Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is one of the most powerful skin care ingredients for addressing fine lines, acne, skin dullness and other signs of aging. While the active comes in many forms, from rich creams to potent serums, not everyone can tolerate retinoids due to skin sensitivity — and doctors advise pregnant as well as breastfeeding women to refrain from using the ingredient.
When I was undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma, which compromised my skin barrier, my care team advised against using retinol and other powerful active ingredients that could sensitize my skin even more.
Determined to find a skin care routine that was safe for me as a cancer patient but that addressed my biggest concerns (fine lines and large pores), I tried a number of alternatives to retinol. Thankfully, there are ingredients that target some of the same skin issues that retinol does, including bakuchiol, resveratrol, peptides and azelaic acid (among others) — and I found some wonderful skin-firming, texture-evening products that were safe for my skin.
Shop TODAY consulted top dermatologists to find the very best alternatives to retinoids for helping with skin elasticity, fine lines, texture and hyperpigmentation, thanks to some powerhouse anti-aging ingredients.
Best retinol alternatives | How we chose | Meet the experts
Most hydrating, editor tested$undefined$84.00
Splurge-worthy, derm approved$undefined$188.00
Best retinol alternatives, according to dermatologists
Budget alternative under $20: Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%
- Can be used on dry skin
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Targets hyperpigmentation
- Tacky texture
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Tranexamic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, licorice root | Scented? No
One over-the-counter product that Dr. Katharine Saussy, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, has personally used and recommended to patients who want to “improve skin tone and overall skin brightness” is this tranexamic acid, which also contains known brighteners like licorice and niacinamide. By targeting overall skin tone and discoloration, the product helps with the appearance of youthfulness when used over time.
Tried-and-true brand: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Face Serum
- Great price point
- Suitable for all skin types
- Sticky texture
- Pump can be tricky
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, panthenol | Scented? No
“This product is at a good price point and is well formulated,” says Dr. Carmen Castilla, a Manhattan-based dermatologist, who recommends this product because “the combination of peptides and niacinamide works well for all skin types.”
She adds, “Generally, ‘signaling peptides’ have the best evidence that application on the skin increases collagen and elastin production.” With collagen-replenishing purified peptides and skin-soothers like panthenol, the hydrating serum is gentle on sensitive skin (it can be used morning and night), and it has been shown to improve skin texture and tone in two weeks.
Licorice root-infused: Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
- Brightens and soothes
- Helps with acne
- Doesn't address fine lines
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, licorice root, salicylic acid | Scented? No
Castilla likes azelaic acid because it’s “gentler than retinoids, and helps best with evening out skin tone,” though it still needs more studies, she says. She recommends this popular Paula’s Choice serum because it also contains licorice root, a great brightening ingredient.
Without irritating my skin, this cream-like booster helped with my acne and fading post-acne marks since becoming a staple in my routine.
Calming peptide serum: Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Serum
- Calms redness
- UV-protected glass bottle
- Oily consistency
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, peptides, centella asiatica, inka omega oil | Scented? No
With 1.25% bakuchiol, this oil-based serum also contains peptides, two ingredients that “offer benefits similar to retinol, such as improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of wrinkles,” says Dr. Zion Ko Lamm, a board-certified internal medicine physician who discusses skin care on TikTok and Instagram.
She recommends this serum because these ingredients “are generally better tolerated” than retinoids. Plus, centella asiatica (also known as cica) offers calming and soothing properties to the skin.
"Feels so luxurious": Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Retinol Alternative Serum
- Non-irritating and hydrating
- Visibly smooths and firms skin
- Product doesn’t last very long
- Has fragrance
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, squalane | Scented? Yes
I’ve been a longtime lover of Caudalie, a French pharmacy brand that feels so luxurious on my skin and also proves that effective products do not need to be harsh or compromise your skin barrier. I turned to this patented resveratrol serum when my doctors advised against using retinol, and I found that it firmed and smoothed my skin after regular use, plus left my skin feeling hydrated after each application. (I love the product’s spa-like smell, but I know some people avoid fragrances.)
“Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and also stimulates the production of collagen,” Castilla tells Shop TODAY.
