If you’re even vaguely familiar with retinol, you’ll likely know that it’s skincare’s star antiager and, unfortunately, it’s often irritating. Particularly during the first few weeks of use, it can cause irritation as skin acclimates to its effects. As someone whose skin is flaky to begin with, retinol’s drying effects have frustrated me to the point of avoiding the stuff, despite its undeniable benefits. Recently, I stumbled across Ebanel’s 2.5% Retinol Cream at Amazon, where shoppers with sensitive skin praise it for its surprisingly gentle $23 formula.

Ebanel 2.5% Retinol Cream

The Ebanel 2.5% Retinol Cream is a rich, fragrance-free anti-aging face moisturizer that’s suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive. It’s therefore ideal for people who’d prefer minimal peeling, redness, and other common side effects inherent to retinol’s notorious acclimation phase. 

Titular hero ingredient aside, the cream boasts a bevy of additional skincare superstars; for one, hyaluronic acid, a skin-plumping humectant and hydrator that counteracts dryness. Peptides — collagen-stimulating proteins — firm laxity over time. Finally, the cream features vitamin C, an antioxidant and hyperpigmentation-fighter. Consequently, the ingredient imparts a more even-toned, clear complexion over time. Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, supports this effect, too; as cosmetic chemist Yashi Shrestha previously told InStyle, vitamin A “even[s] out skin tone and texture" by increasing cell turnover.

Shoppers are noticing these effects among other benefits. According to one reviewer with sensitive skin, their face “actually feels hydrated” instead of dry or irritated after using the cream. Similarly, another reviewer echoes these sentiments, noting that the formula “works for sensitive skin.” One shopper in their 50s says their skin is “definitely smoother” and feels “firmer within the first few uses” of the product, while another in their 50s says the cream “softened” and even erased some of their fine lines. Finally, another reviewer reports smooth, calm skin while using the cream — even during the cold, dry winter months. Finally, one shopper calls it “miracle hydration in a bottle.” I mean, when was the last time you heard someone say that about a retinol? 

For smoother skin, fewer fine lines, and minimum retinol-induced irritation, shop the sensitive skin-friendly Ebanel 2.5% Retinol Cream for $23, and check out other top retinol products below.

CeraVe Anti-Aging Face Cream

Nature Well Clinical Retinol Advanced Moisture Cream