Retinol or plant-based alternative: how to choose for your skin

Retinol (a vitamin A derivative) speeds up cell renewal and smooths wrinkles — but its efficacy often comes with reactivity, redness and sun sensitivity, especially at the start of use.

Plant-based alternatives

Extracts such as bakuchiol or certain plant actives reproduce part of retinol's effects — stimulating cell renewal, smoothing — with generally better tolerance. Our Plant-Based Retinol Alternative Serum was designed for skin that wants the anti-aging benefits without the risk of irritation. For the eyes, see the Retinol Alternative Eye Serum.

What to choose?

• Tolerant skin, goal of marked wrinkles: classic retinol remains the reference, to be introduced gradually.
• Sensitive, reactive skin, or for prevention: the plant-based alternative allows daily use without an adjustment phase.

In both cases, daily sun protection is essential — these actives increase the skin's photosensitivity. Discover our SPF50 Sun Stick. During pregnancy, ask your doctor before using a retinoid.