# Menarini A-Ret Gel for sensitive skin

**Lovi Fit: Low fit for sensitive skin.**
Normal Skin Fit: Low · Effectiveness: High · Safety: Concerning.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for France.

Brand: [Menarini](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/brands/menarini)
Category: [Serums and treatments](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/best/serums)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with sensitive skin: redness, stinging, and reactions to new products. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A weak match for sensitive skin; the serums alongside fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate benefits for redness and irritation due to tretinoin, which can cause significant irritation and worsen sensitivity for your normal skin. Propylene glycol offers some humectant action, but the potential for dryness and irritation from tretinoin is a primary concern.
- The presence of tretinoin, while beneficial for fine lines, may lead to dryness and irritation for your normal skin type.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/dry-skin): Caution
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin): Low (this page)
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/acne-prone-skin): Average
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/mature-skin): Low
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Caution
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

Tretinoin, Propylene Glycol, Isopropanol, Carbomer, Butylated Hydroxytoluene

## What the research says

- A galenic compound containing essential oils and tretinoin demonstrated anti-acne efficacy and anti-inflammatory activity, significantly reducing papular erythema and retinoid-induced rashes compared to clindamycin-tretinoin gel in sixty volunteers over 30 days. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/))
- Topical tretinoin improves clinical appearance of photoaging in terms of wrinkling, mottled hyperpigmentation, sallowness, and lentigines and is safe and well tolerated. ([International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35620028/))
- Topical tretinoin daily application for 10 to 12 months produced an 80 percent increase in collagen I formation in photodamaged human skin compared with a 14 percent decrease with vehicle alone. ([The New England Journal of Medicine, 1993](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8336752/))
- Topical tretinoin precursors and tretinoin showed no significant difference in efficacy for moderate to severe facial photodamage in 20 patients, while tretinoin precursors caused erythema six times less frequently. ([JAMA Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35675051/))
- Treatment with a combination of propylene glycol, ethanol, water, and shampoo was found effective, easy to use, and cosmetically attractive with no observed side effects in patients with dandruff. ([Cutis, 1988](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2970946/))
- A moisturizer containing glycerol and propylene glycol reduced transepidermal water loss, decreased epidermal thickness, increased stratum corneum thickness, and reduced dermal inflammatory infiltrate compared to untreated disrupted skin in six healthy beagle dogs. ([Veterinary Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32628309/))
- The use of 70% isopropyl alcohol in conjunction with scrubbing with a bristled brush significantly reduced positive bacterial cultures at the nail fold compared to povidone-iodine with soft sponges in volunteers. ([The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume, 2005](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15866960/))
- Friction with 70% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol immediately eliminates the heart-shaped pigmented lesion characteristic of terra firma-forme dermatosis in a 14-year-old boy. ([Cureus, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38826967/))
- Rubbing 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes cleared persistent reticulated brown patches in five patients with terra firma-forme dermatosis. ([Skinmed, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27871345/))
- Topical chloramphenicol-betamethasone combined with sodium hyaluronate/trehalose/carbomer gel compared to chloramphenicol-betamethasone alone reduced most subjective symptoms at 1 week but increased blurred vision at 4 weeks following strabismus surgery in 31 patients, with no significant differences in conjunctival inflammation between treatments. ([Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31298607/))
- Incorporating nanoemulsions into hydrogels with increasing Carbopol 934 proportions from 1% to 3% progressively decreased the percutaneous flux rates of terbinafine and citral, increased drug accumulation in the stratum corneum while decreasing it in the epidermis/dermis compared to nanoemulsions alone, and shifted delivery routes from skin appendages to intercellular paths. ([International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27877042/))
- Topical liquiritin carbomer gel treatment restored skin barrier function, increased barrier proteins and antioxidant enzymes, and decreased inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in a mouse model of glucocorticoid-induced skin inflammation. ([Pharmaceutics, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39204346/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, this product is highly effective for improving skin texture, clearing acne, and providing an anti-aging glow, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin due to its lightweight, non-clogging formula. Users frequently mention its affordability. A significant number of reviews note a strong alcohol smell and potential for initial irritation or peeling, suggesting a need for a careful moisturizing routine.

