September 1, 2022<\/span><\/p>\n By Lisa Petrison<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n While many supposed skincare experts seem to suggest that using retinol is an absolute must for those who want their skin to look younger, the substance has quite a few downsides associated with it that have caused me to be unwilling (at least thus far) to experiment with it it all.<\/span><\/p>\n For one thing, my skin barrier is not very strong and my skin therefore reacts negatively to a wide variety of mildly toxic substances that most other people are better able to tolerate. Since retinol is a much more irritating substance than most of the chemicals that bother my skin, I’ve been especially wary of it.<\/span><\/p>\n In addition, I am concerned about the increased sensitivity to the sun that retinol is known to cause since my skin does not do well with any sunscreens (even mineral sunscreens). While my SPF50+ hats from Sunday Afternoons seem to do a much better job than sunscreen lotions in terms of protecting my face from the sun, the idea of making my skin more susceptible to long-term sun damage by putting retinol on it does not seem like a great idea to me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n My concerns that retinol would be bad for my skin are consistent with the position of the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which gives the use of retinoids of all types a score of 9 out of 10 (red) in terms of their likely toxic effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n According to EWG’s analysis of the research, retinol use is associated with biochemical or cellular level changes (high), developmental\/reproductive toxicity (high), use restrictions (high), cancer (moderate), and non-reproductive organ system toxicity (low).<\/span><\/p>\n Here are a few articles that discuss some of the negatives of the use of retinoids for those with delicate skin:<\/span><\/p>\n Harper’s Bazaar<\/strong><\/a> – July 21, 2021<\/span><\/p>\n Evening Standard<\/a> –\u00a0<\/strong>August 3, 2020<\/span><\/p>\n Fashionista<\/a> –\u00a0<\/strong>October 22, 2019<\/span><\/p>\n Business Insider<\/a> –\u00a0<\/strong>June 13, 2018<\/span><\/p>\n While I am not saying that I am sure that I never will use any retinoids at any point in my life, it’s been my general experience that I tend to do best if I avoid all drugs or other chemical substances that most conventional doctors recommend and instead look to more natural solutions to any health problems that I may have.<\/span><\/p>\n In this case, studies seem to suggest that herbal “phyto-retinols” such as bakuchiol are just as effective at addressing wrinkles and other issues associated with aging skin as retinoids, but without any increased irritation or sensitivity to the sun.<\/span><\/p>\n I’ve done fine with bakuchiol and similar natural anti-aging compounds, and so that is another reason that I have decided – at least for the time being – to continue avoiding retinoids.<\/span><\/p>\n However, I am aware that many people do want to address their skin issues with retinoids and report positive benefits from doing so.<\/span><\/p>\n In that case, I would suggest finding products that are relatively clean in terms of their ingredients other than the retinoids. A few such products that I would consider myself if I wanted to try retinoids are listed on this page.<\/span><\/p>\n The “Living Clean Ratings” take into consideration all the ingredients in these products other than the retinoids.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Common Heir 0.2% Retinol Serum – $88<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Lisa Rating: <\/strong>Not Rated<\/span><\/p>\n Living Clean Rating:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> Retinol Type: <\/strong>Retinyl Linoleate<\/span><\/p>\n Retinol Level: <\/strong>0.2%<\/span><\/p>\n The description of this product reads, “A post-facial glow without irritation. Retinol\u2019s clinically-proven benefits are boosted by smoothing botanicals that detox and visibly renew skin, while squalane and algae oil nourish in our formula made for melanin-rich skin, sensitive skin, your beautiful skin. Includes 60 biodegradable vegan capsules.”<\/span><\/p>\n I have not tried this product.