The good news is that, if your skin can’t handle the effects of retinol, there are alternatives that can be just as effective, without any redness or peeling. So whether you’re new to anti-aging skincare or have used retinol before and had a not-so-great experience, read ahead as dermatologists explain how to find the best substitute to meet your needs.
What To Consider
Our experts break down some things you should consider when looking for a retinol alternative:
Ingredients
There are several ingredients that mimic the tightening, smoothing, and clearing effects of retinol—and many of them are best-suited to address specific complexion issues. Here’s a quick primer:
- Bakuchiol is a plant-based antioxidant with calming and antibacterial properties, and has become one of the best-known retin-alts. “An extract from the babchi plant, studies have shown that bakuchiol helps trigger collagen production and cell turnover to plump skin, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even skin tone,” says board-certified dermatologist Anar Mikailov, MD, FAAD. While Dr. Hartman says that it can have similar benefits to retinol, he adds that it will likely take longer to achieve the same results with bakuchiol.
- Vitamin C is another antioxidant that can minimize environmental skin damage, though it’s best known for its ability to brighten and reduce hyperpigmentation. So, if dark spots and uneven skin tone are your main issues, this is a great solve.
- Niacinamide is a favorite of board-certified dermatologist Saami Khalifian, MD, who’s a big fan of this form of vitamin B3. While it can reduce signs of aging, one of its main benefits is addressing redness and irritation. So if your skin barrier is compromised or damaged from harsh products and ingredients, the sun, or dryness, using a niacinamide serum can help restore its integrity by increasing ceramide function (these are lipids that hold the skin together and help seal in moisture while keeping out irritants).
- Peptides are typically lab-made combinations of amino acids that are meant to address the firmness and elasticity of your skin, says board-certified dermatologist Hannah Kopelman, MD (an emerging area of skin science called proteomics). These cell-communicating ingredients essentially tell the skin to produce more collagen, a protein that gives your skin its plumpness.
- Rose hip seed oil is rich in natural vitamin A, so using it should reap many of the same benefits of retinol, but it can also restore hydration and moisture loss to the skin.
Product Type
Believe it or not, there’s a big difference between what a serum can do and what a moisturizer can do, and that should factor into the type of product you choose. “I favor serums to treat many of the visible signs of skin aging,” says board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD. “Serums are typically water-based, lightweight formulations that deliver active ingredients in higher concentrations to skin.” They tend to be thinner in consistency and fast-absorbing, so they shouldn’t leave behind a greasy feeling on skin
Dr. Shirazi notes that serums are likely not as moisturizing, so “it’s best to seal them in the serum with a heavier product, like a moisturizer, to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce irritation.” That being said, if you’re skin is extremely dry—and you’re not a fan of multi-step skincare routines—a moisturizer with the ingredients listed above could be a great one-stop option for hydration and anti-aging results.
How We Selected
I have more than five years of experience reporting on and writing about beauty and skincare, and consulted eight dermatologists and asked for their recommendations for the best retinol alternatives. Then, the entire Women’s Health editorial team, a group of testers with various needs and skin types, put these experts’ recommendations to the test for several weeks. Based upon their feedback, we narrowed the list down to the eight best retinol alternatives.
Now that you have most of the background information you need, it’s time to figure out which products work best for your skin. Ahead, the best retinol alternatives, according to dermatologists and our testers.
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Best Overall
Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum
Pros
- Specifically desgined to reduce dark spots and sun damage
- Absorbs beautifully, making it a pleasure to use
- You should experience results in as little as three weeks
Cons
- On the pricey side when compared to our other picks
If there is one product you could buy to address multiple signs of aging—the same way retinol does—this would be it. “Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum contains malassezin, which is a novel ingredient with preliminary research backing its ability to visibly fade dark spots and even skin tone,” says Dr. Hartman. But more than that, malessizin is a powerful antioxidant that protects skin from damage and improves skin’s barrier, helping to reduce irritation and transepidermal water loss or TEWL (that’s when moisture seeps out of skin’s outer surface layer). And hydrated skin = plump skin with fewer visible lines and wrinkles.
This serum is also surprisingly gentle, despite being packed with super-potent active ingredients, says beauty director Brian Underwood. A retinol user for many years, Underwood first thought that switching to an alternative wouldn’t have the same impact—something that couldn’t have been further from the truth. “I used the product nightly and actually noticed that my skin was getting brighter and more even,” he says. “While specifically designed to reduce dark spots, I also noticed that my complexion experienced an overall increase in radiance after about three weeks of use.”
Underwood also raves about the texture being easily spreadable and pleasant to use (“not even a hint of irritation,” he says). “Over the past week, I’ve received two compliments on my skin—and using this serum is the only major change I’ve made to my routine recently,” he adds. “Bottom line: It really works!”