- Liked: Highly effective results (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Lightweight, non-clogging (often mentioned)
- Liked: Very affordable (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Alcohol smell and drying (often mentioned)
- Liked: Noticeable skin radiance (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Availability and shipping (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Initial irritation and peeling (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Texture inconsistency (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use your serum in the PM routine, starting 3 times a week before building up to daily use if your skin is happy.
- Apply the serum after cleansing and toning, but before putting on your moisturizer for the best results.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the serum into your skin and wait a minute ⏱ for it to soak in.
- Since your skin is sensitive and easily irritated, apply the serum on completely dry skin to help keep it calm.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid getting the serum too close to your eyes .
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/c879dda8655a61c19d3d8c9ebad6b06d.mp4

## Questions and answers

### Why is Menarini A-Ret Gel a weak match for sensitive skin?

Menarini A-Ret Gel is a weak match because its strong active ingredients can easily cause dryness and irritation on sensitive skin. A product of this type needs soothing antioxidants, gentle hydrating components, and skin-repairing ingredients like niacinamide or snail secretion filtrate to calm redness while being fully compatible with delicate skin.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/)

### Which ingredients make this gel a poor fit for sensitive skin?

Tretinoin and propylene glycol make this gel a poor fit because they may cause significant dryness, redness, and irritation on sensitive skin. A treatment of this type needs gentle hydrating ingredients, potent antioxidants, and skin-repairing components like niacinamide or snail secretion filtrate to calm redness without any risk of irritation.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/)

### What does Tretinoin do for sensitive skin?

Tretinoin can be used on sensitive skin when integrated into a comprehensive skincare routine with gentle cleansers and moisturizers, though it requires careful introduction to manage irritation. Lower retinoid concentrations and specific formulations are associated with improved facial tolerability in healthy volunteers.
Sources: [International Journal of Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39551973/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2004](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15624747/)

### What does Propylene Glycol do for sensitive skin?

Propylene glycol is unlikely to cause irritation on normal skin, but it may occasionally lead to allergic reactions for sensitive skin types. This ingredient helps keep skin feeling soft and smooth by holding in moisture, though it is an uncommon cause of skin allergies.

### Where does this gel go in a skincare routine for sensitive skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after your toner and before your moisturizer. Because this product can cause dryness and irritation for sensitive skin, a product of this type needs soothing and hydrating ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin calm and comfortable.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36798538/)

### Can I use it with benzoyl peroxide, and in what order?

It is generally best to avoid using tretinoin and benzoyl peroxide at the same time, as combining them may cause significant dryness and irritation for sensitive skin. If you do use both, apply them on alternate nights or separate them into different parts of the day while keeping your routine gentle and deeply moisturizing.
Sources: [American Family Physician, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23062156/)

### How often should I use this gel?

This gel is a weak fit for your sensitive skin because it can cause significant dryness, redness, and irritation. To prevent this, a product of this type needs soothing and hydrating ingredients that protect the skin barrier while delivering its benefits. When used on sensitive skin, treatments like this should be started very slowly and only in the evening.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36798538/), [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/)

### Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for sensitive skin?

This product is unlikely to clog pores, but the strong ingredients like tretinoin and propylene glycol frequently cause dryness, peeling, and initial irritation on sensitive skin. To safely manage breakouts on sensitive skin, this type of product needs gentle soothing ingredients, mild hydrators, and a gradual introduction schedule to protect the skin barrier.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32210603/)

### Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

## Alternatives for sensitive skin

- [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €57.00 at Amazon
- [SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/skinceuticals/c-e-ferulic/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — €139.99 at Amazon
- [Neogen Dermalogy Real Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/neogen-dermalogy/real-vitamin-c-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — €37.67 at Amazon

## Routine for sensitive skin

### AM

- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €28.02 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Pixi Milky Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/pixi/milky-tonic/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €27.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer with Sun Protection: [innisfree Daily Mild Sunscreen](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/innisfree/daily-mild-sunscreen/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €24.00 at Amazon

### PM

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €16.10 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €28.02 at Amazon
- Soothing Toner: [Pixi Milky Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/pixi/milky-tonic/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €27.60 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €57.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €20.46 at Amazon

### Weekly

- Pre-Cleanser: [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €16.10 at Amazon
- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €28.02 at Amazon
- Enzyme Powder: [Fancl Facial Washing Powder](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/fancl/facial-washing-powder/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €30.65 at Amazon
- Nourishing Mask: [Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Sheet Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/anua/heartleaf-77-soothing-sheet-mask/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €19.90 at Amazon
- Serum or Treatment: [Paula's Choice RESIST Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/paula-s-choice/resist-super-antioxidant-concentrate-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €57.00 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — €20.46 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in France has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Tretinoin, Propylene Glycol, Isopropanol, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Methyl Hydroxybenzoate, Propyl Hydroxybenzoate
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin (this page)
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/menarini/a-ret-gel/for/sensitive-skin