All about retinol and its natural alternatives

Retinol is the star ingredient anti-aging which is constantly being talked about, as well as its alternatives like bakuchiol.
Do we really need to integrate retinol as an emergency part of our beauty routine? What are its benefits ? What retinol care to choose for your skin? We tell you everything!

What is retinol?

This is one of the most popular active ingredients for beauty addicts, and we understand why! Powerful anti-aging, retinol is the benchmark ingredient for new skin. In addition to fighting against wrinkles and skin aging, it is also an ally for skin prone to acne and pigmentation spots , which it visibly blurs over the applications.

But what exactly is it?
Retinol is an active form of vitamin A , a vitamin essential for skin health, which is part of the large family ofretinoids .
This molecule acts on the synthesis of melanin , stimulates the production of collagen , and calms the inflammation for incredibly smooth skin.

Be careful not to confuse retinol and tretinoin !
Tretinoin is also a retinoid, but unlike retinol it is pure retinoic acid (while retinol is converted to retinoic acid). Tretinoin is a medication , available by prescription only, and must be prescribed by a dermatologist. It is used in particular in the treatment of acne .
Retinol is a cosmetic active ingredient found in many beauty products, natural or not, in free access.

4 benefits of retinol 

- Anti-aging: retinol stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, it boosts cell renewal for smooth, plump skin. A must anti wrinkle and loss of firmness!
- Antioxidant: retinol protects the skin from external aggressions and premature skin aging
- Anti dark spots: retinol helps reduce pigment spots by regulating the production of melanin
- Anti imperfections: the retinol molecule was originally used for the treatment of acne. Retinol improves the texture of the skin and reduces pores.

Retinol: instructions for use

Pure retinol should be used with caution, it is a powerful active ingredient which generally requires adjustment time. You have to build your tolerance for retinol, and play on the frequency of application and the concentration of retinol, in order to enjoy its benefits without irritating the skin.
Good to know: retinol is photosensitizing, so it is recommended to use it preferably in the evening, or even only 1 or 2 evenings per week depending on the sensitivity of your skin.
Note that pure retinol is not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers as a precaution, and may not be suitable for sensitive skin or sensitized, as well as for fine skin and dry.

What alternatives to retinol?

If not all skin types tolerate pure retinol, there are alternatives to retinol: milder forms of retinol, which offer similar virtues without causing irritation.

Bio-retinol: plant-derived retinol

Nature will never stop surprising us! Some plants offer attractive retinol like properties for the skin, without the risk of irritation.

This is particularly the case with the extract from bidens pilosa, which is found in the gold mask with bio retinol Evolve Beauty. A plant native from South America, bidens pilosa has highly anti-aging and restorative properties, while being very well tolerated by sensitive skin. Its effectiveness is scientifically proven: it increases the production of type 1 collagen by 14% and reduces irregularities in the skin by 36% without causing irritation.

We can also cite the extract of butterfly bean or mat bean, which is found in the night mask Dewy Dream Bean Lilfox. This Indian legume rich in powerful antioxidants protects the skin from skin aging and UV damage. The butterfly bean also stimulates collagen synthesis and cell renewal, delicately exfoliates to purify and reduce pores, smoothes and visibly improves the texture of the skin. In short, a bean like no other!

Bakuchiol, the new star ingredient that shadows retinol

If you follow beauty trends, it's hard to miss this super ingredient that replaces retinol, extracted from the seeds of babchi, a plant used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Why such a success ? Scientific studies prove effectiveness similar to retinol, without the irritations that go with it! Bakuchiol also boosts the effectiveness of retinol serums, allowing them to be used in synergy.
It is found in particular in Okoko Cosmétiques, one of the pioneer brands to have introduced this active ingredient on the market several years ago with its oil Les 16 précieux, but also more recently in The Hawaiian Nights Mahalo night oil, a powerful regenerating care.

