This Gentler-Than-Retinol ‘Ageless’ Serum Totally Resurfaces Your Skin Without Any Irritation

If you have sensitive skin, the thought of adding retinol to your routine is likely very intimidating. Though the ingredient is among the most dermatologist-recommended out there for its ability to fight acne and signs of aging, it’s got a (well-earned) reputation for being irritating. But thanks to BareMinerals’ new AGELESS line, you can revolutionize your skin-care routine with products that will resurface your skin the same way retinol does without making it red and angry.

The brand’s AGELESS 10% Phyto-Retinol Night Concentrate ($62) and AGELESS Phyto-Retinol Face Cream ($62) are made with phyto retinol, a natural retinol alternative that gently but effectively reduces signs of aging.

Phyto retinol” is an umbrella term that encompasses any plant-based ingredient that works similarly to retinol. The idea is that these ingredients stimulate cellular processes to give you the same results as your standard retinoid, but won’t leave you with the “retinol uglies” (aka redness and irritation). Over the last few years, we’ve seen these types of actives become increasingly popular as a result of consumers’ rising interest in “clean” ingredients, and you may already own a product with bakuchiol (the most famous phyto retinol) included in the formula. BareMineral’s AGELESS products employ “Bidens Pilosa Extract,” which is derived from South America’s Picão Preto plant, as their retin-alt.

The ingredient works as a humectant to draw water into the skin, and offers firming, texture-evening, and discoloration-reducing benefits (aka exactly what retinol does). Though there’s not a lot of peer-reviewed research on this ingredient in the world of dermatology, what we did find was good. According to a 2015 study,  bidens pilosa extract was found to boost the production of collagen and elastin, making it an effective anti-aging and skin-repairing ingredient. As researchers put it, “the effects produced by were similar to or better than those produced by retinol and retinoic acid.” Promising, right?

In addition to their ability to resurface your skin without leaving it raw, BareMinerals’ AGELESS products are cruelty-free, vegan, and free of parabens, SLS, and synthetic fragrances. They’re tested by dermatologists, and are non-irritating and non-comedogenic which means they’re safe to use on most skin types.

The serum is the more concentrated of the two products (it’s made with 10 percent phyto retinoid) and offers more bang for your buck in retexturizing benefits, but the cream pairs its phytoretinol with hydrating ingredients to further help smooth out your skin. Our advice? Invest in both, and your skin—sensitive or otherwise—will be grateful.

AGELESS 10% Phyto-Retinol Night Concentrate — $62.00

This fast-absorbing, lightweight, anti-aging fluid concentrate promises to deliver a near erasure of signs of aging and uneven texture and tone—in a week. With a combination of powerful peptides and hydrating hyaluronic acid, smoothness is restored for a fresh, vivacious complexion. The formula underwent an 8-week clinical study conducted on 53 subjects, which found a “34% clinical improvement in texture and smoothness.” Solid findings for just two months of use!

AGELESS Phyto-Retinol Face Cream — $52.00

If you’re looking for a vegan moisturizer that’ll make your face look roughly 50-percent better, look no further: After a one-week clinical study on 27 people, this cream was shown to provide a 47 percent clinical improvement in texture. According to the brand, you’ll see a dramatic improvement in signs of aging and visible lines, and you’ll experience instant soothing and hydrating effects that will increase over time.

Learn more about why dermatologists are *constantly* recommending retinol in the video below. 

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