Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is one of the most powerful skin care ingredients for fighting fine lines, acne, dull skin, and other signs of aging. This active ingredient comes in a variety of forms, from thick creams to powerful serums, but not everyone can tolerate retinoids due to skin sensitivity. Doctors also advise pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid using this ingredient.
When I was undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma and my skin barrier was weakened, my care team advised me to avoid using retinol and other harsh active ingredients that could further sensitize my skin.
Determined to find a skin care routine that would address my biggest concerns (fine lines and enlarged pores) while still being safe for me as a cancer patient, I tried several alternatives to retinol. Thankfully, I found some great products with ingredients that target some of the same skin concerns as retinol, like bactiol, resveratrol, peptides, and azelaic acid, that are safe for my skin and help firm and refine my skin’s texture.
Shop TODAY consulted top dermatologists to find out the best alternatives to retinoids that can improve skin elasticity, fine lines, texture and pigmentation thanks to their powerful anti-aging ingredients.
Best Retinol Alternatives | Reasons for choosing | Meet Our Experts
Dermatologist Recommended Retinol Alternatives
Affordable alternative under $20: Naturium Tranexamic Acid 5%
size: 1oz | Main Ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, Kojic Acid, Niacinamide, Licorice Root | Scented? no
Tranexamic acid is one over-the-counter medication that Dr. Catherine Saucy, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, personally uses and recommends to patients who “want to improve their skin tone and overall skin brightness.” The medication also contains known skin lightening agents, such as licorice and niacinamide. The medication targets overall skin tone and discoloration, and with long-term use, can help with a youthful appearance.
Proven Brand: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Face Serum
size: 1oz | Main Ingredients: Peptides, Niacinamide, Panthenol | Scented? no
“This product is affordable and has a great formula,” says Manhattan-based dermatologist Carmen Castile, M.D., who recommends the product, saying, “The combination of peptides and niacinamide works well for all skin types.”
She adds, “In general, signaling peptides have the most robust evidence that they increase collagen and elastin production when applied to the skin.” Formulated with purified collagen-replenishing peptides and skin-soothing agents like panthenol, this hydrating serum is gentle on sensitive skin (it can be used morning and night) and has been shown to improve skin texture and tone in just two weeks.
With Licorice Root: Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
size: 1oz | Main Ingredients: Azelaic Acid, Licorice Root, Salicylic Acid | Scented? no
Castile likes azelaic acid because it’s “gentler than retinoids and is the most effective at evening skin tone,” but says more research is needed. She recommends the popular Paula’s Choice serum, which also contains licorice root, a great skin-lightening ingredient.
This creamy booster has helped improve acne and fade acne scars without irritating my skin since it became a staple in my routine.
Calming peptide serum: Medik8 Bakuchiol peptide serum
size: 1oz | Main Ingredients: Bakuchiol, Peptides, Centella Asiatica, Inca Omega Oil | Scented? no
This oil-based serum contains 1.25% bactiol, plus peptides, two ingredients that “have similar effects to retinol, like improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of wrinkles,” says Zion Ko Lam, MD, a board-certified internist who talks about skin-care on TikTok and Instagram.
She recommends this serum because these ingredients are “generally better tolerated” than retinoids, plus Centella asiatica (aka cica) has calming and soothing properties.
“Feels so luxurious”: Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Retinol Alternative Serum
size: 1oz | Main Ingredients: Resveratrol, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane | Scented? yes
I’ve been a fan of French drugstore brand Caudalie for years. This product feels so luxurious on the skin, proving that an effective product doesn’t have to be too harsh or damage the skin’s barrier function. When my doctor recommended using retinol, I turned to this patented resveratrol serum. Regular use has left my skin feeling firmer, smoother, and more hydrated with every application. (I love the spa-like scent of this product, but I know some people avoid fragrances.)
“Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and also promotes collagen production,” Castile tells Shop TODAY.
“My skin drank up turmeric”: Clarins Double Serum Firming & Smoothing Anti-Aging Concentrate
size: 1oz | Main Ingredients: Turmeric, Plant Extracts, Squalane | Scented? yes
A friend introduced me to Clarins when she was pregnant and couldn’t use retinol, and I immediately fell in love with their luminous, luxurious serums that smoothed my skin without any harsh ingredients.
My skin soaked up the turmeric, squalane, and 21 plant extracts, and I loved the serum’s relaxing botanical scent (though I know some people steer clear of scents at all costs). After a few weeks of regular use, I noticed my fine lines were plumper and less noticeable. Turmeric, which is rich in antioxidants, has been shown to have skin-brightening effects.
Brightens the complexion: Motif Power Brightening Bisel Serum
size: 1oz | Main Ingredients: Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide, Bactiol, Hexylresorcinol | Scented? Yes, according to the reviews
“Azelaic acid promotes cell turnover, unclogs pores, kills acne-causing bacteria, and prevents hyperpigmentation,” says Saucy. She recommends this pregnancy-friendly product because it also contains powerful anti-ageing ingredients like bactiol, which promotes collagen production, and hexylresorcinol, which “has antioxidant properties that help prevent and treat hyperpigmentation, and overall evens skin tone and texture.”
Contains melatonin: ISDIN ISDINCEUTICS Melatonic Lightweight Night Serum
size: 1oz | Main Ingredients: Bactiol, Melatonin, Vitamin C | Scented? N/A
Castilla loves this oil-infused serum, which is packed with anti-aging bactiol and brightening vitamin C. “It also contains melatonin, which needs more proof but acts as an antioxidant, spreads easily and is absorbed, and leaves skin feeling hydrated after use,” she tells Shop TODAY.
This serum is luxurious and hydrating, making it ideal for those with dry skin.
Prioritize Growth Factors: Allies of Skin Multi-Peptide & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
size: 1oz | Main Ingredients: Peptides, Growth Factors, Centella Asiatica | Scented? N/A
This ultra-concentrated, lifting serum is designed to visibly reduce the appearance of five of the most common types of wrinkles – forehead lines, frown lines, crow’s feet, marionette lines and nasolabial folds – while strengthening the skin barrier with a combination of growth factor complexes and peptide complexes.
“It’s important to note that not all peptides are created equal,” Dr. Shereen Idris, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Idris Skincare, tells Shop Today. “This product is formulated with Pentapeptide-48, which stimulates fibroblast activity to increase collagen synthesis and support the skin’s repair process, and sh-Oligopeptide-1, also known as epidermal growth factor (EGF). This product has an immediate brightening effect, providing instant gratification.”
Worth the Splurge: TNS® Advanced+ Serum
size: 1oz | Main Ingredients: Growth Factor Blend, Peptides, Marine Extracts, Green Microalgae | Scented? no
Idris tells Shop Today why she loves this powerful yet lightweight serum: “It’s formulated with growth factors that address fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.” With proven anti-aging effects in just two weeks, this ultimate product not only improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles, but also tightens loose skin and texture. (According to the brand, an independent study showed that patients felt up to six years younger after 12 weeks of use!)
Reasons for choosing
Shop TODAY tapped into the expertise of dermatologists and doctors to share their recommendations on products and ingredients that are the best alternatives for people who can’t use retinoids, included advice on what key ingredients to look for in a retinol alternative, took customer reviews into account, and even personally tested many of these products.
Meet Our Experts
- Dr. Shereen Idris She is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Idriss Skincare.
- Dr. Catherine Saucy He is a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans.
- Dr. Carmen Castile is a board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan.
- Dr. Zion Ko Lam He is a qualified internal medicine specialist.
