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Retinol Results - Without the Sting

A gentle retinol-alternative (bakuchiol) serum that smooths the look of fine lines, brightens dull skin, and helps prevent new ones from forming — without the redness, peeling, or irritation from generic retinol.

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Natural Retinol Alternative Oil Serum

Natural Retinol Alternative Oil Serum

4.25

Regular price $32.00
Sale price $32.00 Regular price $38.00
SAVE 15% Sold out
  • Smoother-looking texture: Bakuchiol supports a refined, more even-looking surface with steady use.
  • More even-looking tone: Plant-derived actives help reduce the look of dullness over time.
  • Barrier-friendly nourishment: Rosehip + evening primrose deliver omega fatty acids to keep skin feeling balanced.
  • Antioxidant backup: Berry seed oils (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry) provide antioxidant support against everyday stressors.
  • Lightweight comfort: Cushy oil that sinks in quickly—soft, velvety finish; no heavy residue.

We don’t think everyone needs a retinol in their routine. If your essentials — cleansing, vitamin C serum, and moisturizer — are working, you may already be set. But sometimes, even with the basics covered, you still notice things like:

  • Uneven skin tone that won’t fade
  • Early fine lines starting to show
  • Skin that looks dull or tired no matter how much you hydrate.

If that sounds familiar and you want to take your routine a step further — without the harshness of traditional retinol — this serum was made for you. Our Natural Retinol Alternative Oil Serum is powered by bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative known to support smoother-looking texture and a more even skin tone. Unlike traditional retinol, it’s gentle enough for daily use (Although we do recommend to start with 2–3 times per week, then gradually increase as tolerated.) and less likely to cause irritation. To balance and nourish, we’ve added rosehip and evening primrose oils, rich in omega fatty acids to support the skin’s barrier, and berry seed oils (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry) that provide natural antioxidant protection. The result is a cushiony treatment oil that absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft, supple, and velvety. This isn’t about chasing perfection — it’s about giving your skin thoughtful support when the basics aren’t quite enough.

Question 1: What makes this serum a good alternative to traditional retinol?
Answer 1: This serum uses bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, which offers benefits like smoother skin texture and a more even tone without the irritation often associated with traditional retinol. It is gentle enough for daily use.

Question 2: How do I incorporate this serum into my skincare routine?
Answer 2: To use the serum, apply 2–3 drops to clean, dry skin in the evening. Start with 2–3 times a week and gradually increase frequency as tolerated, always following with a moisturizer.

Question 3: Are there any allergens or irritants in the product?
Answer 3: The serum contains botanical oils and natural ingredients, but patch testing is recommended before full application to rule out any sensitivity. It is formulated without harsh chemicals and is designed to be gentle on the skin.

Key ingredients:

Bakuchiol – plant-based retinol alternative for smoother texture and tone

Rosehip Oil – rich in omegas to support the skin barrier

Evening Primrose Oil – helps nourish and balance uneven skin

Berry Seed Oils – natural antioxidant protection (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry)

Jojoba Oil – lightweight, balancing hydration

Ingredients / INCI:

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil➀, Decyl Cocoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil➀, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil➀, Bakuchiol, Tocopherol, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Seed Oil➀, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil➀, Undecane, Parfum, Tridecane, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Blueberry) Seed Oil➀, Geraniol➁, Citronellol➁, Linalool➁, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Geranyl Acetate➁

➀ Ingredients from organic farming

➁ From natural essential oils

Natural Retinol Alternative Oil Serum

Natural Retinol Alterna...

Regular price $32.00
Sale price $32.00 Regular price $38.00
SAVE 15% Sold out
View full details

Alternative Retinol Serum vs. Others

Experience the gentle power of nature with our innovative serum that enhances your skin's radiance while minimizing irritation, making it a smarter choice for your skincare routine.

Ivara Skin Care Traditional Retinol
Gentle formulation
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Plant-based retinol
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Nourishing oils
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Fast absorption
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Antioxidant-rich
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Natural, Gentle Care
Smooth, Radiant Skin
Nourishing Botanical Oils
Trusted Daily Use
Natural, Gentle Care
Smooth, Radiant Skin
Nourishing Botanical Oils
Trusted Daily Use
Natural, Gentle Care
Smooth, Radiant Skin
Nourishing Botanical Oils
Trusted Daily Use
Natural, Gentle Care
Smooth, Radiant Skin
Nourishing Botanical Oils
Trusted Daily Use
Natural, Gentle Care
Smooth, Radiant Skin
Nourishing Botanical Oils
Trusted Daily Use
Natural, Gentle Care
Smooth, Radiant Skin
Nourishing Botanical Oils
Trusted Daily Use

Transform Dull Skin into Radiant Confidence

  • Gentle retinol alternative serum

  • Helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, more even looking skin.

