The Benefits of Vegan Retinol (and Our Picks!)

Recently, one very special product has been on everyone’s lips (and skin): retinol. As a derivative of vitamin A, retinol has gained immense popularity for its multifaceted benefits, transforming the skincare routines of individuals seeking to address a spectrum of normal concerns. From diminishing fine lines and wrinkles to combating acne and enhancing overall skin texture, the virtues of retinol seem to be never-ending! However, it is important to note that you do not have to have perfect skin to be a beautiful human. But, if you are thinking of using retinol, there are some amazing options below!

1. Shomei

Shomei Best Organic Retinol Serum is maximum strength, cruelty-free, organic, and plant-based! The formula also includes vegan hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, green tea, and retinol. The 1-fluid ounce bottle costs $19.99.

Amanda R. said, “I wanted to try this product fully before I gave a review. I have just bought my second bottle. The first one lasted me around 3 1/2 months. I only use it once a day either in the morning or at night. My routine is to wash my face use the serum and then put on my moisturizer once the serum has dried. I am 23 years old, I did not buy this serum with the intention to reduce wrinkles. I’ve had moderate/severe acne since middle school and I have pretty prominent marks and scars on my face. Since I started using the serum I’ve noticed a significant difference in my skin tone. My skin tone is more even and the marks on my face have reduced as well. My face is dry and this serum hasn’t dried it out like my acne products used to. My face used to peel when using acne products. With this serum, I only notice mild dryness, and using cream in the morning and night keeps my skin feeling normal. I am so happy I found this product and that it works like I thought it would.”

2. Tree of Life

This Tree of Life Retinol Serum is made to renew and firm. The formula uses hydrating hyaluronic acid, is dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and made in the USA. The 2-ounce bottle costs $13.49. 

One reviewer said, “Very effective product gets surprising results the more it’s used. Combines retinol with hyaluronic acid; both sound harsh, but they are not. I did notice a little tingling when I first began using it, but I do not feel that now. Great for tightening the skin; helped remove fine lines & blended skin tones. Nice glass dropper, sizeable amount (not a tiny bottle), lasts a month or more for me; Used on face, neck–exfoliates and skin looks better. Good results around the eyes (don’t get in the eye, but under and around is fine). I would recommend it. Good results for price.”

3. LilyAna

LilyAna Naturals Retinol Face Cream is a high potency, vegan, and made with clean ingredients! The formula also includes vitamin E, green tea, shea butter, jojoba oil, aloe, and hyaluronic acid. One ounce costs $12.95.

Adam Barr said, “I’ve tried many different face cleansing products. This retinol is the best one I’ve tried. Leaves your skin feeling so soft and clean, and I had no reactions to it, no burning, redness, or anything like that.”

4. Evolve

Evolve Organic Beauty’s Natural Bio-Retinol is also a vitamin C booster that is designed to improve the appearance of skin. It is natural, vegan, organic, cruelty-free, and handmade in small batches. For 7 mL it costs $38.00.

One reviewer said, “I’ve tried a lot of products from Evolve Organic Beauty and have yet to find one I didn’t like! This is no exception! I love that it features bakuchiol, which has a lot of the benefits of retinol but with less irritation. Vitamin C is also awesome for brightening up the skin, and rosehip oil and sea buckthorn are great for adding moisture and hydration. A little of this goes a long way. I add about two drops to my evening moisturizer, but you could use it alone if it provides enough moisture for you as is. I like that this company uses glass containers as it is so much more sustainable than plastic. My skin feels soft and bright and I look forward to seeing long-term results!”

5. Poppy Austin

Poppy Austin Retinol Serum is vegan and good for acne-prone skin! It is made with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. It costs $19.99 for two ounces.

Micky said, “Love this serum. It is vegan, which means it does not contain harmful chemicals and it works. It has considerably lessoned my deep wide forehead wrinkles and those awful fine lines next to the eyes. What is really surprising is how well it works in such a short amount of time. I noticed a much smoother look around my lips in only a week. It penetrates into the face and does not leave any oily feel or residue. I apply to my face before bed and after my shower in the morning. It is marvelous. This is the only retinol serum I will every use. Just recently purchased my second bottle and am now trying the Poppy Austin serum for under-eye dark circles.”

6. Vesna Essentials

Vesna Essentials Retinol Serum is made with hyaluronic acid and is aloe-scented. Not only is it vegan, but it is made with vitamin E, witch hazel, jojoba oil, and green tea. One ounce costs $15.95.

Erma said, “IF YOU WANT CLEARER AND BRIGHTER SKIN, BUY THIS PRODUCT
I am in my late 50s, and my skin has become dry and drawn. I purchased this product, and it worked like a facelift in a bottle. My skin became brighter and more firm. This really works. This product also gets rid of bags under the eyes, and frown lines.

I encouraged my husband to use, it works just as well on men. His skin used to have razor bumps, but Retinol Serum actually made them disappear. The only problem with this product is that it lasts forever. You only need a small amount for it to work…”

7. Yeouth

Yeouth Retinol Serum is made with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and aloe vera. It has been seen in a ton of magazines, including Marie Claire, Forbes, GQ, and InStyle. It costs $13.04 for 1 ounce.

Leslie said, “I am 54 and took this pic with no makeup or filters with my face in the light to see wrinkles best. I am very happy with this product and have been using it for about a year, I also use their serum with the vitamin C too. I pump a dot of each, rub together and smooth on every morning and then follow up with my neck and face firming cream and I am done. Really don’t wear makeup at all so I can’t tell you how it works under makeup, but I will say it does definitely moisturize and keep my face looking fresher and my wrinkles looking minimal.”

8. Authentic by Nature

Authentic by Nature Organic Vegan Retinol Cream is vegan, gluten-free, silicon-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and sulfate-free! Four ounces cost $12.95.

Andrea said, “I personally love this stuff. I’m 26, I just want to take care of my skin and look young forever. It does have a weird smell but you only smell it when you first put it on your face. It is thick but in my opinion that just adds value to the product because a little goes a long way. I’m prone to breakouts and this stuff does not make me break out.”

10. Eva Naturals

Eva Naturals Retinol Serum is made with witch hazel, vitamin A, organic jojoba, and aloe! Two ounces costs $14.99.

One reviewer said, “I finally bought this after spending weeks researching what I thought would be the best for me. I have never used this brand or bought from this seller before, but I am happy I chose both. This is a serum I use at night along with the eye firming gel. I have not physically seen a difference in my skin from using this product yet, but my skin definitely FEELS much softer. I also feel as though my skin may be beginning to tighten up. This is a product and seller that I would recommend.”

In the pursuit of ageless skin, retinol is a prime contender. It accelerates skin cell turnover, unclogs pores, and stimulates collagen production. While the journey to radiant skin may initially present challenges, with patience, the transformative effects of retinol become clear. As the science behind retinol continues to unfold, individuals are empowered to unlock the full potential of their skin, embracing a fresher appearance.

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• How the Environment is Paying for Our Skincare Routines 

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