Retinol is an incredible skincare remedy: It reduces wrinkles, fades dark spots and can even make your skin appear as though you had eight hours’ restful slumber! But be wary: Retinol may cause irritation or worsen acne breakouts.
There are gentle alternatives available, like bakuchiol and retinaldehyde, that offer many of the same benefits without harsh side effects. Try these retinol alternatives to help smooth skin and minimize blemishes.
1. Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol, an age-defying plant-based ingredient that’s been making waves recently in age-defying products, offers an effective yet gentler and less irritating alternative to dermatologist-recommended retinol. This renewing ingredient works just as hard at smoothing fine lines, increasing elasticity, and evening out skin tone.
This ingredient, extracted from the seeds of the babchi plant, has been shown to increase cell turnover without causing irritation like traditional retinoids do. Furthermore, it stimulates collagen production which reduces fine lines and wrinkles as well as improves skin texture and elasticity.
Studies have shown that phytochemicals found in bakuchiol can help mitigate oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2 pathway and down-regulating expression of pro-inflammatory genes – helping prevent further damage and maintain cardiovascular system integrity.
2. Retinaldehyde
Retinoids encompass an expansive list of ingredients, making it hard to choose the optimal treatment option for your skin. Retinol, retinyl palmitate and retinaldehyde are all derived from vitamin A derivatives with skin-renewing benefits; however, while retinol and its esters require three conversion steps before becoming effective treatments, retinaldehyde can work directly and more potently.
Retinaldehyde works similarly to retinol in terms of stimulating cell turnover to even out skin tone and texture, reduce fine lines, and prevent acne; it is gentler however and less likely to cause irritation; nevertheless it should still be introduced slowly into your routine as this treatment could make your skin more susceptible to sunlight exposure and use sunscreen with SPF 30 protection or higher when outdoors. Remember price doesn’t necessarily correlate with strength or quality so be wary of pricier products!
3. Aloe vera
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller, family Xanthorrhoaceae) gel has long been used as an herbal remedy and may possess anticancer, skin protection and antimicrobial properties according to research conducted.
One compound, aloe-emodin, has shown promising results as both an anti-inflammatory and bone protective agent in in vitro studies. Furthermore, it induced mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum apoptosis as well as blocking metastasis-induced oxidative stress in ovarian cancer cells.
Clinical studies have confirmed the benefits of aloe vera topical treatments to speed healing in burns and wounds, such as diabetic ulcers. Furthermore, one small 2024 study demonstrated it’s efficacy for periodontitis treatment.
4. Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is a popular natural keratolytic ingredient known for its ability to rid skin cells of dead skin and encourage renewal, making it a popular choice for exfoliation and brightening, making it perfect for oily or acne-prone complexions.
As one of the smallest and most easily absorbed alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic acid penetrates deeply to exfoliate. It works to rid dead skin cells, help unclog pores, minimize breakouts and enhance skin texture while simultaneously minimising fine lines and wrinkles and hyperpigmentation spots by breaking down their bonds that keep them together.
Retinol is best suited to combatting anti-aging and stimulating collagen production while glycolic acid excels at surface exfoliation and brightening. Combining both into your skincare regimen will create an additional beneficial result – healthy, radiant skin with even tone!
5. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is an amazing molecule with a remarkable structure that works to increase skin elasticity, plumpness, cell turnover rate, fine line reduction and dark spot prevention.
Hyaluronic acid can also aid healing. When applied directly to wounds, it helps prevent bacterial infection while simultaneously moisturizing and soothing the skin to speed up recovery faster – in fact, according to one 2022 study, topical hyaluronic acid was shown to accelerate wound closure by over 30%!
Hyaluronic acid injections can also help ease knee pain associated with osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid injections are regularly recommended by healthcare providers such as orthopedists, rheumatologists and physical medicine and rehabilitation providers.