Transform Dull Skin into Radiant Confidence
  • Nourishes with omega oils

  • Fast-absorbing, lightweight oil

As always, here's the science

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived active shown to support pathways associated with a refined, smoother-looking complexion, similar to retinoid-style results—but typically with a gentler experience. We pair it with rosehip and evening primrose (omega 3/6/9-rich oils) to help reinforce the skin’s lipid layer and slow moisture loss overnight. Berry seed oils contribute natural antioxidants, while jojoba brings skin-mimicking wax esters for balance. The net effect: overnight comfort plus steadier refinement in texture and tone with consistent use.

Gentle for daily use

Supports smoother skin texture

Boosts skin's natural radiance

Nourishing botanical ingredients

Best practices: Lock it in

Night habit: Cleanse → serum (this) → moisturize. Keep it simple and repeatable.

Start slow (how ours differs): Use 2–3 drops, 2–3 nights/week at first. Because our bakuchiol in a cushiony, omega-rich oil is typically gentler than traditional retinol, many people find they can increase frequency more quickly—but we still recommend a gradual ramp so you can see how your skin responds.

Apply right: Work on clean, dry skin. Press a thin, even layer over face and neck. Give it a moment to sink in; follow with moisturizer. Prefer extra comfort? Buffer with a richer cream.

Pair smart: Skip strong acids (AHA/BHA) or prescription retinoids on the same night—alternate evenings so everything has room to work.

Consistency > intensity: Aim for a steady schedule. If you miss a night, just pick up tomorrow—no need to “make up” doses.

Signs to slow down: If skin feels tight, hot, or flaky, reduce frequency or pause and simplify (cleanser → this serum → moisturizer) until it settles.

Safety notes: Patch test before first use. For external use only; avoid broken or irritated skin. If pregnant or nursing, ask your clinician before adding new products. General cosmetic guidance only; not medical advice. Individual results vary.

What Our Customers Say

No stinging feeling
I’ve been loving this retinol alternative. It feels super smooth going on never greasy. I like that I can use it every night without irritation. I was used to other products irritating my skin causing redness and even adult acne at times. I’ve been using it nightly for just over 2 weeks now on my face and neck and starting to noticed my skin being smoother and my lines starting to fade.
Jessica L.
Gentle and effective
I was nervous to try any kind of retinol again because my skin is sensitive and flakes easily but I wanted to do something for texture and dullness. This one with bakuchiol was a good compromise. It’s an oil but not greasy. After a few weeks my skin feels smoother and makeup goes on nicer. I use it three times a week and it’s been great so far.
Skylar B.
Good nighttime routine
I’ve tried a few bakuchiol serums before but they were either sticky or too oily. This one is perfect. It’s lightweight, sinks in fast, and makes my skin feel soft and balanced. I notice a bit more glow in the mornings, and my skin just looks healthier overall. I started off using 2-3 nights a week now I use it every night.
Hannah P.
Decent just prefer the stronger stuff
This oil feels really nice and sinks in fast but I realized I just prefer the stronger stuff. I’ve been using traditional retinol for years and like that little tingle makes me feel like it’s workin
Erin L.
Helps with fine lines
I’m in my 40s and wanted something gentle to help with fine lines and uneven tone without jumping straight into a prescription retinoid. This one’s been perfect for that. I use it three nights a week and it’s made my skin feel softer and smoother but never dried my skin our or caused flakes. It has a nice subtle natural scent and doesn’t clog my pores like some heavier oils do.
Jenna T.
 
 
 
 

Questions? We've Got You Covered

Traditional retinols are vitamin A derivatives that increase cell turnover but can cause dryness, redness, or sensitivity—especially when you’re first starting.

This serum uses bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative shown in cosmetic studies to support smoother-looking texture and more even tone—without the same irritation potential. It doesn’t replace prescription retinoids but offers a gentler option for those with sensitive or easily reactive skin who still want to address visible tone and texture concerns.

Start with 2–3 nights per week, then increase gradually if your skin responds well (this typically begins much sooner than traditional retinol serums). Apply 2–4 drops to clean skin after water-based serums. You can follow with a moisturizer or mix a drop into your moisturizer. Adjust amount and frequency based on comfort.

Maybe you’ve noticed uneven tone that lingers, early fine lines, or skin that just looks a little tired even when you’re doing everything “right.” This serum was designed for exactly that.

Instead of traditional retinol (which can cause dryness or flaking), it uses bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative that helps skin look smoother and more even over time—without the same irritation risk. Rosehip and evening primrose oils bring essential fatty acids to support the skin’s barrier, while berry seed oils add antioxidant care for a subtle, natural glow.

The texture is rich but not greasy—so your skin feels soft and nourished after every use. It’s the kind of upgrade that makes your skin feel like itself again—balanced, rested, and quietly radiant.

Many users find bakuchiol more tolerable than traditional retinoids. The formula uses lightweight oils (jojoba, rosehip, evening primrose) that balance and nourish without heaviness. Because skin types vary, patch-test before regular use and adjust frequency if you notice any sensitivity.

Yes, you can use this product with confidence knowing it's made from natural, plant-based ingredients and is cruelty-free. It’s formulated to support your skincare needs while being kind to both your skin and animals.

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