Discover our natural retinol alternatives that's gentle enough for sensitive skin. Read more about different types of retinol, the best use of retinol, and how to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine.
12 Products
BEST SELLER
Double Serum Anti-Aging + Anti-Wrinkle Serum
Iconic 2-in-1 serum revolutionized, now with 22 plants including Organic Giant Provençal Reed* and Turmeric plus 5 active molecules. Visibly firms, smoothes, boosts radiance + refines pores in 7 days.**
NEW
Double Serum Light Texture Firming + Smoothing Anti-Aging Concentrate
Iconic 2-in-1 serum, now in a lightweight texture, revolutionized with 22 plants including Organic Giant Provençal Reed* and Turmeric plus 5 active molecules. Visibly firms, smoothes, boosts radiance + refines pores in 7 days.¹ Great for oily skin and warm, humid climates.
Super Restorative Day Cream - SPF 15 Day Moisturizer for Menopausal Skin
1.7 Oz.
An anti-aging day cream for mature skin that replenishes, targets wrinkles, visibly improves slackening, evens skin tone and protects with Broad Spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen. Powered by Organic Harungana, as effective as retinol* and gentle on the skin, plus Organic Gorse.
BEST SELLER
Super Restorative Day Cream - Anti-Aging + Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Menopausal Skin
1.7 Oz.
An anti-aging day cream for mature skin that replenishes, targets wrinkles, visibly improves slackening, and evens skin tone. Powered by Organic Harungana, as effective as retinol* and gentle on the skin, plus Organic Gorse.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Super Restorative Night Cream - Very Dry Skin
1.6 Oz.
An anti-aging night cream for very dry, mature skin that replenishes, targets wrinkles, visibly improves slackening, boosts radiance, and evens skin tone. Powered by Organic Harungana, as effective as retinol* and gentle on the skin, plus Organic Gorse.
BEST SELLER
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Super Restorative Day Cream - Very Dry Skin
1.6 Oz.
An anti-aging day cream for very dry, mature skin that replenishes, targets wrinkles, visibly improves slackening, and evens skin tone. Powered by Organic Harungana, as effective as retinol* and gentle on the skin, plus Organic Gorse.
BEST SELLER
Super Restorative Night Cream - Anti-Aging Night Moisturizer for Menopausal Skin
1.7 Oz.
An anti-aging night cream for mature skin that replenishes, targets wrinkles, visibly improves slackening, boosts radiance, and evens skin tone. Powered by Organic Harungana, as effective as retinol* and gentle on the skin, plus Organic Gorse.
Rose Radiance Peptide Day Cream for Mature Skin
1.7 Oz.
A pink tinted, 2-in-1 anti-aging + radiance-boosting day cream for mature skin that replenishes, visibly lifts, and smoothes wrinkles while providing a healthy, rosy glow.
Super Restorative Smoothing Treatment Face Essence - Hydrating + Replenishing Skin Essence
6.7 Oz.
An intensely hydrating, alcohol-free treatment essence that helps visibly boost skin’s density and radiance.
BEST SELLER
Super Restorative Remodelling Face Serum - Anti-Aging Serum for Wrinkles + Dark Spots
Powerful anti-aging serum that replenishes, illuminates, and helps visibly define facial contours.
Super Restorative Anti-Aging Abdomen and Waist Body Cream
6.6 Oz.
Intensely nourishing balm addresses age-related hormonal changes in the body for a visibly tightened abdomen and defined waistline.
Super Restorative Décolleté Cream and Neck Concentrate
2.4 Oz.
Replenishing anti-aging cream for décolleté and neck that reduces the appearance of age spots, deep wrinkles, and skin slackening.
What does retinol do?
No matter your skin concern, you have probably heard of retinol. This vitamin A derivative is a hero in skincare thanks to a proven track record of improving the appearance of skin--from enhancing firmness and boosting radiance to fading dark spots and smoothing wrinkles. By stimulating the production of collagen, elastin, and Hyaluronic Acid, retinol has earned its status as a superstar skincare ingredient. However, this versatile ingredient has some downsides; initial side effects like irritation or redness can occur, which means it's often unsuitable for sensitive or reactive skin. Fortunately, with years of plant research and expertise, Clarins Research has successfully found an equally effective* and powerful retinol alternative that is proven gentle enough for sensitive skin, Organic Harungana extract.2
*Comparative clinical study carried out on the anti-wrinkle and smoothing efficacy on 46 women who applied a base containing either organic Harungana extract or retinol with a % ingredient identical to the finished product, for 56 days.
