Retinol is commonly seen as a skincare panacea that can soften fine lines, even out skin tones, and even help prevent acne. Unfortunately, strong results can come with strong consequences, many of which are even counterproductive to your skincare goals.
For example, people often report redness, irritation, UV sensitivity, peeling, itching, and other uncomfortable side effects after regularly using retinol-based products.
At Jessica’s Apothecary, we prefer to take a more balanced approach. With this in mind, we’re pleased to offer several Eminence Organics products that feature a Natural Retinol Alternative that comes with all the same benefits as the synthetic version but none of the uncomfortable side effects.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a synthetic derivative of Vitamin A, which is essential for healthy skin and eyes. Retinol is a type of retinoid – a generic name for any topical product that contains a vitamin A derivative. The term “retinoid” is often used for stronger, prescription skin care products containing retinoic acid, whereas retinol is a bit less potent and is available in over-the-counter skincare products. Don’t let the phrase “less potent” fool you, though, both retinol and retinoids are powerful products that come with the host of uncomfortable side effects mentioned above, and neither of them is safe to use during pregnancy.
Why would anyone use a product with so many uncomfortable side effects? Well, it truly is effective in a number of other ways. The benefits of retinol are:
- Removes dead skin cells
- Clears congestion
- Shrinks large pores
- Smooths uneven skin texture
- Minimizes fine lines & wrinkles
- Keeps skin firm and plump
- Fades dark spots
A Natural Alternative to Retinol
Eminence Organics has created the Natural Retinol Alternative Complex that uses a blend of chicory root and tara tree extract and was developed by scientists from Pfizer. This unique blend provides the same results as conventional retinol, but without the uncomfortable side effects.
Chicory root is a stimulant containing oligosaccharides that tricks the skin’s cells into a healing response. During this response, cellular turnover is increased – just like with conventional retinol. Increased cellular metabolism enables your skin to shed dead layers more efficiently and replace them with healthy new cells. This process activates collagen and elastin production to soften fine lines. When mixed with tara tree extract, this Natural Retinol Alternative increases collagen levels by 25% in just 6 days!
This wonderful alternative is a primary ingredient in the following three products.
Neroli Age Corrective Hydrating Mist
This milky white moisturizing spray is fabulous for all skin types, especially mature. It contains Eminence Organics’ Natural Retinol Alternative to lift and tighten the skin, and their custom PhytoCellTec Swiss Green Apple Stem Cells that help delay visible signs of aging by strengthening the skin’s cells. Mood-boosting neroli oil is included in the mist to soften the skin, and coconut milk helps moisturize and nourish.
To use, spray 1 or 2 spritzes directly on your clean face and neck, avoiding the eye area. The mist will soak into your skin, so there’s no need to wash it off. Reapply any time throughout the day that you need a refreshing lift.
Order your Neroli Age Corrective Mist today.
Bamboo Firming Fluid
This natural product helps achieve tighter-looking skin and has won more awards than we can count, including Favourite Firming Serum, Aesthetician’s Choice Awards, 2018 and also Best Skin Serum, International Beauty Awards, 2017. It’s great for normal to dry skin, and especially mature skin. 
The Bamboo Firming Fluid contains Eminence Organics’ Natural Retinol Alternative along with bamboo, which is packed with antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, and more. It also contains coconut oil to restore the skin’s moisture barrier and coconut water to help balance the skin’s pH.
To use, apply a thin layer to clean skin once or twice daily. Follow with a moisturizer that’s best suited to your skin and the season. For dry winter skin, consider the Sweet Red Rose Whip Moisturizer.
Order Bamboo Firming Fluid, here.
Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum
This is one of our go-to products for fighting the visible signs of aging that appear around your eyes, like crow’s feet and fine lines. It’s effective for all skin types, especially mature.
This rich serum includes Eminence Organics’ Natural Retinol Alternative along with neroli oil, which refreshes and hydrates the tired eye area. It also includes coconut milk to moisturize, nourish, and soften, plus carrot extract, a fabulous source of antioxidants and nutrients.
To use, apply a thin layer to the clean skin around your closed eyes. Blend it in until it’s fully absorbed, then follow with an eye cream (The Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream is a particularly lovely choice).
Order Neroli Age Corrective Eye Serum, here.
Save with a Bundle
Save by purchasing all three of these products together! Use the following link to purchase these three items for $119 (valued at $158).
Purchase the Natural Retinol Alternative Collection, here.
To learn more about retinol alternatives, or to discuss your skin’s specific needs with a certified esthetician, schedule a virtual consultation with our owner, Jessica. This low-stress offering is designed to help you create (and stick to!) a personalized skincare routine that supports natural radiance and beautiful aging.
Learn more about Eminence Organics’ Natural Retinol Alternative, here.
REFERENCES
Eminence Organics. (2019). What is retinol? Benefits, side effects, and a natural alternative [Blog Post] Retrieved from https://eminenceorganics.com/us/blog/2019/07/10/what-retinol-benefits-side-effects-natural-alternative
Glamour. (2020). Retinoid vs. retinol: When to use each and why [Online Article]. Retrieved from https://www.glamour.com/story/retinoid-vs-retinol
Kafi R, Kwak HSR, Schumacher WE, et al. Improvement of Naturally Aged Skin With Vitamin A (Retinol). Arch Dermatol. 2007;143(5):606–612. doi:10.1001/archderm.143.5.606