Vegetable oils rich in natural retinol

Bet on vegetable oils naturally rich in vitamin A, such as the essential wild rose oil, with recognized anti-aging, regenerating and healing properties. Packed with carotenoids, it restores radiance to dull complexions, boosts cell renewal and smoothes wrinkles and fine lines.
We find it in the cult oil from Pai Skincare, or the Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil from Tata Harper.
Rosehip oil is obviously softer and less powerful than retinol, you will have to wait a little longer to see results. Pure, it is also ideal as an anti-stretch mark treatment or in children to treat a scar, for example.

Less known but just as effective, cocay oil is a real treasure for the skin! Also rich in vitamin A, it is obtained from the seeds of a tree native to the Amazon.
Highly anti-aging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and regenerating, this precious oil strengthens the hydrolipid barrier of skin to better retain hydration, improves elasticity and boosts collagen production. It is found in particular in organic anti-aging skincare from Evolve Beauty: Superfood 360 anti-aging serum and the multi peptide organic face cream.

The benefits of retinol alternatives

- good tolerance for sensitive skin

- No risk of photosensitisation

- No contraindication for pregnant women or breastfeeding

- Can be used daily morning and evening in any season

What natural retinol treatment for my skin?

You don't know which is the best retinol treatment for your skin? Follow the guide!

Serum, oil or mask: retinol in all its forms

Retinol can be found in all of our beauty products, to offer its incomparable anti-aging, anti-blemish and anti-stain benefits.
But then how do you get there?
For intensive care choose a retinol serum, concentrated in active ingredients to deeply regenerate the skin. It is the ally of mature or acne-prone skin, to be reserved in the evening.
To take advantage of the effects of retinol gently, fall for a face oil rich in bakuchiol or wild rose, adapted to your skin type.
For a punctual treatment that boosts the skin when it feels the need, opt for the retinol mask. Easy to introduce into your routine, it offers visible results from the first use.
Discover our favorites without delay!

The essential retinol serum

We advise you Mukti Vital A Booster Serum, based on Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate HPR, a mild retinoid.
Ideal for mature, acne-prone skin or prone to pigment spots,this regenerating night elixir combines vitamin A with a cocktail of powerful antioxidants: lycopene, buriti, rose hips and coenzyme Q10, to reveal smooth skin.
The must ? Use it in combo with the dermaroller for tenfold efficiency.

Which retinol oil to choose?

Retinol oil for acne skin:

L’élixir de manuka Okoko is our safe bet for skin prone to imperfections. Combining bakuchiol, nigella, salicylic acid and manuka, it is a real purifying and regenerating concentrate that regulates and cleanses the skin, and fades acne spots and scars.

Retinol oil for mature skin:

The Retinoic Nutrient Tata Harper oil is great for skin prone to wrinkles and fine lines and dullness. A makeover containing 18 high-performance botanical active ingredients, including retinoic acid from rosehip oil. To use alone or as a booster in its cream, it is a must in luxury organic cosmetics!

Retinol oil for sensitive skin:

Most sensitive skin can also benefit from the benefits of retinol with the Pai Skincare Wild Rose Oil. Pure rosehip oil naturally rich in vitamin A, extracted by CO2 to preserve all the benefits of the plant. Ideal for spots, scars, wrinkles, but also to repair UV damage, it is a bestseller for all skin types! It can also be used during pregnancy.

How about a retinol mask?

Ideal for giving a radiant complexion, the retinol mask is a good way to integrate this active ingredient into your routine as a one-off treatment.
Mature, dry or sensitive skin? Choose the gold mask with bio retinol Evolve, a golden treatment with a texture and color of madness that plumps the skin in depth and gives a goddess glow.
Congested, dull, irregular skin? Fall for an exceptional high-performance treatment with the Dewy Dream Bean Lilfox night mask. With this resurfacing mask also enriched with niacinamide and glycolic acid, you have a smooth and luminous skin when you wake up!

Do not hesitate to ask us your questions about retinol in the comments! :)