Best plant-based alternatives to retinol that won’t irritate sensitive skin

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Retinol is frequently touted as something of a wonder ingredient, praised as the gold standard in anti-ageing skincare thanks to its ability to encourage skin cell regeneration and collagen production.

But retinol and other retinoids, which are all derivatives of vitamin A, aren't necessarily for everyone. Apply it too frequently or go straight in with a high percentage and you risk causing irritation, resulting in dry, red or itchy skin. And those with sensitive skin may not be able to use even the gentlest retinols.

If this sounds like you, don’t worry; this doesn’t mean you need to miss out on getting great skin. Nowadays there are plenty of plant-based retinol alternatives on the market, offering similar skin-regenerating results to retinol without the risk of irritation. You may already have heard of the plant extract bakuchiol, and rosehip, stevia and certain algaes can also help to deliver retinol-like benefits.

We love REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum, which uses extract from the plant Bidens pilosa instead of retinol, and combines it with ceramides and niacinamide to firm, even out tone and pigmentation, plump, smooth, and improve elasticity. Clinical studies even show that it visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles after just seven days.

And we’re not the only fans of this super serum. Britain’s Got Talent star Alesha Dixon loves it too (“extra-special”, she calls it), which is why she has included it inside her very own OK! Beauty Edit.

“We all know how important it is to use serums, and I’ve incorporated them into my skincare routine, morning and night, before I apply moisturiser,” Alesha says.

You’ll find plenty more of Alesha’s beauty must-haves inside the limited-edition OK! Beauty Edit, including her “can’t live without” Eight Hour Cream, the beauty supplement from her own brand NobleBlu and a moisturiser worth over £100. The contents are worth a whopping £350 in total but available to buy for just £45.

Soft, smooth skin can be available to all!