Read more: Best Niacinamide Serums
| Product type | Serum |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Malassezin, alpine rose extract, niacinamide |
Best Value
The Inkey List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer
Pros
- Excellent value for the quality of the formula and ingredients featured
- Absorbs quickly after application and deeply hydrates
Cons
- Has a fragrance that can be a bit overwhelming to some
What if we were to tell you that one under-$20 moisturizer was all you needed to address three different issues. That’ precisely why this pick is a favorite of Laura Scott, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Korej Skin. Not only does it contain bakuchiol, which as mentioned above, can trigger collagen production and ultimately slow your skin from sagging and aging early, but it also has ultra-moisturizing ingredients like squalene and glycerin.
Yet somehow, it feels lightweight and comfortable to wear. Glycerin in particular is a humectant, which refers to an ingredient that helps the skin retain water to prevent it from drying out, while squalane seals in moisture from toners and serums—which makes this a great product to use at the end of your skincare routine or right before bedtime to lock in all the benefits from the preceding products in your regimen.
“I really like the way this melts into the skin,” says WH editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert. “It has a creamy, lightweight texture that doesn’t take long to dry, and it still left my skin soft and hydrated. It also didn’t leave my skin feeling greasy, which is a green flag for me because I get oily around the T-zone.”
Results may not come as quickly—or dramatically—as with some of our other picks, but if you’re looking for a product that delivers and won’t drain your bank account, this is the one.
| Product type | Moisturizer |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Bakuchiol, squalene, glycerin |
Best For Dry Skin
ISDIN Melatonik Overnight Recovery Anti-Aging Benefits Night Serum
Pros
- Firms, tightens, and tones skin overnight
- Oil texture seals in moisture so skin feels supple and hydrated
Cons
- Has an oil texture, which may not be ideal for people with oily skin
This serum is safe for all skin types to use, as it repairs skin damage to give your complexion a firmer, more youthful appearance, says Dr. Hartman. “This nighttime serum is restorative for the skin, pairing antioxidants melatonin and vitamin C alongside bakuchiol’s exfoliating properties,” adds board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz-Robinson, MD. “These ingredients target the signs of aging skin to boost radiance, elasticity, texture, and tone.”
It also has a lightweight, oil-like texture, something to be mindful of, especially if you have an oily T-zone. “My skin gets a little dry after a good nighttime wash and this serum immediately delivers some moisture and shine to it,” says commerce editor Jasmine Gomez. “My face does tend to get a little greasy overnight, so I wish this serum had a little less oil, but nonetheless it’s the perfect treatment for those who need a lightweight, instant glow.”
That being said, the texture is a huge benefit to those with dry skin as it seals in moisture overnight (which is when TEWL can kick into overdrive).
| Product type | Serum |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Melatonin, bakuchiol, vitamin C, melatonik |
Most Versatile
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster Extract Serum
Pros
- Minimizes pores and reduces redness with niacinamide
- Can be used on its own or added to your go-to moisturizer
Cons
- May not address deep lines and wrinkles as effectively
We’re obsessed with boosters because they can be customized to your routine, no matter your skin type. If you tend to be oily, use this lightweight, non-greasy formula on its own. On the dry side? Add a few drops to your regular moisturizer to combine its benefits with the hydration of your go-to cream.
The main ingredient behind its powers: Niacinamide, which can help reduce the appearance of pores and also reduce mild fine lines and wrinkles, says Dr. Hartman.
Our testers agree: “Serums with a high concentrate of niacinamide have dried out my skin in the past, but this one keeps me hydrated while helping me diminish fine lines,” says fitness commerce editor Nicolette Accardi. “As someone approaching 30, I’ve been trying to find a good lineup of products, and this one fits the bill—not only does it make my complexion less dull, but it also isn’t sticky!”
Accardi notes that it also helps her makeup apply better, as her blush never ends up looking as blotchy after applying. If you have deeper lines, a product with niacinamide isn’t your ideal pick, as the ingredient is most effective at reducing inflammation, brightening skin, and evening its tone, so keep that in mind if you’re experiencing the more advanced signs of aging.
| Product type | Serum |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B5 |
| Size | 0.67 oz |
Best For Radiance
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Serum Crystal Elixir
Pros
- Works great as a primer to moisturize skin under makeup
- Traps moisture into the skin and increases plumpness
- Has light-reflecting properties that help skin to glow
Cons
- Has a slight fragrance that can cause irritation if you’re sensitive to it
“Magic” isn’t in this serum’s name for nothing. It uses a blend of vitamin C and polyglutamic acid to brighten and plump the skin while also reducing the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. If you tend to get a little dry when you wear complexion makeup like foundation or concealer, this was specifically designed to be the perfect first step in your routine to combat any potential dehydration. Hello, it was designed and created by makeup queen herself, Charlotte Tilbury.
