If You’re Scared to Try Retinol, These 12 Products Are Great Gentle Alternatives

When it comes to the hierarchy of powerhouse skincare ingredients, retinol reigns supreme. Everyone from beauty editors to dermatologists, swear by its transformational results. You see, unlikely so many other buzzy ingredients that aim to reduce the signs of skin ageing, retinol is one of the few that is actually proven to work in scientific studies.

Working to increase cell turnover and promote collagen and elastin production, retinol does everything from smoothing fine lines and texture to reducing the appearance of blemishes and pigmentation. But the truth is, retinol isn’t an ingredient for the faint hearted. Any ingredient that works to increase cell turnover in the way that retinol does is sure to come with some caveats.

In short, retinol can prove irritating and isn’t a feasible option for many. “Traditional retinol can potentially cause irritation in the form of dryness, redness and flaking, especially in those with sensitive skin,” says Dr Joyce Park, bareMinerals Global Dermatology Ambassador. Even those that have skin types deemed more tolerant should slowly build up their retinol usage to avoid upset. On top of this, retinol products should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

So what’s the answer? Well, the bad news is, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have sensitive skin won’t be able to truly embrace the wonders of retinol. The good news, however, is that there are other options out there in the form of plant-based ingredients that deliver similar results (note that results are only similar, not identical to) to retinol, without any of the nasty irritation. These are the three best retinol alternatives you should have on your radar.

Also known as black-jack, Spanish needle and picão preto, bidens pilosa is a plant that is believed to give retinol-esque results when formulated in skincare products. The difference is, while treating signs of ageing, it also helps to calm the skin and boost luminosity. “It’s a plant-based alternative that is much kinder to the skin. It can help with both ageing and existing signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and dullness of the skin,” says Dr Park.

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and protein peptides, this lightweight concentrate promises to reduce the appearance of fine lines and even skin tone in just one week. Plus, it delivers instant plumping hydration, too.

Skin naturally on the drier side? This deeply nourishing skin paste will help keep skin moisturised while also plumping and smoothing fine lines. Plus, the aluminium tube is fully (and infinitely recyclable).

If you like your evening skincare products to come with a bit of spa-like luxury, this oily serum could be just the ticket. Whereas traditional retinol products tend to lack sensorial luxury, this stuff contains a blend of bidens pilosa extract to plump and smooth, as well as a blend of oils rich in omegas and vitamins to strengthen the skin barrier.

With both bidens pilosa and red algae extract for firmer, soothed, lifted and smoother skin, this moisturiser really does do it all. Besides being a great formula, the plastic bottle is also made from Infinity Recycling technology, which allows plastic to be recycled infinitely.

Chances are you’ve already heard of this stuff. For the past few years, bakuchiol has been dubbed nature’s retinol by just about every skincare brand around. The truth is, however, the two ingredients do have some key differences. While bakuchiol is, like retinol, thought to increase collagen production and boost cell turnover, it has a much gentler nature.

“Bakuchiol is a newcomer antioxidant which is a perfect alternative to retinol for anti-ageing purposes because it is easier to tolerate by sensitive and reactive skin types,” says Dr Ana, aesthetic doctor at Kat & Co. It is also deemed safe for use during pregnancy.

If it’s youthful glow you’re after, this rich night cream is worth taking a look at. Not only does it contain bakuchiol to target fine lines, it is also formulated for AHAs to exfoliate and boost glow while it works.

With bakuchiol to boost collagen production, reduce pigmentation and increase skin elasticity, this little serum really delivers. As well as that, it also contains an impressive dose of squalane to keep skin healthy and nourished.

Along with bakuchiol, this super-light but powerful serum also contains a whole bunch of other antioxidants and vitamins to leave even the most sensitive of skin types plumped and nourished.

Ideal for those with skin that’s prone to congestion, this cooling gel serum is formulated with PHAs (that’s poly-hydroxy acids), to offer super-gentle exfoliation that really works. Expect seriously smooth, glowing skin.

You’d be forgiven if you have previously disregarded rosehip oil as just another unnecessary oily ‘hydrator’. Truthfully, most rosehip oil products don’t market themselves as well as they could. Far from just your average glow-boosting oil, rosehip oil is actually really quite powerful.

Skin expert Jane Scrivner explains, “Rosehip oil is chock-full of vitamin C and is rich in beta carotene which is an excellent source of trans retinoic acid, a natural form of vitamin A. It encourages cell turnover and reparation, making it a wonderful and powerful alternative to retinol.”