"My skin drank up the turmeric":Clarins Double Serum Firming & Smoothing Anti-Aging Concentrate
- Makes skin glowy and hydrated
- Smoothing and firming
- Strong fragrance
- Pump is tricky to use
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Turmeric, plant extracts, squalane | Scented? Yes
My friend turned me onto Clarins when she was pregnant and couldn’t use retinol, and I instantly fell in love with this brightening, luxurious-feeling serum that gave my skin a smoothed effect without any harsh or irritating ingredients.
My skin drank up the turmeric, squalane and 21 plant extracts, and I loved the serum’s relaxing botanical fragrance (though I know some people avoid fragrance at all costs). After a few weeks of regular use, I noticed my fine lines seemed plumper and less visible. Turmeric, which is full of antioxidants, has been shown to help with brightness.
Your complexion is glowing: Motif Power Brightening Bicelle Serum
- Leaves skin glowy and hydrated
- Targets damage from age + sun
- There are active ingredients
- Milky texture
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, niacinamide, bakuchiol, hexylresorcinol | Scented? Yes, according to reviews
“Azelaic acid helps with cell turnover, unclogging pores, killing acne-causing bacteria and preventing hyperpigmentation,” says Saussy. She recommends this pregnancy-safe product because it also contains powerhouse anti-aging ingredients like bakuchiol, which encourages the production of collagen, and hexylresorcinol, which “has antioxidant properties, helps prevent and treat hyperpigmentation and overall helps with tone and texture of the skin.”
Made with melatonin: ISDIN ISDINCEUTICS Melatonik Lightweight Night Serum
- Improves elasticity
- Great for dry skin
- More melatonin studies needed
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, melatonin, vitamin C | Scented? N/A
Castilla likes this serum-in-oil for its combination of anti-aging powerhouse bakuchiol and brightening vitamin C. “It also has melatonin, which needs more evidence, but can function as an antioxidant, easily spreads and absorbs, and will make skin feel hydrated after usage,” she tells Shop TODAY.
The serum has a luxurious, hydrating feel that makes it an especially good option for people with dry skin.
Prioritizing the growth factors: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
- Firms and smooths fine lines
- Enhances collagen synthesis
- Doesn’t aid hyperpigmentation
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Peptides, growth factors, centella asiatica | Scented? N/A
The lifting, ultra-concentrated serum is designed to visibly reduce 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, thanks to the combination of a growth factor complex and peptide complex.
“It’s important to note that not all peptides are created equal,” Dr. Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Idriss Skincare, tells Shop TODAY. “This product is formulated with Pentapeptide-48, which stimulates fibroblast activity to enhance collagen synthesis and supports skin repair processes, as well as sh-Oligopeptide-1, also known as Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF). There’s an immediate brightening effect with this product that also gives you instant gratification.”
Worth the splurge: TNS® Advanced+ Serum
- Major anti-aging effects
- Nourishing formula
- It's a pricey product
- Contains shea butter
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Growth factor blend, peptides, marine extract, green microalgae | Scented? No
Idriss likes this powerful yet lightweight serum because it’s “formulated with growth factors to address fine lines and wrinkles and other signs of aging,” she tells Shop TODAY. The holy grail product, which has been clinically proven to show anti-aging benefits in just two weeks, not only improves the appearance of wrinkles, but it firms sagging skin and texture. (According to the brand, a third-party study found that patients felt they looked up to six years younger after 12 weeks of use!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Just because an ingredient isn’t a retinoid doesn’t guarantee that it will be gentler on your skin. “Although generally less irritating, they [retinol alternatives] still have the potential to irritate skin,” says Castilla.
"You need to be patient, as it will take at least eight to twelve weeks to see any improvement," Castilla says.
It’s also important to remember that these alternatives are ultimately very different products from a retinol. Idriss recommends collagen-boosting growth factors and peptides as “great ingredients to look towards to help with ‘well-aging’ benefits,” but notes that no ingredient “will ever compare to the benefits” of vitamin A.
How we chose
Shop TODAY enlisted the expertise of dermatologists and doctors who shared their recommendations on products and ingredients that make great alternatives for people who cannot use retinoids. We also took their advice on which key ingredients to look for in retinol alternatives and took into account customer reviews. In addition, we’ve tested many of these products personally.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Shereene Idriss is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Idriss Skincare.
- Dr. Katharine Saussy is a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans.
- Dr. Carmen Castilla is a Manhattan-based, board-certified dermatologist.
- Dr. Zion Ko Lamm is a board-certified internal medicine physician.
