BY BETH WEITZMAN
Retinol has long been celebrated as a cornerstone ingredient in skincare, renowned for its ability to refine skin texture, reduce fine lines, and brighten the complexion. Over time, advancements have made retinol gentler and more accessible to various skin types. However, its benefits often come with challenges, including irritation, peeling, and sensitivity. Now, as the demand for clean beauty grows, natural alternatives are stepping into the spotlight, promising effective, sustainable solutions without the compromises traditionally associated with retinol.
We spoke with Kelly Lavelle, owner and founder of Aloe Beauty in Scottsdale, as well as the team behind Botanical Beauty, a brand founded in 2022 and dedicated to providing “the most effective, clinically proven, clean skincare solutions at affordable prices,” to explore how natural alternatives like bakuchiol, bilberry extract, rosehip oil, and more are transforming modern skincare.
TRADITIONAL RETINOL: THE BENEFITS AND THE DRAWBACKS
“Traditional retinol is basically the gold standard for anti-aging,” says Lavelle. “It speeds up cell turnover, smooths fine lines, brightens dull skin — you name it.” According to the team at Botanical Beauty, ”Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A, is a potent ingredient in skincare known for its ability to improve skin texture by stimulating collagen production, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and the appearance of pores. It combats aging by acting as an antioxidant, protecting skin from environmental damage and promoting cell turnover. It also treats acne by regulating oil production, unclogging pores, and reducing inflammation, while brightening skin tone and fading hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots and acne scars.”
But, despite its benefits, retinol is not without its challenges. “Here’s the catch: it can be really harsh, especially if you have sensitive skin. A lot of people deal with redness, peeling, and dryness, especially when they first start out,” Lavelle adds. “Oh, and don’t even think about skipping sunscreen — retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you have sensitive skin or you’re pregnant, traditional retinol is usually a no-go.” Botanical Beauty echoes these concerns and adds, “Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid retinol due to potential risks to the developing fetus.”
THE RISE OF BOTANICAL ALTERNATIVES
Plant-based alternatives offer a gentler way to replicate some of retinol’s benefits, making them an excellent option for various skin types. “Natural retinol alternatives are a dream for sensitive, dry, or mature skin because they’re so gentle and hydrating,” Lavelle explains. She adds that these alternatives are well-suited for acne-prone skin thanks to their lightweight, non- comedogenic properties.
Natural ingredients such as bakuchiol and rosehip oil are emerging as powerful alternatives to retinol. “Bakuchiol is like retinol’s chill, plant-based twin,” Lavelle explains. “It smooths
fine lines, boosts collagen, and evens out your skin tone, but it’s so much gentler… Plus, bakuchiol has anti- inflammatory properties, so it’s perfect if your skin is prone to redness or sensitivity. It’s also totally safe for pregnant or breastfeeding moms, which is such a huge bonus.” Meanwhile, rosehip oil stands out for its nourishing benefits, offering a rich blend of skin-enhancing nutrients.
“This oil is full of Vitamin A and fatty acids — it hydrates, brightens, and helps fade dark spots,” says Lavelle. Botanical Beauty further emphasizes its effectiveness, noting, “Rosehip oil is known for its ability to help fade scars, including acne scars and blemishes.” Together, these natural alternatives are described as “gentle but powerful — like a little reset button for your skin,” explains Lavelle.
Beyond these two, Lavelle also recommends sea buckthorn oil and carrot seed oil.
“Sea buckthorn oil is your skin’s best friend for calming inflammation and repairing damage, while carrot seed oil, packed with beta-carotene, helps renew skin and protect against sun damage,” she says.
Botanical Beauty incorporates a curated selection of botanical extracts into its formulations, creating powerful yet gentle skincare solutions. “Our skincare products harness the power of plant- based ingredients to deliver benefits comparable to or even superior to retinol, without the associated irritation,” the brand explains. Among these ingredients is bilberry extract, a natural antioxidant booster.
“Bilberry extract is rich in antioxidants and helps protect skin from free radical damage, a major contributor to aging,” notes Botanical Beauty. Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract offers additional benefits, described as an “antioxidant powerhouse [that] combats free radicals, boosts hydration, and brightens skin tone by inhibiting melanin production.”
