Retinol Alternative?

[mmcbride323]

Does anyone know any alternatives to retinol? I have tried various forms and concentrations of vitamin A, but my skin continues to be dry and have breakouts well after the purging period is over. 

[ChrisCupcakes]

Bakuchiol! Hands down. I switched from retinol products because I’m dry, sensitive, and have eczema. Retinol based products irritated my skin and dried it out so bad.

I did try Niacinamide but it also dried and irritated my skin. The only thing that has worked well was Bakuchiol. Same great results but non irritating or drying. 

The Herbivore one is my favorite but it is pricey. 

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum 1.0 oz/ 30 mL 

The Inkey list has a cheaper one but I only use clean products and don’t consider Inkey List clean. 

[MatthewM45]

If retinol is to strong for you and drying, have you tried a retinoids ester? it is a less Sensitizing and less irritating form of vitamin A and  I recommend following it up with a non-Irritating moisturizer.

[faeriegirl]

@mmcbride323  I really like Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum 1.0 oz/ 30 mL 

[CookieGirl1]

@mmcbride323 Do a little research on Bakuchiol and see if products containing that ingredient--a "natural" retinol alternative--might appeal to you.  Sephora sells several products that would fall in that realm.  Also, have you considered trying a much less concentrated percentage of retinol than what you've tried so far?

[Braden81]

Tretenoin cream works wonderfully, you can get a prescription from your family doctor you do t have to get it from a dermatologist 

[Rhianp]

Niacinamide (aka Vitamin B3) is one of my favorite ingredients. Similar to retinol it: 

• Treats hyperpigmentation 
• minimizes fine lines
• minimizes breakouts 

It also:

• Protects the skins barrier
• minimizes the appearance of pores

It has so many benefits. My favorite one is from the ordinary...but with retinol you need to had a super moisturizing routine and WEARRRRR SUNSCREEEN or everything will work in reverse. But if your skin is just naturally sensitive to retinol then don’t use it or build up to higher percents of it, never start super high. Hold this helps❤️

[MeganTheM]

Not sold at Sephora, but Innbeauty has a bakuchiol serum that is super gentle and hydrating (has hyaluronic acid in it). I need something stronger now, but it's been wonderful to use.