Can’t Use Retinol? Here Are the Best Alternatives for Smooth, Glowing Skin

These days, it seems like everyone is using retinol. It’s hailed as the holy grail of anti-ageing, fighting off wrinkles, fine lines, and acne-like a skincare superhero. But while dermatologists swear by it, retinol can sometimes feel like that one friend who means well but always manages to make you cry due to the potential redness, irritation, peeling, and sun sensitivity it brings. For some, retinol is simply too strong, especially for those with sensitive skin. And if you’re pregnant, you have to bid farewell to it entirely. Yes, even if you’ve been religiously slathering it on for years. But what if I told you that you don’t have to give up on smooth skin if retinol doesn’t seem to work for you? Don’t panic, because this is where retinol alternatives come out of hiding. These skin-friendly ingredients provide similar rejuvenating effects that retinol gives, without the harsh side effects. 1. Bakuchiol  Meet bakuchiol (pronounced bah-KOO-chee-all), the plant-based ingredient giving retinol a run for its money. Derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant, bakuchiol has been clinically shown to improve fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation without any irritation. A 2018 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology compared bakuchiol 0.5% cream to retinol 0.5% cream over 12 weeks. The results showed that they both significantly reduced wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, but bakuchiol users experienced far less skin scaling and stinging. That means you can get all the anti-ageing benefits without looking like a shedding lizard. Bakuchiol, retinol’s natural rival, is gentle on sensitive skin. It causes no redness, peeling, or sun sensitivity. It’s great for pregnant women and packed with antioxidants. If you’ve been scared off by retinol’s aggressive ways, bakuchiol is the perfect gateway ingredient. For optimal results, look for serums or creams with 0.5–1% bakuchiol.Here are some bakuchiol products to try: • Eqqual Berry Bakuchiol Plumping Serum I love it when skincare brands infuse fun elements into their products. This serum has a beautiful purple and pink bottle, and the serum itself is a shimmering purple liquid (how exciting is that!). But here’s where things get interesting; its texture is on the gritty side. This is because it contains five ceramide capsules that resemble little beads, which you have to pat into your skin. It’s a bit of a skincare adventure, and while some may love the ritual, those who prefer a slap-it-on-and-go approach might find it a tad tedious. Formulation-wise, it’s got bakuchiol to smooth wrinkles and minimise pores, plus ceramides and peptides for extra skin-firming magic. However, a word of caution for oily-skinned folks, this serum is rich. We’re talking a cocktail of oils, butters, and emollients, which might be a bit much for those prone to congestion. Price: $19.99. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon. • The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturiser Unlike its more opulent counterparts, The Inkey List’s Bakuchiol Moisturiser is all about simplicity. It’s a light, plant-derived formula packed with Sacha Inchi Oil (Omega-3) and squalane for hydration. It glides on effortlessly, absorbs well, and causes zero sun sensitivity. This means you can use it morning and night, without fear of waking up to a peeling, irritated face. Plus, it’s pregnancy-safe, so if you’re expecting but still want that smooth, glowy skin, this one’s got your back. Price: $19.79. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon.Customer review: “I have sensitive, acne-prone skin. This moisturiser stopped breakouts dead in their tracks after a couple of weeks of consistent use AND it’s one of the few products that doesn’t burn when I put it on.” 2. Peptides Think of peptides as the personal trainers of your skin. They tell your cells to produce more collagen in order to keep your skin firm and youthful. Unlike retinol, which speeds up cell turnover (sometimes too aggressively), peptides work behind the scenes to strengthen your skin barrier, relax facial muscles (bye-bye, expression lines), and even promote wound healing. Research shows that different types of peptides work together to improve elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and boost hydration. And the best part is peptides are non-irritating, so they’re like the dream ingredient for those who can’t tolerate retinol’s fiery wrath. Peptides stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines without irritation, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve skin elasticity.  READ ALSO: Peptides Are The Hottest Thing in Skincare, But What Exactly Are They? Here are some peptide products to try: • Good Molecules Super Peptide Serum This serum contains Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (aka Botox in a bottle), Acetyl Octapeptide-3, and Copper Tripeptide-1, which work together to clear fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. Its light, non-sticky, and quick-absorbing texture makes it excellent under makeup. And if you can’t stand strong fragrances in skincare, the good news is that this serum is scentless. It’s best for anyone looking for an easy, non-irritating way to target fine lines and boost skin firmness, especially if retinol is too much for your skin. But if you’re expecting overnight magic, you might be disappointed because peptides work slowly but surely. Give it at least a few weeks to start seeing results. Price: $12. Where To Buy: Shop Amazon. • Cosrx The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Skin boosters are treatments that improve hydration, stimulate collagen and elastin levels, and are typically formulated with hyaluronic acid. Consider this Cosrx peptide skin booster your gateway to healthier, more hydrated-looking skin. It contains multiple peptides, including Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Copper Tripeptide-1, which help reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity. 3. Vitamin C