WHAT’S JUST AS EFFECTIVE AS RETINOL, BUT GENTLER ON SKIN?

If you’re a true skincare enthusiast, you’ve probably heard the words retinol and retinoids more times than you can count. These vitamin A derivatives, discovered back in 1913, have become a cornerstone of modern skincare. Retinol has long been hailed as the “gold standard” for tackling wrinkles, acne, and visible signs of aging – but is its reputation truly golden, or just a little overstated?

The Two Sides of Retinol

There’s no denying retinol’s impressive benefits. It smooths the skin, boosts cell renewal, encourages collagen production, evens out skin tone, and helps reduce acne. But these effects often come with a cost – and not just a financial one.

Retinol can leave skin dry, flaky, red, and even sore. Why? Because when cell turnover accelerates too much, the skin doesn’t have enough time to replenish the protective lipids it needs. The result is increased sensitivity, irritation, and a higher vulnerability to UV damage.

To make matters worse, many people use retinol without understanding how to combine it with other actives. With so many brands and products on the market, it’s easy to end up with a routine that stresses the skin instead of supporting it.

So, is there a better way?

A Gentler Alternative

Thankfully, modern dermatology has evolved. We no longer have to choose between results and comfort. Enter the new generation of natural retinol alternatives – offering the same visible improvements, minus the irritation.

One standout ingredient is bakuchiol, a natural compound derived from the babchi (Psoralea corylifolia) plant. Research shows that bakuchiol works on the same gene expression pathways as retinol, delivering comparable anti-aging effects, but without the redness, peeling, or photosensitivity. It’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and perfect for sensitive skin.

Clinical studies have confirmed that bakuchiol can reduce wrinkles, improve elasticity, and even out skin tone just as effectively as retinol, yet infinitely more gently. It’s no wonder skincare experts are calling it the retinoid revolution.

RetinART – The Next Generation Bio-Retinoid

But the revolution doesn’t stop there. Our botanical retinol alternative, the ICONIC series, just became even more powerful with the introduction of RetinART – a patented, next-generation bio-retinoid that does everything retinol promises… only better.

Extracted from the Mediterranean microalgae Chlorella vulgaris, RetinART delivers all the benefits of retinol – improving texture, smoothing wrinkles, evening out skin tone, and boosting collagen – but without the irritation or phototoxicity.

In a study comparing 2% RetinART to 0.3% Retinol, 30 volunteers tested both for 56 days. The results spoke for themselves:

Additionally, 1% RetinART reduced melanin synthesis by 33%, outperforming:

0.15% Retinol (9%)

1% Bakuchiol (21%)

RetinART also increased:

Hyaluronic acid levels by +8%

Collagen I production by +127%

Collagen III production by +176%

The conclusion is clear: RetinART delivers everything retinol does.. just without the downsides.

Bakuchiol + RetinART = The Dream Duo

Together, RetinART and bakuchiol form a true powerhouse pair. Both are effective yet gentle, suitable even for the most sensitive skin. They don’t cause irritation, don’t increase sun sensitivity (yes, they’re safe for daytime use), and remain stable and well-tolerated – the complete opposite of traditional retinol’s unpredictability.

If you crave retinol-like results but value calm, balanced skin, these two deliver the transformation without the turbulence.

How to Use It

ICONIC was designed for women seeking a high-performance botanical anti-aging cream that strengthens, not strips, the skin barrier. A perfect choice if:

• You have mature, dry, or normal skin

• You want anti-aging results without harsh irritation

• You’re focused on restoring and protecting your skin barrier

During the day:
RetinART + Bakuchiol + Polyglucuronic acid create a powerful yet gentle trio that smooths wrinkles, refines texture, and adds radiance. The result: renewed, hydrated, firmer skin – without irritation.

At night:
Peptides, antioxidants (glutathione, polyglutamic acid, aminobutyric acid), and fermented actives work synergistically to deeply hydrate, soothe, and rejuvenate while you sleep.

PS! Even though our ICONIC Well-Aging Treatment is gentle and natural, it’s still a retinoid-like active – so always wear sunscreen! Our SKIN FILTER SPF 30+ is 100% mineral, alcohol- and mineral oil-free, and enriched with antioxidants to defend against UV stress – ideal for sensitive or treated skin.

• Avoid strong acids and peels while using the product

• Start gradually – every other day, with a mini or patch test if your skin is sensitive

Fun fact: ICONIC Night Cream was awarded “Best Overnight Hydration” at the 2023 European Natural Beauty Awards, proving that skincare can be both natural and powerful.

For decades, beauty has been defined by chemistry – often bringing results, but at a cost. Today, the standard is shifting. Bakuchiol and RetinART show that we no longer need to choose between effectiveness and comfort. We can finally have both.

Because true beauty begins with balanced skin 💚

Sources:
ALGAKTIV® RetinART
Sánchez-Díez et al., IJCS 2025; Cosmetics & Toiletries, Jan 2025.