But dermatologists are also quick to sing its praises: “I’d say the biggest plust of this serum is that it contains several different humectants that trap moisture to help create an immediate plumping effect that makes the skin look younger and smoother,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It has a subtle flattering iridescence that’s not harsh enough to make your makeup appear shiny or glittery, but enough to impart an overall luminosity.”
Hello, glow!
| Product type | Serum |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Glycerin, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, polyglutamic acid |
Best For Extremely Reactive Skin
Beekman 1802 Milk RX Advanced Better Aging Cream
Pros
- Addresses skin barrier damage with soothing, moisturizing ingredients
- Helps to reduce redness and irritation while also stimulating collagen production
Cons
- The jar is on the small side for the cost
Using too many potentially harsh ingredients too often can lead to barrier damage, which often shows up as itchy, dull, or irritated skin. When this happens, it’s important to keep your skin as hydrated as possible—this soft cream is full of humectants and moisturizing agents that make it easy to do that while still getting the same benefits as you would with retinol, which is why Dr. King also recommends this one—especially for those with very reactive complexions.
“This contains the perfect combination of humectants like glycerin, polyglutamic acid, triglycerides, squalane, ceramides, and shea butter to support the skin barrier,” Dr. King says.
Another major ingredient that’s on the label is vitamin B3, or niacinamide, which, as previously mentioned, contains properties that soothe irritation and redness. Combine that with collagen-enhancing polypeptides and you’ve got yourself a do-it-all moisturizer that promotes healthier skin with none of the irritation.
| Product type | Moisturizer |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Glycerin, polyglutamic acid, triglycerides, squalane, ceramides, shea butter |
Best To Irritated Skin
Deinde Skin-Strengthening Serum
Pros
- Targets signs of aging while also calming inflammation and redness
- Fragrance-free, so won’t irritation those sensitive to scent
Cons
- Some find the milky texture a little messy
Inflammation and redness are two skin issues that are pesky enough to deal with on their own, but when symptoms like these are sustained over a long period of time, your skin can prematurely age from the stress. This is called inflammaging.
“When assaulted by chronic inflammation, the skin’s immune system goes haywire—its protective barrier is weakened and cells stop growing and performing their normal functions,” says dermatologist Ryan Turner, MD. “This leads to a breakdown in collagen and a loss of hydration, which can appear as wrinkles, dryness, and uneven skin tone.”
The good news is this serum was specifically designed to treat that. It’s formulated with naringenin, an ingredient that targets signs of inflammation like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven tone, says Dr. Hartman. “The brains behind Deinde used to identify this ingredient and has found in its clinical research that it’s a more stable, sustainable alternative to retinol with powerful skin health benefits.” For best results, apply it to skin before moisturizing, he says.
| Product type | Serum |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Naringenin, niacinamide, biomimetic tripeptide, upcycled date seed extract |
Best Completely Clean Option
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
Pros
- Replenishes moisture loss and boosts radiance
- Has a smooth, silky texture that absorbs beautifully into skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with oily or combination skin
Some of the best skincare products come with a hefty price tag, but The Ordinary proves that doesn’t have to be the case. The brand offers many under-$15 solutions for issues like clogged pores, body acne, dullness, and more, but Dr. Hartman especially loves this rose hip seed oil for mature skin, as it addresses moisture loss (which increases as you age) and supports elasticity.
It’s a multi-functional serum that helps to address uneven skin tone an boost radiance. It’s also water-based and contains 100% pure organic rose hip seed oil, vitamin A, and omega-6.
This is another product that wears well under complexion makeup—particularly if you use a lot of powders in your routine—since it keeps moisture in the skin and prevents cakey-ness and creasing. Just be mindful that this is an oil, so if you’re someone with oily-to-combination or acne-prone skin, this may not be the option for you.
| Product type | Oil-Serum |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Rose hip seed oil, vitamin A, omega-6, and omega-3 |
How To Use A Retinol Alternative
Each expert advises using a retinol alternative three to four times a week at night. “Should be applied to a clean face before bedtime,” says Dr. Khalifian. “If you’re feeling dry, apply a moisturizer that contains soothing and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide.” While most of the ingredients above won’t make your skin more photo-sensitive, you should still always end your morning skincare routine with an SPF to protect your skin from UV rays.
Meet The Experts
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Anar Mikailov, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Skintensive.
- Hadley King, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
- Saami Khalifian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon and the founder of SOM Aesthetics.
- Hannah Kopelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Kopelman Hair Restoration in New York City.
- Laura Scott, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Korej Skin.
- Deanne Mraz-Robinson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in New York City.
- Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of AziMD Skincare.
Larry Stansbury is a writer based in New York City. His articles have been featured in ESSENCE, Ebony, Marie Claire, New Beauty, CNN Underscored, and more, covering beauty, celebrity news, and commerce. When he’s not immersed in the world of beauty, you can find Larry working out at the gym, listening to 90’s R&B, and watching romantic comedies.
Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.
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