What are the best vegan Retinol serums right now?
You’ve probably heard of Retinol, but what exactly does it do for your skin and what is the best Retinol serum for you? Here’s everything you need to know about this powerful skincare ingredient and the best vegan Retinol serums right now.
PS: Check out this blog post for vegan Retinol Eye Creams
The low-down on Retinol
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, belonging to the family of retinoids. It is a topical skincare ingredient widely recognised for its potent properties especially on the anti-ageing front.
What are the benefits of Retinol?
Stimulates Collagen Production: Retinol stimulates the production of collagen, a crucial protein responsible for maintaining skin's elasticity and firmness. This helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a smoother complexion.
Addresses Signs of Ageing: As a powerful anti-ageing ingredient, retinol combats multiple signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Improves Skin Elasticity: By stimulating collagen production, retinol enhances the skin's elasticity, making it appear plumper and more supple.
Fades Hyperpigmentation: Retinol effectively fades hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sunspots by promoting faster skin cell turnover and inhibiting melanin production. This leads to a more even skin tone and improved overall complexion.
Evens Skin Texture: Regular use of retinol encourages the shedding of dead skin cells, promoting a smoother and more refined skin texture. It diminishes the appearance of rough patches, acne scars, and other skin imperfections.
Enhances Skin Radiance: Retinol promotes skin cell turnover, revealing fresh, new skin that appears more radiant and youthful. It helps to restore a healthy glow to dull and tired-looking skin.
Due to its potent nature, Retinol may cause some initial skin irritation. It is essential to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage to allow the skin to acclimate to the ingredient.
Always make sure to always apply sunscreen if you’re using a daytime Retinol product!
Vegan Retinol serums for up to £30
The Ordinary Retinol Serum 1% in Squalane
Showcasing a highly stable form of Retinol (1%), this water-free solution tackles fine lines caused by collagen and elastin loss, while enhancing skin texture and tone.
This expert-level formula is enriched with Squalane, a natural moisturiser found in your skin, which boosts surface hydration and combats dryness commonly associated with retinol use.
RRP: £7.90 - Find it on The Ordinary, Lookfantastic or Cult Beauty
The Inkey List Supersolutions 1% Retinol Serum
Featuring an high concentration of Retinol, this treatment is specially crafted to diminish the appearance of marks and post-acne scars but also to smooth out wrinkles.
Formulated in collaboration with dermatologists, this fast-absorbing formula is designed for minimal irritation. Enriched with Apricot Kernel Oil and Squalane, it shields the skin from moisture loss and enhances the skin's protective barrier.
RRP: £22.99- Find it on The Inkey List, Lookfantastic or Cult Beauty
Facetheory Regenacalm Pro Treatment Serum
This cutting-edge formulation boasts 3% Retinol, encapsulated for enhanced penetration into the epidermis with reduced irritation. With proven efficacy in accelerating skin cell renewal, Retinol effectively softens fine lines, tightens pores and targets hyperpigmentation.
This treatment also harnesses the power of Dill extract, promoting elastin regeneration, and Liquorice extract, renowned for skin lightening and pigmentation reduction.
It is also enriched with stabilised Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that further targets blemishes and scars.
RRP: £30 - Find it on Facetheory
More amazing vegan Retinol serums
Medik8 Intelligent Retinol™
Surpassing ordinary Retinol with its supercharged activity, the Intelligent Retinol TR range by Medik8 offers progressive retinol strengths (0.3%, 0.6%, 1%), catering to every individual's Retinol needs.
With Time Release Technology, Retinol is gradually released, ensuring skin comfort and maximizing the effects overnight.
Infused with squalane, this lightweight yet moisturizing serum is fortified with retinol-booster climbazole, prolonging its efficacy and delivering enhanced anti-ageing results.
RRP: £37 to £50 - Find it on Medik8, Cult Beauty or Lookfantastic
Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Ageing Retinol Serum
This advanced anti-ageing serum combines pure Retinol and potent antioxidants to address multiple skin concerns. This powerful formula minimises the appearance of wrinkles, improves firmness and brightens your skin, leaving it radiantly youthful.
Designed to be suitable for rosacea-prone skin, this serum effectively repairs sun damage and visibly reduces fine lines. Alongside Retinol, the formula also includes brightening Vitamin and soothing Oat extract.
RRP: £43 - Find it on Paula’s Choice or Sephora
Alpha H Vitamin A Serum with 0.5% Retinol
Ideal choice for retinol beginners, this serum offers multiple benefits such as firmer, smoother and fresher skin without the usual irritation.
The hero ingredient accelerates the skin's natural renewal process and supercharges collagen production, resulting in a revitalised complexion. To ensure optimal skin health and resilience, moisture-boosting Squalane, Macadamia seed oil, and Evening primrose work harmoniously to protect the skin's barrier function.
RRP: £49.99 - Find it on Lookfantastic or Cult Beauty
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
This fast-absorbing, revolutionary formula is dedicated to minimising the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Driven by Retinol Tri-Active Technology, this lightweight serum combines the power of a fast-acting Retinoid, time-released Retinol, and a Retinol booster, delivering a firming effect that smoothens and refines your skin.
Hyaluronic Spheres work in tandem to provide long-lasting hydration, leaving your skin with a radiant and glowing complexion. Additionally, Swertia Flower Extract enhances resilience, revealing a luminous and youthful appearance.
RRP: £86 - Find it on Murad, Lookfantastic or Space NK
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum
This fast-acting multi-retinoid serum visibly reduces signs of skin ageing in just two weeks.
You can count on this high-dose retinol formula to reverse the appearance of wrinkles, improve your skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores and even out your skin tone.
The formula is also enriched with moisture-drawing Squalane to keep your skin soft and hydrated.
RRP: £89 - Find it on Dermalogica, Lookfantastic or Space NK
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