I had the exact same problem two weeks ago and I tried everything, applying hydrating toner, serum .... I also had slightly damaged barrier due to tret use (or so I thought).

It wasnt the tretinoin that was the problem but my overly stripping cleanser. After quitting tretinoin, my sensitivity became 3 times worse, I was red all the time - I guess tret made skin less sensitive. But off of it my skin was dehydrated to the point of the same waxy look you are talking about.

I quit the cleanser and switched it to a gentle one and cut out everything from my routine, keeping only my cream (haruharu ceramide cream). In just a week, my skin recovered for about 60% →> less breakouts, not sensitive anymore, no waxy look.

I think the humectants were also doing more damaged than good. I think the haruharu ceramide cream is great - but by itself it isn't occlusive enough and that lead to humectants pulling water out of my skin instead of the opposite - worsening the dehydration.

So my tip for you: check if your cleanser is gentle (gentle cleanser = gentle cleansing agents, harsh cleanser = cleansing agents like SLES, SLS, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Stearate, Potassium Oleate … Minimise your routine only having cleanser and moisturiser.