Retinol, an anti-aging ingredient, can cause flakiness and dryness if introduced too rapidly into a skin care routine, or used too frequently. Because results from using retinol products take months to show, it is advisable to seek medical advice first before beginning use of any retinol product.
A non-irritating serum from French skincare brand Avene contains bakuchiol to soften fine lines while niacinamide and orchid stem cells help even out your complexion.
2. Murad Retinol-Free Serum
Retinol may cause redness, peeling and flaking (known as party crackdown) when used too strongly on skin. With some adjustments however, your retinol should work for you without creating discomfort.
Murad Retinol Serum from GH Beauty Lab provides smoothing results without irritation. The wrinkle-fighting formula combines liposome-encapsulated retinol with microbiome-rebalancing prebiotic oat kernel ferment and alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate, plump up, hydrate and refine your complexion.
It features a light concentration of retinyl palmitate, which is less powerful than prescription-grade retinol but still provides anti-ageing benefits. The formula is lightweight and includes hydrating agents such as squalane and hyaluronic acid to minimize potential dryness side effects of retinol products; with five-star reviews and endorsement from three dermatologists we polled, it stands as an all-around winner.
3. Phytomer Retinol-Free Serum
For those who can’t use or won’t use retinol but still desire anti-ageing action, there are alternative treatments out there. Australian brand JSHealth’s serum features plant-based bakuchiol — a powerful plant extract proven to work just as effectively as regular retinol — with silk extracts and upcycled cranberry seeds added as boosters; additionally it’s free from silicones, alcohol, synthetic fragrance, or parabens – ideal if your skincare regime can’t handle traditional retinol.
As opposed to conventional retinol products, this one won’t breach your skin barrier or cause redness, itching, and flaking; rather, its clinical trials have demonstrated its ability to reduce fine lines, improve skin tone and increase radiance.
Daniel suggests this formula for those with “fully mature skin”, and most people start using it at age 18. This OTC product features five percent retinoid ester called hydryoxypinacolone retinoate that’s converted into retinoic acid in your skin; plus it features a time release system to slowly deliver it over time. Gentle enough for daily use and boasting over 2,500 five-star ratings from Paula’s Choice customers!
4. Aesop Retinol-Free Serum
Anti-age serums that contain retinol may be too drying for those with dry skin, so when selecting one make sure it contains other hydrating ingredients and is lightweight.
Aesop’s Aloe Vera Gel contains soothing aloe, ylang ylang and parthenon extracts to moisturize the complexion, along with niacinamide to help reduce inflammation associated with age.
For those new to using retinol, this product offers an ideal starting point. At only 0.3 percent concentration, its low concentration will help your skin adjust without experiencing redness or irritation from its ingredients. Furthermore, bakuchiol – an all-natural plant-based alternative that enhances results while not causing irritation – supercharges results while not irritating skin. Simply adding this lightweight serum into your daily regimen can help fade dark spots, smooth fine lines and boost collagen – not forgetting hyperpigmentation! It absorbs quickly while its encapsulated release of retinol gradually over the night so as to minimize irritation caused by these ingredients!
