Retinol Might Be The Skincare Item You're Missing! — Shop Now
All products featured on Morning Honey are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, Morning Honey may earn an affiliate commission.
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past five years, you most likely have heard your favorite celebrity, influencer or your mom talking about their love of retinol. But, do you even know what it is, or if it's right for you?
So, what is retinol?
Most of us associate retinol with anti-aging products, and a way to treat mature skin. Retinol is an over-the-counter product derived from vitamin A. The micronutrient supports healthy skin, eyes and reproductive systems. When used in a skincare product, it reduces the appearance of dullness, hyperpigmentation, sagging and wrinkles.
Why is retinol good for wrinkles?
According to Healthline, topical retinoids reduce the appearance of fine lines through their ability to stimulate collagen production.
"Retinoids reduce fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. They also stimulate the production of new blood vessels in the skin, which improves skin color. Additional benefits include fading age spots and softening rough patches of skin. However, it takes three to six months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent — and the best results take six to 12 months," Harvard Health Publishing states.
Along with its ability to stimulate new blood flow, this magical vitamin-derived product isn't free of side effects. The Ivy League institution warns that retinoids can cause both dryness and irritation of the skin and sunscreen is a must if you are using it regularly.
Is there an alternative to retinol?
If you've noticed things such as dryness, irritation or sensitivity with using retinol, it's OK to admit that it isn't suitable for everyone. Bakuchiol is the perfect alternative if you want the benefits of retinol but are experiencing side effects. Bakuchiol is an antioxidant that comes from the Psoralea Corylifolia plant.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner told Healthline that “it works through the same receptors that retinol uses, which is why many refer to it as a natural retinol alternative.”
Keep scrolling to shop retinol and bakuchiol directly through Morning Honey!
Fig 1's Pro-Retinol Eye Cream retails for $28 at fig-1.co.
Fig 1's Retinol Night Cream No. 1 retails for $38 at fig-1.co.
Lily Ana Naturals' Retinol Cream retails for $16.99 at amazon.com.
SkinMedica's Age Defense Retinol Complex retails for $64 at dermstore.com.
Sunday Riley's A High-Dose Retinoid Serum retails for $85 at dermstore.com.
SkinCeuticals' Tripeptide-R Neck Repair retails for $126 at dermstore.com.
Biopelle's Tensage Stem Cell Cream retails for $180 at dermstore.com.
Paulas Choice's CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment Cream retails for $60 at amazon.com.
Fig 1's Retinol Night Cream No. 3 retails for $58 at fig-1.co.
City Beauty's Advanced Retinol System retails for $119 at citybeauty.com.
Winky Lux's In The Clouds Alternative Cream retails for $30 at winkylux.com.
First Aid Beauty's Retinol Eye Cream retails for $44 at firstaidbeauty.com.
First Aid Beauty's Fab Skin Retinol Serum 0.25% retails for $58 at firstaidbeauty.com.
Follain's Firming Serum retails for $38 at follain.com.
Follain's Eye Cream: Firm + Brighten retails for $36 at follain.com.
Cleen Beauty's Bakuchiol Antioxidant Renewing Serum retails for $9 at amazon.com.
Handmade Heroes' 2.5% Bakuchiol Booster Oil retails for $19.90 at amazon.com.