Ingredients that can serve as more gentle alternatives to retinol include bakuchiol, peptides, azelaic acid and more. Below, check out top-recommended products and then learn a bit more about how these alternative ingredients work.
Also known as retinoic acid, tretinoin is about 20 times more potent than retinol. It's stronger because retinoic acid is a form of vitamin A that acts directly on the skin to boost cell renewal, turnover, and DNA damage repair.
Use an Exfoliating Acid Serum on Opposite Nights
Retinol encourages dull, sun-damaged skin cells to rise to the surface for easy removal. Using a gentle exfoliating acid serum once or twice a week will accelerate removal.
Known as “nature's retinol,” bakuchiol is a botanical extract derived from bakuchi plant seeds and contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. This antioxidant-rich ingredient shares the same collagen-growth and cell-turnover benefits as synthetic retinol without any skin irritation.
Retinol is better when it comes to anti-ageing. But you must incorporate retinol slowly into your skincare routine. It is better to apply retinol during the night.
While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines.
Retinol is a powerful tool against aging skin and acne, but it's not for everyone. If you're prone to allergies or have sensitive skin, you might want to try skincare products with alternative anti-aging or skin-clearing ingredients.
Is Rosehip Oil as good as Retinol? The short answer to this question is NO. But it isn't that cut and dry. To break it down, experts agree that the amount of Vitamin A found in most rosehip oils won't be enough to have the same effect on your skin as retinol.
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, so it makes sense that there are natural oils also rich in the vitamin, like rosehip and carrot seed. Rosehip oil is exceptional in regenerating and healing the skin, while increasing collagen production and skin elasticity. Similarly, carrot seed oil promotes cellular turnover.
You see, retinol impacts your skin's normal function, and when you stop it your skin has to re-learn how to regulate itself properly again. So typically when people stop using it they experience either bad acne or bad dryness for a few weeks afterwards.
Bakuchiol is the most notable retinol alternative. You've probably seen it everywhere. It comes from the seeds of the Babchi plant and stimulates the regeneration of skin cells. Much like retinol, it stimulates collagen production, evens out skin tones, improves the appearance of fine lines and reduces inflammation.
Should you use retinol under your eyes? Yes, definitely. While it is true that retinol – a form of vitamin A – is a powerful ingredient and the skin under your eyes is delicate, there's no reason why you should miss out on the amazing benefits of retinol.
According to Dr. Ellen Marmur, founder of MMSkincare, “if you are looking for a hydration boost and anti-inflammatory, then hyaluronic acid is the right choice. If you are looking to combat wrinkles and aging, then retinol is the better choice.”
A study carried out by Medik8 found that retinal can work up to 11 times faster than traditional retinol. This makes it good for mature skin types who want to see a significant improvement in fines lines and wrinkles as quickly as possible.
Retinol can penetrate deep into your skin's layers to activate collagen and elastin, which give your skin structure and support to prevent wrinkles. You can apply products that contain retinoids at home directly onto your skin as you would a lotion or a moisturizer.
Rosehip oil may cause mild to severe allergic reactions. In severe cases, rosehip oil can cause anaphylaxis (loss of breathing). When using rosehip oil, watch for signs of allergic reactions like skin irritation or rash.
If you have oily skin, you might want to pass on this one. Rose hip oil has vitamin C in it and that can promote excess hydration. If you're considering rosehip oil for the hair, you'll want to avoid it if your hair is very fine because the oil could weigh it down.
Because retinoids help your skin make more collagen, they soften wrinkles and fine lines. They also stimulate new blood vessels, which can give your skin a rosy color. Retinoids also help fade age spots and smooth rough patches. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a popular prescription choice for aging skin.
The good news is that it is never too late to start incorporating retinol into your skin care routine. People in the 60s and beyond have begun using retinol and still experienced results.
If you've surpassed your 20s and are concerned that you've missed your window for reaping the benefits of retinol, don't worry—it's never too late to start. Dr. Arthur says she's had patients who reported noticeable results after starting retinol in their 60s and 70s.