Clarins' Natural Retinol Alternative: Harungana

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).

"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).

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).

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).