There's no denying that in the world of skin care ingredients, retinoids reign supreme. They're the cream of the crop (pun intended), beloved by dermatologists for their ability to deliver a laundry list of benefits for the skin. This group of vitamin A derivatives—of which retinol is one over-the-counter version—can pretty much do it all. They help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, prompt cells on the surface to slough off leading to brighter skin and a more even tone, and help fade excess pigmentation.
Retinoids are also beloved for breakout-prone skin, thanks to their ability to help keep pores clear and their calming effects. And on top of all of that, they have a long track record as a skin care staple.
For some people, however, all these pros can come with some serious cons. Retinoids are notorious for their irksome potential side effects, including redness, dryness, and general irritation—not to mention they can't be used by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to the potential for birth defects.
The good news is, you do have other options: natural retinol alternatives. (FYI, since the term "natural" doesn't really have a set definition, we're using it in this context to refer to primarily plant-based ingredients.) Keep reading for 7 stellar natural retinol alternatives!
1. Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is perhaps the most well-known and well-studied alternative, with results that are most similar to retinol. It comes from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant and, while it isn't a vitamin A derivative, works similarly to retinol to help skin look firmer and smoother. It's also very antioxidant-rich and helps calm the look of redness.
The major advantage bakuchiol has over retinol? It's more suitable for sensitive skin types. In fact, in a side-by-side comparison, both ingredients were shown to help improve the look of wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and skin firmness—but the bakuchiol was better tolerated. Plus, since it's not a vitamin A derivative, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding can use it.
2. Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil naturally contains small amounts of retinoic acid — the form retinol has to convert into once it is on the skin. To that point, it's excellent for softening the look of skin and bringing radiance back to dull complexions. And while there's no research comparing it to retinol, because it is rich in the fatty acids that are essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, rosehip oil can also help improve visible signs of aging by preventing moisture loss.
3. Rambutan
There's a fair amount of information floating around on the Internet comparing rambutan, a tropical fruit, to retinol, though it’s important to note that there is no good scientific data to support claims of it improving collagen or elastin production. (Just one study performed in mice and one small, industry-sponsored study that didn't yield noteworthy results.) Still, rambutan can have solid anti-aging effects on the skin due to its high antioxidant content. Rambutan has an array of antioxidants that can decrease the look of skin aging by neutralizing free radicals, protecting the skin against oxidative damage, and helping skin look firmer over time.
4. Carrot Seed Oil
Derived from the seeds of wild carrots, carrot seed oil is rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A that can help skin look renewed. Additionally, it's also rich in antioxidants (vitamins C and E, as well as vitamin A, which can be converted into retinol in the skin), and it's known as an effective pick for skin rejuvenation.
5. Sea Buckthorn Oil
The pulp of sea buckthorn berries is a nutritional concentrate rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. More specifically, sea buckthorn oil is often used in skin care, largely for, again, its high concentration of antioxidants, including carotenes, vitamins E and C, and flavonoids. It's also rich in essential fatty acids, making it an exceptionally nourishing ingredient. And while the exact mechanism of action is unclear, sea buckthorn oil is well loved for helping skin look firmer and feel more comfortable.
6. Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid occurs naturally in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye and is also created on our skin naturally by a yeast—Malassezia furfur—which is part of our normal skin flora. While there's no research comparing it directly to retinol, there's a lot of overlap between the benefits of the two ingredients. For example, azelaic acid is also a favorite for breakout-prone skin: it kills the bacteria that infect pores, decreases inflammation and redness, and exfoliates to help decrease keratin buildup that can lead to clogged pores. On top of that, it helps fade the look of dark spots, which is why it's a favorite for those dealing with melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
7. Niacinamide
This is slightly different than the other ingredients on this list, as it's not a plant-derived ingredient but rather a form of vitamin B-3. Niacinamide offers many of the same benefits as retinol, namely calming the look of redness, helping skin look smoother, caring for breakout-prone skin, and decreasing unwanted or excess hyperpigmentation.
Where the two differ is when it comes to hydration: Whereas retinol is drying, niacinamide helps maintain hydration in the skin. For that reason, it's a good choice for all skin types and is sometimes even combined with retinol in certain formulations. In everyday use, niacinamide does a lot of what retinol does, and it’s great for very sensitive-skinned people, though its results are not as impressive as those you get from retinol.
Natural Anti-Aging Skin Care
For natural, plant-based products, there’s Wild Naturals! Rich with manuka honey, shea butter, and carrot seed oil, to name a few, your skin will be plump, glowing, and avoiding those wrinkles for years to come. Shop our skin care products today!