As someone with sensitive skin, I’d be lying if I told you I was always excited to try new skincare products. With every swatch test comes a fifty-fifty chance that I’ll have some sort of reaction. So naturally, when I was told by my dermatologist to consider starting a retinol (I know, I’m late!), I immediately flagged how nervous I was about the dreaded purging period, in addition to my fears that a traditional formula would be too strong for me.

Fortunately, she pointed out that there are plenty of retinol alternatives out there that deliver similar results. “Most retinol alternatives do not cause the classic “retinization” process, so significant peeling, dryness, burning, and irritation are much less common,” says board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD. “Instead, users are more likely to notice gradual improvements in hydration, smoother texture, brighter skin, and increased radiance over several weeks.”