We know you love retinol. What’s not to love? It is a miraculous anti-aging agent and reduces sun damage, acne, pores and fine lines simultaneously. It also gives you an even texture and complexion by stimulating new blood vessels. If our beauty routine was a superhero movie, retinol is said superhero.
But as functional as retinol is, it has been known to cause skin troubles, mainly because it is formulated with a strong chemical blend. Retinol is an over-the-counter version of retinoid, a chemical compound related to vitamin A. Retinoids are one of the very few agents proven to actively slow down aging by producing more collagen and reversing sun damage.
But skin specialists and estheticians often steer clear of retinol, especially if their patients have super sensitive skin or have skin ailments like rosacea. As more and people are leaning toward gentler, and preferably plant-based skin formulas and treatments, retinol might be losing some of its charm.
An ideal retinol replacement would be exactly as versatile and effective, only gentler. Enter bakuchiol, often called “herbal Botox.” It is a naturally occurring antioxidant derived from the babchi plant that is taking the beauty industry by storm. Besides bakuchiol, there are also several other alternatives to retinol you should try out.
Here, the gentle-but-effective alternatives to replace your harsh (but beloved) retinol.
[ Next: 10 Body Washes That Won’t Irritate Your Sensitive Skin ]
Best Alternatives to Retinol
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Ole Henriksen
Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum, $58 at Sephora
If you use a retinol serum, you can easily transfer to this gentler and amazing day serum, which uses bakuchiol blended with glycolic and lactic acids. It also contains sandalwood, licorice extracts and sugarcane. It gently renews skin and also has a lavender tint, which instantly revives your complexion.
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Omorovicza
Miracle Facial Oil, $120 at Nordstrom
This facial oil has bakuchiol and antioxidants like sea buckthorn berry oil, which is rich in vitamins. It also has winged kelp to retain elasticity and rosehip oil, which smooths skin and works to reduce marks and fine lines on your face.
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Avène
RetrinAL Day Cream, $55 at Avène
This antioxidant-packed day cream is very effective in keeping wrinkles at bay and also acts as a wrinkle concealing cream. It has hyaluronic acid and Avène thermal spring water to provide hydration. If you have sensitive skin and are looking to make the switch from retinol, this would be ideal.
