Beauty
Straight from dermatologists.
When it comes to skin care ingredients that can effectively tackle multiple concerns at once, nothing compares toretinol.
But as with all good things, its not perfect; there are some downsides to the hero ingredient.
Thats where turning to retinol alternatives may come in handy.
Below, Labadie andDr.
Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist atMDCS Dermatology,break down the best retinol alternatives.
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She recommends a product like this moisturizer from INKEY List.
It is formulated with Sacha inchi oil and squalane to also help hydrate and nourish the skin.
She adds that it can also protect against ultraviolet damage, which causes the skin to age more quickly.
She suggests The Ordinarys serum.
It contains 10 percent niacinamide as well as zinc to strengthen the skin barrier and smooth out uneven texture.
3Peptides
Made of amino acids, peptides are the building blocks of the proteins in our skin.
Drunk Elephants Protini, a serum that uses peptides to firm skin and snow mushroom extract to boost moisture.
4Antioxidants
Retinol, which is a derivative of vitamin A, is known to have antioxidant properties.
(Studies have backedthat skin care with growth factors can have rejuvenating benefits.)
Labadies pick is SkinMedicas TNS Advanced+.
Along with growth factors, it contains glycerin, shea butter, and grape and apple extract.
7Azelaic Acid
Both dermatologists list azelaic acid as an alternative ingredient to retinol.
Garshick says it reduces redness, treats breakouts and discoloration, and gently exfoliates the skin.
She adds that it is pregnancy-safe, which retinol is not.
Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., board-certified dermatologist atMDCS Dermatology.
Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing.
Skin rejuvenation using cosmetic products containing growth factors, cytokines, and matrikines: a review of the literature.
2016; 9: 411419.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5108505/
