Bakuchiol, derived from the traditional Indian and Chinese medicinal plant babchi, is the only plant-based alternative to retinol that's clinically proven to have similar effects as synthetic retinol like: Improved skin texture.
Known as “nature's retinol,” bakuchiol is a botanical extract derived from bakuchi plant seeds and contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. This antioxidant-rich ingredient shares the same collagen-growth and cell-turnover benefits as synthetic retinol without any skin irritation.
RETINOIC ACID (TRETINOIN)
Remember: Retinoic acid is the purest form of retinol. Since it doesn't need to be converted, it gets to work right away. That also means it can be harsh, drying, and irritating for most skin types. Because of this, it requires a prescription known as Retin-A or Retirides for the UK.
When you eat foods rich in beta-carotene, like carrots, your body converts it into vitamin A. Research shows when you apply a product that contains beta-carotene — such as carrot seed oil and rosehip seed oil — to your skin, your body converts it into retinol molecules.
Natural retinoids are present in all living organisms, either as preformed vitamin A or as carotenoids, and are required for a vast number of biological processes, e.g. vision, cellular growth and differentiation and reproduction.
Who should skip retinol? “Retinols can be a beneficial addition for most skin types, but it isn't a one-size-fits-all approach,” Panzica says. Board certified dermatologist Zenovia Gabriel, MD, notes that “people with sensitive skin conditions like rosacea cannot tolerate really strong topicals like retinols.”
Enter Bakuchiol — A Natural “Retinol” for Your Skin
Bakuchiol is a powerful compound found in the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), a medicinal plant and herb that has long been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.
Does it work? Well, yes and no, say the experts. “Currently, the natural options do not have the potency of retinol, retinoids and their derivatives are incredibly powerful ingredients, when respected and used correctly they can do remarkable things for the skin.
Benefits of Rosehip Oil
Rosehip Oil is a natural retinol because it contains natural retinoic acid. The kind of vitamin A found in rosehip oil is more beneficial than retinol on its own. This is because your skin will recognize it straight away, so it won't need the time to convert.
The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid* 2% Emulsion ($9.80) is a retinoid active, part of the family of age-defiers that helps reduce wrinkles. While retinoids (a.k.a. a vitamin A derivatives) often get a bad rep for being irritating, The Ordinary's formula is designed to make the serum gentle while still being effective.
Our top choice, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol, comes recommended by dermatologists thanks to its blend of powerful retinol and skin-soothing ingredients. We also liked Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+, a high-strength retinol with a smooth, fast-absorbing application.
1. Beef liver, cooked. 3.5 ounces (oz), or 100 grams (g), contains 7,730 mcg of retinol, or 859% of the DV ( 4 ).
Retinol might not be a fit for those with overly sensitive or hypersensitive skin, those who have food intolerances or high allergic reactions, and young skin, she says. “Caution is necessary when using any vitamin A derivatives and should only be used after advice from your derm or skin care specialist,” Joss says.
Also known as retinoic acid, tretinoin is about 20 times more potent than retinol. It's stronger because retinoic acid is a form of vitamin A that acts directly on the skin to boost cell renewal, turnover, and DNA damage repair.
Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
There are no set rules on how old you should be to use retinol. For anti-aging purposes, you can start preventatively in your 20s. While over-the-counter retinol can help mild acne, many people with breakouts will need a prescription.
Since retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, other natural oils that also have high concentrations of the vitamin—like rosehip oil and carrot seed oil—are sure to offer similar benefits.
Rosehip oil is filled with vitamin C, which has anti-aging properties, and fatty acids that help hydrate your skin. The oil also contains retinoids, which help brighten your skin and can fight acne.
Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin.
The good news is that it is never too late to start incorporating retinol into your skin care routine. People in the 60s and beyond have begun using retinol and still experienced results.
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
Houshmand recommends RoC's Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, which is one of the highest-strength retinol you can get over the counter, meaning you may see its resurfacing effects sooner than with other products.