In the world of beauty, Retinoids are the queen. While it is the queen, many people tend to find retinol too harsh for their skin. The benefits of it are undeniable, but if it’s causing you irritation the benefits do not matter. That’s why more and more people are switching to natural retinol alternatives, that way they get all the same benefits but with no irritation. Plus, natural retinoids are perfectly safe for breastfeeding and pregnant individuals.

So, here are some of our fave retinol alternatives that you will love!

Bakuchiol 

This wonder herb is a great healer if you're looking for a natural product skincare solution. It’s a bio-retinol, so that means that it can stimulate cellular activity like collagen production. So, not only will it allow for a fuller, hydrated skin texture, but you will see an improvement in fine lines and the appearance of wrinkles without all the harshness that a normal retinol may cause. 

Not only that but it also helps with inflammation, has antimicrobial effects, antioxidants, and can help regulate melanin production!

Find it in

We have this great healer in two of our Graydon products! 

Phyto clear is an amazing moisturizer that is perfect for all skin types, but especially for acne prone skin! With some super ingredients like squalane oil, moth bean extract and of course bakuchiol, it’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to get all the benefits of conventional retinol without the sensitizing effects. 

The other product is our brand new Supermoon Serum! It’s ultra-lightweight and water based and will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With amazing ingredients like maple water, malachite and more, this is the best serum to add to your routine. 

For an extra boost, combine Phyto Clear and Supermoon together to make a skin smoothie and reap the benefits while saving product!

Niacinamide

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is a water-soluble vitamin that is a superstar for your skin. It has pro-ageing, wrinkle smoothing properties. As we age our skin produces less collagen, keratin and more, but that’s where Niacinamide comes in. It encourages collagen synthesis production, along with the production of other important proteins like keratin, thus creating fewer fine lines and wrinkles, as well as smoother, more resilient skin.

Niacinamide is also anti-inflammatory, helps with acne, has skin brightening properties and it does an amazing job at strengthening your skin barrier!

Find it in

If you’re looking for niacinamide in one of our products, look no further than our Aloe Milk Cleanser.

This cleanser is so soothing and great for sensitive skin. With a blend of aloe vera, black tea, and of course niacinamide, it helps to calm and balance your skin. Plus, it easily breaks down makeup and impurities without stripping your skin!

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is derived from grains, including barley, wheat and rye. If you have a gluten allergy you may be thinking this isn’t for you, but here’s the kicker, azelaic acid is gluten-free! It offers many benefits and helps your skin thrive. 

It has amazing antibacterial properties that help fight against multiple bad bacteria, including the bacteria that causes acne, all while helping control sebum overproduction which causes breakouts. It also offers gentle exfoliation that removes dead skin cells which can lead to clogged pores. While it’s not as powerful as AHAs or BHAs, it’s a great choice for people with sensitive skin. On top of it all azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and it even helps with hyperpigmentation. 

Find it in

Face Foam not only has azelaic acid but it has a blend of BHAs and bamboo extract. It also has apple cider vinegar which makes the PH-level skin friendly. It removes dirt, sweat and excess sebum to leave your skin feeling smooth.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is labeled as a dry oil, which means that it’s less thick and can sink into the skin at a faster rate. It has a ton of antioxidants like carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E and more that help combat skin-damaging free radicals. These antioxidants can also help boost collagen production and can help fade hyperpigmentation. Since it’s rich in vitamin E that helps boost its anti-inflammatory properties! On top of it all, it’s been shown to be wound healing. It effectively speeds up the healing process all while improving scarring. 

Find it in

Rosehip oil is in our beloved Skin Stuff! This ultralight ceramide moisturizer is amazing for people with sensitive skin and it’s one of my personal faves! It doubles as an eye cream and it helps protect your skin barrier while offering soothing hydration.

Carrot Seed

Carrot seed is a type of essential oil, and it has great benefits! What it doesn’t have are the vitamins and nutrients provided by carrots, since it’s not meant to be ingested, but that doesn’t stop it from being beneficial for your skin. 

It’s great for fighting off different types of bacteria with all its antibacterial properties. It is also antifungal and to some degree fights against yeast such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus. Some other benefits include: pro- aging support, anti-inflammatory and antioxidants. 

Find it in

Putty is our moisturizer that is made for dry skin. With its blend of nutrient-packed ingredients like turmeric, manuka honey, and carrot seed oil, it helps calm your skin down from any irritation.

Sea Buckthorn

Also referred to as a Siberian pineapple, it has been found that the berries carry 10 times more vitamin C than an orange and are the third-highest source of vitamin E among plants, so it’s full of antioxidants. It is also shown to help moisturize your skin and because it contains linoleic acid, which is naturally found in the production of sebum, it can help regulate oil. 

Some other great benefits of Sea Buckthorn include: preventing moisture loss, improving skin tone, decreasing fine lines and wrinkles and some early studies are showing that it can potentially be anti bacterial, fungal and psoriatic! 

Find it in

Where can you find sea buckthorn? Well, you can find it in Face Glow. It’s a natural tinted moisturizer and it’s a true multitasker! It can be used as a moisturizer, primer or highlighter! If you’re looking for that “no makeup” makeup look, then face glow is right for you.

There you have it, a collection of just some of our favourite retinol alternatives! Give your skin the vibrance it deserves!