Marine-derived Ecklonia Cava Extract brings a restorative element to the lineup.
“Ecklonia Cava Extract stimulates collagen production, improves skin elasticity, and protects the skin barrier,” says the brand. Dendrobium Candidum Stem Extract, which “is known for its hydrating and anti-aging properties, improving microcirculation and maintaining skin health,” complements the plant-based lineup. Botanical Beauty also turns to Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, a versatile ingredient praised for its soothing and protective qualities, which “offers anti- inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helping to combat acne and soothe irritated skin,” the company explains.
Similarly, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract helps to reduce inflammation, brighten skin tone, and promote collagen synthesis, while Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Filtrate provides a “probiotic-rich ingredient [that] deeply moisturizes, balances the skin microbiome, and promotes cell turnover for a smoother, healthier complexion. Working in harmony, these botanicals target acne, wrinkles, and pigmentation, delivering gentle yet transformative results for radiant, healthy skin,” explains the brand.
SAFE, EFFECTIVE, AND SUSTAINABLE
Sustainability is becoming a cornerstone of the clean skincare movement. Botanical Beauty prioritizes ethical ingredient sourcing, fair trade partnerships, recyclable and sustainable packaging materials, and working with suppliers that prioritize organic farming. The formulations also reflect this commitment. “Our formulas are carefully crafted to minimize environmental impact. We avoid harsh chemicals, parabens, phthalates, and other potentially harmful ingredients. We prioritize the use of plant-based alternatives and focus on creating biodegradable and eco-friendly products,” they explain.
BALANCE IS KEY
While natural retinol alternatives are typically low- risk and well-tolerated, Lavelle stresses the importance of introducing them gradually into your routine. “Do a patch test when trying something new to make sure you don’t have a reaction. And always use SPF during the day — your skin is still turning over new cells, even with natural options, so sun protection is key,” she advises.
Lavelle also underscores the importance of a balanced approach, cautioning against overloading your skin with too many active ingredients at once. “Don’t overload your skin with too many active ingredients (like AHAs or BHAs) at once — give your skin some time to adjust,” she recommends. This careful and patient approach ensures optimal results while minimizing the risk of irritation.
TRENDS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SKINCARE
The clean beauty industry continues to evolve, blending nature and science to deliver smarter solutions. Lavelle highlights the innovation behind lab-grown ingredients like bakuchiol: “Lab- grown bakuchiol ensures consistency and reduces environmental impact.”She also sees a shift toward simplicity and multi- tasking products.
“I’m also seeing a big shift toward multi-tasking products — like serums that hydrate, brighten, and firm all in one bottle,” Lavelle says. “People are now moving away from harsh, complicated routines and choosing minimalist, gentle products that keep the skin balanced and happy. At the end of the day, it’s all about glowing naturally and treating your skin with kindness.”
MAKING THE SWITCH TO NATURAL ALTERNATIVES
For those hesitant to move away from retinol, Lavelle offers reassuring advice: “Natural retinol alternatives like bakuchiol and rosehip oil, give you similar benefits, like boosting collagen and improving skin texture, without dryness, peeling, or irritation. Plus, they’re gentle enough for all skin types, so you can glow without the ‘retinol burn.’”
Botanical Beauty emphasizes the importance of thoughtful decision-making when exploring natural products. The brand advises to look for clinically supported formulations that balance efficacy, safety, and value. The team also underscores the need for realistic expectations.
“The efficacy of natural alternatives may vary compared to retinol, and they might require longer- term use to see significant results,” they explain. “Ultimately, the choice between retinol and natural alternatives depends on individual skin concerns, sensitivities, and desired results. Consulting with a dermatologist can help determine the best course of action for your specific needs.”
SKINCARE SIMPLIFIED
Ultimately, a consistent and thoughtful approach is what makes the biggest difference. “Skincare doesn’t have to be overwhelming,” Lavelle concludes. “Listen to your skin, give it what it needs, and don’t be afraid to keep it simple. Consistency is where the magic happens.”
