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.
While retinol can provide acne relief after the potential purge stage, bakuchiol is particularly effective for acne-prone skin. It's naturally antibacterial so it's great for soothing and reducing the appearance of not only irritation and redness, but also acne and acne scars.
If you're looking for an ingredient that can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, retinol may be the better option. However, if you're looking for something that will keep your skin hydrated and plump, hyaluronic acid may be a better choice.
Yes, because both collagen and retinol have anti-aging properties. However, retinol is a more potent anti-aging product, so it's better for those with deep-set wrinkles. Collagen is better for those with fewer and finer wrinkles.
In the morning, after applying your vitamin C serum, follow it with a layer of hydrating hyaluronic acid. In your nightly routine, apply hyaluronic acid serum before retinol, as it can increase its effectiveness while also helping to lock moisture in for maximum hydration.
However, some studies have shown that side effects like scaling, irritation and dermatitis are common with its regular usage. And these downsides have led to the popularity of the natural plant-based wonder ingredient - bakuchiol.
Potential Side Effects of Bakuchiol
While bakuchiol is considered a gentler alternative to retinoids, says Dr. Garshick, “there is still a risk of sensitivity, including redness, dryness or stinging of the skin, especially with initial use.”
You can! Because it tends to gentler on the skin than other anti-aging ingredients (like retinol), bakuchiol can be used every day, and in fact, when used twice a day, bakuchiol has been studied and shown to be just as effective as retinol.
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.
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.
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.
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3
This cream also contains the antioxidant vitamin C, another potent ingredient that can deliver a serious glow.
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.
Renowned dermatologists highly recommend the addition of bakuchiol infused products in your late teens. You don't have to wait for signs of aging to appear before adding an anti-aging ingredient into your daily skincare.
Like its vitamin A-derived counterpart, bakuchiol can help boost collagen production, making your skin look tighter and plumper.
Research has shown that bakuchiol has a range of anti-ageing benefits for skin. It can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help restore firmness, refine skin texture and even out skin tone. Bakuchiol helps to calm skin making it a good option for those whose skin shows signs of sensitivity.
In a different study, a bakuchiol-containing cleanser and moisturizer improved skin smoothness and signs of aging in 60 older women with sensitive skin. Another trial evaluated a product that combined bakuchiol with melatonin and the vitamin C derivative, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate in a three-in-one anti-aging cream.
Suitable for all skin types: Being gentle on skin, most anyone can use bakuchiol. Helps soothe and heal skin: By promoting cell turnover and healthy cell regeneration, bakuchiol may help soothe and heal your skin from the inside out.
The common advice is to use bakuchiol if your skin is sensitive to retinol. But if your skin isn't sensitive to this vitamin A ingredient, you really should try using them together. The similar and unique benefits of both can truly help your skin in unique ways (1). Let's explore those benefits…
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
You can use retinol with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Retinol tends to cause dryness and irritation, while hyaluronic acid and niacinamide hydrate the skin and maintain your skin's function as a protective barrier. Do not combine retinol with AHAs, BHAs, or Vitamin C.