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If your skin cant handle retinol, dont worry: youve still got options.

So if you cant use retinol, consider one of the retinol alternatives featured ahead.

When peptides are applied to the skin, they signal that healing or recovery must occur.

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This helps to boost natural collagen production, explains Dr. Garshick.

As an even gentler alternative, Dr. Garshick recommends using products with tea tree extract.

Shop The Best Retinol Alternatives

In a hurry?

Herbivore Botanicals Moon Fruit Retinol Alternative Serum is the best retinol alternative.

Here are the best retinol alternatives:

1.

The formula also includes peptides, another ingredient dermatologists recommend for boosting collagen and elastin production.

Key Ingredients:Bakuchiol, Peptides, Schisandra Berry ExtractCruelty-Free:YesSize:1 oz.

ISDIN Melatonik Overnight Recovery Serum is the best retinol alternative.

Key Ingredients:Melatonin, Vitamin C, BakuchiolCruelty-Free:NoSize:1 oz.

Plus, the roll-on format makes program quite enjoyable, especially as you wind down after a long day.

Key Ingredients:Peptides, RambutanCruelty-Free:YesSize:1.7 oz.

Dermalogica Neck Fit Contour Serum is the best retinol alternative.

Best Azelaic Acid Serum

Looking to replace your favorite retinoid with a pregnancy-safe option?

All the dermatologists I consulted recommend using azelaic acid.

Key Ingredients:Azelaic Acid, Caffeine, NiacinamideCruelty-Free:YesSize:1 oz.

Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% is the best retinol alternative.

Key Ingredients:Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5, Centella Asiatica,Prebiotic Thermal WaterCruelty-Free:NoSize:1.01 oz.

Key Ingredients:Glycolic acid, Azelaic AcidCruelty-Free:NoSize:1 oz.

Key Ingredients:Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin B5, CeramidesCruelty-Free:NoSize:1 oz.

La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Key Ingredients:Peptides, Growth Factors, Micro AlgaeCruelty-Free:YesSize:1 oz.

Apersonal favorite, the formula contains AHAs to gently exfoliate, as well as niacinamide tobrighten unwanted hyperpigmentation.

(Niacinamide is also well-tolerated by most skin types).

Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex is the best retinol alternative.

Key Ingredients:AHAs, Niacinamide, MugwortCruelty-Free:YesSize:5 oz.

Key Ingredients:Glycolic Acid, Betaine SalicylateCruelty-Free:YesSize:5.07 oz.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum is the best retinol alternative.

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is the best retinol alternative.

Tatcha Texture Tonic is the best retinol alternative.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner is the best retinol alternative.