Retinol Rescue Overnight Cream with Calming Colloidal Oatmeal