Evaluation of Skincare Formulations for Sensitive Skin with Retin-A

Subject: Evaluation of Your Skincare Formulations for Sensitive Skin with Retin-A

Thank you for sharing the ingredient lists of the two products you are using. It's wise to carefully consider ingredients, especially with sensitive skin and while using Retin-A, which can increase sensitivity and dryness.

Let's look at the two formulations:

Formulation 1 (with Salicylic Acid):

• Ingredients: Aqua, Alcohol Denat., Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Salicylic Acid.
• This formula contains Alcohol Denat., which can be drying and potentially irritating for sensitive skin, especially when combined with a potent ingredient like Retin-A. While Salicylic Acid (BHA) can be beneficial, its combination with alcohol and Retin-A might contribute to irritation or dryness. The tight feeling you experience could be related to the film-forming properties of ingredients like Carbomer/Triethanolamine or a sign of mild irritation/dryness from the Alcohol/BHA combination on sensitized skin.

Formulation 2:

• Ingredients: Aqua, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Allantoin, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Piroctone Olamine, Phenoxyethanol.
• This formula contains several ingredients beneficial for hydration and soothing, such as Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, and Allantoin. Allantoin is known for its skin-soothing properties, which is great for sensitive skin. While it contains Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) which primarily absorbs oil and might not be the most intensely moisturizing ingredient, this formulation lacks the potentially irritating Alcohol Denat. found in the first product.

Conclusion:
Considering your sensitive skin and use of Retin-A, Formulation 2 appears to be the better choice between the two for sensitive skin and providing some level of hydration. It contains soothing and moisturizing ingredients and avoids the potentially irritating alcohol present in Formulation 1.

However, neither of these formulations seems specifically designed as a rich, soothing moisturizer ideal for use alongside Retin-A, which often requires significant hydration support. If you find Formulation 2 is still not providing enough comfort or moisture, you might consider looking for a dedicated moisturizer with a focus on barrier support and soothing ingredients (like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, shea butter, etc.) to complement your Retin-A treatment.