2Organic ingredients are produced in accordance with European regulation (CE 2018/848).
*Comparative clinical study carried out on the anti-wrinkle and smoothing efficacy on 46 women who applied a base containing either organic Harungana extract or retinol with a % ingredient identical to the finished product, for 56 days.
2Organic ingredients are produced in accordance with European regulation (CE 2018/848).
What are the different types of retinol?
"Retinoid" is the umbrella term under which all the vitamin A-derived ingredients fall, including prescription and over-the-counter retinol formulas. Retinol is one type of retinoid.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a prescription topical retinoid used in a lower concentration as an anti-aging treatment and in its stronger form to fight acne.
Adapalene
Adapalene is a prescription retinoid commonly used to treat acne. It is known for its anti-inflammatory effect and low absorption rate through human skin. Adapalene is less potent than tretinoin but tends to cause less skin irritation.
Retinol
Retinol, a milder, often over-the-counter form of retinoid, requires retinaldehyde to convert to retinoic acid to be effective. It is advised for anti-aging and does not help treat acne.
Plant-based retinol alternatives
Organic* Harungana extract, nature's retinol alternative. According to Clarins Research, Harungana delivers the same actions on a cellular level as retinol and offers similar anti-aging results. This exclusive Clarins plant-based ingredient was selected from several alternatives for its 'retinol-like' effect, tolerance by even sensitive skin, and non-photosensitivity.
*Organic ingredients are produced in accordance with European regulation (CE 2018/848).
Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a prescription topical retinoid used in a lower concentration as an anti-aging treatment and in its stronger form to fight acne.
Adapalene
Adapalene is a prescription retinoid commonly used to treat acne. It is known for its anti-inflammatory effect and low absorption rate through human skin. Adapalene is less potent than tretinoin but tends to cause less skin irritation.
Retinol
Retinol, a milder, often over-the-counter form of retinoid, requires retinaldehyde to convert to retinoic acid to be effective. It is advised for anti-aging and does not help treat acne.
Plant-based retinol alternatives
Organic* Harungana extract, nature's retinol alternative. According to Clarins Research, Harungana delivers the same actions on a cellular level as retinol and offers similar anti-aging results. This exclusive Clarins plant-based ingredient was selected from several alternatives for its 'retinol-like' effect, tolerance by even sensitive skin, and non-photosensitivity.
*Organic ingredients are produced in accordance with European regulation (CE 2018/848).
How to use retinol in your skincare routine?
There are countless ways to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine, with retinol cream, retinol serum, and even retinol body cream available.
Clarins offers solutions for achieving younger-looking skin with our intensive face and body skincare formulated to boost density, diminish dark spots, and restore radiance without the chance of irritation that comes with using retinoids. This includes the Super Restorative Collection, featuring the powerful retinol alternative Organic* Harungana.
*Organic ingredients are produced in accordance with European regulation (CE 2018/848).
Clarins offers solutions for achieving younger-looking skin with our intensive face and body skincare formulated to boost density, diminish dark spots, and restore radiance without the chance of irritation that comes with using retinoids. This includes the Super Restorative Collection, featuring the powerful retinol alternative Organic* Harungana.
*Organic ingredients are produced in accordance with European regulation (CE 2018/848).
When should you apply retinol?
Due to their potency, retinol products can make the skin more sensitive to the sun and should be avoided when pregnant. Therefore, it is recommended to always apply retinol at night. Use on dry skin and layer a rich moisturizer on top to hydrate the skin while reducing the risk of irritation and flaking. Because the Super Restorative Collection, Double Serum, and Total Eye Lift feature natural retinol alternative, organic* Harungana extract, which is not photosensitive, the products can be applied day and night.
*Organic ingredients are produced in accordance with European regulation (CE 2018/848).
*Organic ingredients are produced in accordance with European regulation (CE 2018/848).
