Retinol and its natural alternatives
July 2024 | by María Gutiérrez
Le retinol is the cosmetics rage of the moment. It's the secret to beautiful skin for many influencers. But did you know that there are natural alternatives to retinol in several plants ? Here's a presentation of these ingredients.
Before we start... what is retinol?
Retinol is a natural molecule belonging to the vitamin Aessential for healthy skin. Known for its powerful anti-ageing propertiesRetinol reduces wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation spots by stimulating cell renewal and collagen production. It is also effective in treating acne by unclogging pores and preventing skin eruptions.
However, it is not retinol itself that acts directly on our skin, but a derivative. To act, retinol is transformed by our skin into retinoic acidthe active form of vitamin A. It is this active form that binds to the specific receptors present in the skin cells to induce the beneficial effects mentioned above.
Vitamin A, retinol and beta-carotene
La vitamin A is found naturally in a number of ingredients, either in the form of retinolexclusively in animal productseither in the form of beta-carotenein plant-based products. It's important to understand that retinol and beta-carotene can both be converted into retinoic acid and therefore help to regenerate the skin, but they are not equivalent. The retinol is more powerful than beta-carotene because it is directly converted into retinoic acidwhile the beta-carotene must first be converted into vitamin A.
However, the effectiveness of retinol can be accompanied byside effects as irritationsand allergies and a increased sensitivity to the sun. For a softer option for everyday use, the beta-carotenes are recommended. They offer similar benefits in a gentler way, while being less likely to cause skin reactions, allowing regular use, even during the daywithout compromising the skin's health and radiance
However, although beta-carotenes are the closest molecules to retinol, there are other molecules with very similar properties. Here are five natural alternatives to retinol:
1. Carrot oil
2. Rose Hip Oil
Celebrated for its richness in vitamin A (including beta-carotenes) and vitamin C, rosehip oil promotes cell regeneration and effectively reduces scars and wrinkles. It also naturally improves skin texture and elasticity.
Use if: you are looking to reduce scarring and improve the elasticity of your skin.
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3. Rosehip Seed Oil :
4. Aloe Vera
Known for its soothing and moisturising properties, aloe vera is rich in skin-friendly polysaccharides and minerals. It soothes irritation, deeply moisturises and promotes healing in sensitive, damaged skin.
Use if: you have sensitive or irritated skin and need to moisturise and heal.
5. Bakuchiol
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Where can I find truly natural cosmetics?
At Masaison we make cosmetics using French ingredients, natural, bio and above all seasonal. Our aim is to keep processing and waste to a minimum, so as to let the planet breathe, but also our skin. All the while guaranteeing effective, healthy moisturising.
