Which sensor is best for obstacle detecting with retroreflector?
I think the question is worded to get a specific answer; I do not know if this is the answer you want. I'll give you that answer first:

I'd say an infrared LED, and an infrared detector.

Strobe the LED, then measure the difference between when it's (known to be) on, and when it's (known to be) off, to compensate for ambient light.

However, if I was doing this, I'd consider an ultrasound sensor - no retroreflector needed; instead you get the distance to the (obstacle or reflector).