Is tretinoin .05% ineffective on top of occlusive moisturizers?

I recently reintroduced tretinoin into my skincare routine for acne scars and acne. i did tretinoin before but had to stop because my skin would never stop peeling. however i am trying again this time and have been using it on top of either cerave moisturizing cream or FAB ultra repair cream. i have had almost no side effects at all, and i am wondering, if I am usually very sensitive to tretinoin, does no side effects mean it is not working?