In short, retinol can prove irritating and isn’t a feasible option for many. “Traditional retinol can potentially cause irritation in the form of dryness, redness and flaking, especially in those with sensitive skin,” says Dr Joyce Park, bareMinerals Global Dermatology Ambassador. Even those that have skin types deemed more tolerant should slowly build up their retinol usage to avoid upset. On top of this, retinol products should be avoided if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
So what’s the answer? Well, the bad news is, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have sensitive skin won’t be able to truly embrace the wonders of retinol. The good news, however, is that there are other options out there in the form of plant-based ingredients that deliver similar results (note that results are only similar, not identical to) to retinol, without any of the nasty irritation. These are the three best retinol alternatives you should have on your radar.