<\/span><\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> 60 capsules<\/span><\/p>\n Credo Rating:<\/strong> None (New Product)<\/span><\/p>\n Credo Clean:<\/strong> Yes<\/span><\/p>\n Clean at Sephora:<\/strong> Meets Criteria<\/span><\/p>\n Drunk Elephant Clean:<\/strong> Meets Criteria<\/span><\/p>\n EU Compliant:\u00a0<\/strong>Meets Criteria<\/span><\/p>\n EWG Ingredient Rating:<\/strong> 5 (yellow)<\/span><\/p>\n EWG Problem Ingredients:<\/strong> Retinyl linoleate (9), Tocopheryl acetate (3)<\/span><\/p>\n Fragrance Ingredients:<\/strong> None<\/span><\/p>\n All Ingredients:<\/strong> Isoamyl laurate, coco-caprylate\/caprate, caprylic\/capric triglyceride, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, polyglyceryl-6 oleate, castor oil\/ipdi copolymer, squalane, safflower seed oil, retinyl linoleate, grape seed oil, spilanthes acmella flower\/leaf\/stem extract, astragalus membranaceus root extract, tocopherol, ubiquinone, laminaria digitata extract, water, rice bran oil, tocopheryl acetate, butylene glycol, glycerin, ecklonia cava extract, 1,2-hexanediol.<\/span><\/p>\n Buy From Common Heir<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Buy From Credo<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Maretinol Oil – $72<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Lisa Rating: <\/strong>Not Rated<\/span><\/p>\n Living Clean Rating:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> Retinol Type: <\/strong>Retinol<\/span><\/p>\n Retinol Level: <\/strong>0.5%<\/span><\/p>\n The description of this product reads, “Designed for both new and experienced retinol users, A-Gloei was created with all skin in mind. Retinol gets a bad rap for being sensitizing, but A-Gloei is formulated with soothing marula oil to gently deliver retinol to skin, ensuring high efficacy without redness or irritation. A gentle dose of retinol clarifies, refines, and smooths uneven, blemished, textured, or aging skin. It also evens out tone, reducing discoloration and boosting skin\u2019s natural glow, while ceramides replenish the skin barrier and improve elasticity. Antioxidant- and omega-rich virgin marula oil (which makes up 95% of the formula!) replenishes essential moisture and reduces the appearance of redness, bringing skin back to its healthiest, most youthful state.”<\/span><\/p>\n I have not tried this product.<\/span><\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> 1 oz.<\/span><\/p>\n Sephora Rating:<\/strong> 4.6 Stars (469 reviews)<\/span><\/p>\n Credo Clean:<\/strong> Meets Criteria<\/span><\/p>\n Clean at Sephora:<\/strong> Yes<\/span><\/p>\n Drunk Elephant Clean:<\/strong> Yes<\/span><\/p>\n EU Compliant:\u00a0<\/strong>Meets Criteria<\/span><\/p>\n EWG Ingredient Rating:<\/strong> 4 (yellow)<\/span><\/p>\n EWG Problem Ingredients:<\/strong> Retinol (9)<\/span><\/p>\n Fragrance Ingredients:<\/strong> None<\/span><\/p>\n All Ingredients:<\/strong> Marula Oil, Soybean Oil, Retinol, Tocopherol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP.<\/span><\/p>\n Buy From Drunk Elephant<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Buy From Sephora<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Honest Honestly Pure Retinyl Serum – $30<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Lisa Rating: <\/strong>Not Rated<\/span><\/p>\n Living Clean Rating:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> Retinol Type: <\/strong>Retinyl Linoleate<\/span><\/p>\n Retinol Level: <\/strong>Not Disclosed<\/span><\/p>\n The description of this product reads, “This nightly serum is formulated to help refine skin\u2019s texture for more radiant-looking skin with a youthful glow. Our dermatologist-tested, vegan formula includes Retinyl Linoleate, a Vitamin A derivative for exfoliation to encourage revitalized skin and is known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines + wrinkles. Pair that with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, known to hydrate the skin and increase the feeling of elasticity. The result? Skin that appears more radiant + even for the glow-up you crave.”<\/span><\/p>\n I have not tried this product.<\/span><\/p>\n Size:<\/strong> 1 oz.<\/span><\/p>\n Target Rating:<\/strong> 4.2 Stars (136 reviews)<\/span><\/p>\n Credo Clean:<\/strong> Meets Criteria<\/span><\/p>\n Clean at Sephora:<\/strong> Meets Criteria<\/span><\/p>\n EU Compliant:\u00a0<\/strong>Meets Criteria<\/span><\/p>\n EWG Product Rating:\u00a0<\/strong>4 (yellow)<\/span><\/p>\n EWG Ingredient Rating:<\/strong> 4 (yellow)<\/span><\/p>\n EWG Problem Ingredients:<\/strong> Retinyl linoleate (9)<\/span><\/p>\n Fragrance Ingredients:\u00a0<\/strong>None<\/span><\/p>\n All Ingredients:<\/strong> Water, Squalane, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Apple Fruit Extract, Retinyl Linoleate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Hydrogenated Sunflower Seed Oil Glyceryl Esters, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Phytosteryl\/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid<\/span><\/p>\n Buy From Honest<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/paradigmchange.me\/shop\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Screenshot-853-221x300.png\")
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