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What are alternatives to retinol?

These retinol alternatives are your soothing solution for sensitive skin.

If you’re on the beauty bandwagon, then chances are you’ve tried a retinol formula.

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And if your skin reacts to the slightest change in routine, perhaps you’ve experienced the bitter side of its power.

But fear not, because natural, clean alternatives are the latest products on our radar. Here’s exactly what they are…

Rambutan

A plant-based derivative, rambutan is a tropical, edible plant that comes from the same family as a lychee and is great for addressing fine lines and improving skin tone.

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is an antioxidant with a long history in medicine for its healing properties that help to soothe and calm the skin.

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Rosehip Oil and Carrot Seed Oil

Jam-packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals, these natural oils have a high concentration of vitamin A to regenerate the skin. 

Stevisse

Stevia is a leaf-based alternative to retinoid, obtained through water technoogy from organic leaves. It helps minimise the appearances of wrinkles in a gentler way. 

If these retinol alternatives sound like they’re for you, here are some products to consider:

retin8-ciencia
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Ciencia Retin8 30mLs, $129

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Harnessing the hero ingredient of Stevisse, Retin8 naturally and gently mimics the activity of retinol, healing and smoothing the skin, diminishing wrinkles without the harsh side effects of reinol.

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Indie Lee Retinol Alternative Cream, $112

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Not only is this product a great alternative to retinol, but it’s also been formulated without parabens, mineral oil, sulphate-based detergent and synthetic fragrances (plus it’s cruelty free). 

Tip: You can use this cream alone or alongside your favourite facial oil for a moisture boost.

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Naturopathica Carrot Seed Soothing Facial Oil, $99

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The ultimate chill-pill for your skin, Naturopathica’s oil hydrates and nourishes your complexion to keep redness at bay, thanks to the protective properties of carrot seed oil.

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Pai Skincare Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil, $49

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This powerful, bioregenerate oil is derived from a carbon dioxide extraction, a process which scoops up elixirs like rosehip seed and fruit that even the most sensitive skin is sure to love. 

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Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Crème, $88

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Jam-packed with bakuchiol, edelweiss stem cell and a powerful concentration of AHAs, this rich sleeping crème puts your skin into repair mode while you sleep. 

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bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Neck Cream, $91

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This clean and vegan plant-based retinol cream improves the skin’s appearance, while its hyaluronic acid formulation hydrates and evens out texture.

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Tip: Use this like you would a night cream and generously apply to the neck and décolletage after your evening cleanse.

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Trilogy Bakuchiol + Booster Treatment, $43.13 

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Trilogy’s two-week vitamin A treatment contains four per cent bakuchiol along with the hydrating properties of squalane, omega-rich hemp and rosehip oils to promote a more youthful complexion.

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BEAUTY EDITOR’S CHOICE: Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment, $85

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Triple-action retinol, bakuchiol and peptides, this powerhouse by Paula’s Choice contains a very tiny percentage of retinol that leaves the complexion feeling firmer and renewed when used every day.

biossance-squalane-phyto-retinol-serum

Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum, $115

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Lightweight and effective, Biossance’s serum can be used on the face, neck and with any skin type, with bakuchiol to reduce the look of lines and discolouration while soothing the skin.

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