Best Natural Retinol
When it comes to skincare, I think there are a lot of uncertainties about clean beauty and skincare that actually “works.” The truth is clean beauty products are just as effective as non-clean versions, so let’s start with clean beauty retinol products, including products with true retinol and the clean alternatives – the best natural retinol products.
As with just about everything I talk about on here, the definition of clean beauty can vary. Some people only want organic products, others only plant-based.
Some people just want transparency with the ingredients in a product. And if we’re just worried about packaging, some people just want plastic-free or even refillable makeup!
CONTENTS
Clean Beauty + Natural Retinol
What is retinol and what does it do?
You probably hear a lot of retinol and its magical effects, but do you know what it is? I didn’t either for a long time.
Retinol products contain vitamin A. Retinoid products help with cell turnover, so they’re a great option for anti-aging (i.e. minimizing wrinkles and lines). They’re also good for acne issues as they help to keep the skin clean.
Retinol in itself is synthetic, but has been proven as safe (except during pregnancy – see natural retinol below).
If you want to avoid everything synthetic, there are some plant based options, including squalane oil, bakuchiol, and rosehip oil.
At the end of the day, if you want a skin refresh but don’t want to do face peels or stronger treatments, these natural retinol products are for you! Learn more about what to expect after a chemical peel and when you can wear makeup after a treatment.
Retinol Tips
A few notes about retinol usage. The whole purpose of using these products to turnover skin calls, so as it starts to work, newer, younger skin will come to the surface.
Because of this, most retinol products are night time skin routine items (see natural retinol otherwise) and you must use a strong sunscreen no matter what you use (here’s my beloved tinted spf50 – the best clean tinted moisturizer).
Let me say that last part again. YOU MUST WEAR A STRONG SUNSCREEN if you’re using these products! Luckily there are a bunch of actually fabulous face sunscreens to use!
Also. Most retinol products are a no go if you’re pregnant or nursing – see natural retinol below.
And, finally, if you’re using a retinol product, make sure to take it easy with the other products in your skincare routine. Since these products bring new skin to the surface, you don’t want to be using other stronger/harsher products!
Best Natural Retinol
Alright. So, let’s got to the products. Below are the highest rated clean beauty products with retinol, but for those of you looking for retinol-like products (i.e. the best natural retinol) – don’t fear.
Bakuchiol is a plant-based, natural retinol that works as well as a lab-created retinol WITHOUT THE HARSH SIDE EFFECTS. In fact it’s so safe, bakuchiol itself is pregnancy and breast-feeding safe. Goodness do I wish I’d known about this when we decided to have a baby.
Just below are 4 highly rated bakuchiol products. I’ve only used the Tripeptide Radiance Serum, but I swear by it and have no need to try any others – just saying! 😉
Radiance Serum
One of the best products, this serum (used 1-2x per day) will gently resurface skin while hydrating at the same time. It’s heavenly and works wonderfully with the complete Countertime Regimen. This is the product that’s also the best cruelty free retinol!
HERBIVORE Bakuchiol Serum
From the beloved beauty brand HERBIVORE, this plant-based retinol alternative is a lightweight serum that helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer
Alpyn Beauty’s hydrating and firming moisturizer is made with plant-based Bakuchiol. A great moisturizer before makeup application.
These products come in the form of serums, oils, moisturizers, and masks. Read more about the benefits of facial serum!
MARA Algae Retinol
MARA’s algae retinol face oil utilizes green tea and evening primrose in addition to algae to infuse skin with moisture and clean away older, dry skin.
Josh Rosebrook Active Infusion Oil
By the clean beauty brand my husband uses, Jose Rosebrook’s do-it-all oil is a nutrient-filled oil that smooths and tones skin!
Maya Chia The Straight A Treatment
Cultish clean beauty Maya Chia gentle retinol treatment works to moisturize and nourish skin while helping with hyperpigmentation and fine lines.
Naturally Serious Retin-Oil Treatment
Made with a plant-based retinol, this overnight treatment evens out skin tone and texture. It’s also a great a budget-friendly retinol option!
Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Retinol Oil
This face oil minimizes the look of lines, wrinkles, and blemishes, helping fight against dullness and uneven skin texture.
EVOLVE BIO-RETINOL + C BOOSTER
This oil based booster is a product to add to your moisturizer. It nourishes skin with vitamins A, C, F, and E while helping increase collagen production and hydration.
EVOLVE Organic Bio-Retinol Gold Mask
This clean beauty retinol product is a mask, not a serum. This plant-based retinol mask stimulates collagen, promotes cell turnover, and hydrates skin.
Josie Marah Pro-Retinol Body Butter
Not a face product, but a body butter that takes all the magic of retinol to the rest of your body. Think hands with fewer lines, help with scarring and acne on arms and back!
Need help with finding what works for you? Start here with what’s your skin type!
Clean Beauty
Since clean beauty is an important part of sustainable living (what we wash down the drain matters as much as what we put on our skin), be sure to check out these other clean beauty roundups:
Non Toxic Makeup Brands
Clean Beauty at Nordstrom
Clean Beauty at Sephora
Clean Beauty at Target
Clean Beauty at Walmart
Clean Beauty at ULTA
Best Beautycounter Products
Common questions include do shampoo bars really work and how do you use them? What natural deodorant actually works? Are there refillable deodorant options? What’s the best double edge razor blades (the best safety razors and how to use them properly). And the best makeup brush cleaner (on the cheap and easy)!
There are also great clean skin & hair care products for men!
And you’ll want to check out these wonderful natural bar soaps as well as body tools for smooth skin all over yourself!
And don’t forget about makeup recycling and how to reuse containers!
Did you know your beauty routine is one of the best ways to transform your life that doesn’t take long. Check out these tips for how to glow up in a week!
List of Sustainable Brands
- HERBIVORE
- Maya Chia
- MARA
- Naturally Serious
- Alpyn Beauty
- EVOLVE Organic
- Drunk Elephant
- Josh Rosebrook
- Josie Marah
