Plant-based retinol alternatives 101: are they the secret to good skin or simply overhyped?

Retinol, or vitamin A, is used in skincare to help to smooth out wrinkles and plump up skin, but it can be too harsh for those with very sensitive complexions

Plant-based options have been proposed as a viable alternative – but are these vegan formulas worth the hype? Industry insiders break them down

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Retinol, or vitamin A, can be harsh on the skin. Some skincare lines are offering plant-based retinol alternatives – but are they worth the hype? Photo: Getty Images

Clare Holden

Published: 6:15pm, 10 Feb 2023Updated: 5:25pm, 14 Feb 2023

The beauty industry loves to concoct vague buzzwords to drive sales and create hype around new launches.

Take “clean beauty”, which has been pushed for a number of years but means different things to different brands.

Like sustainable fashion, these are blanket terms used for numerous products and categories without much in the way of standards or governing bodies.

Meanwhile, the vast number of ingredients listed in skincare products can make it difficult for the average consumer to decipher what goes into their creams and serums, and how beneficial they will be.

Plant Mother’s Retinol Serum is a plant-based product. Photo: Plant Mother

For a growing number of beauty shoppers with overcomplicated routines, retinol has emerged as the answer. With a vast amount of scientific research behind it, the fat-soluble vitamin known also as vitamin A is a well-rounded ingredient, and has won over both dermatologists and customers thanks to its anti-ageing and anti-acne applications.