Retinoid Serums
Description
November 1, 2022
By Lisa Petrison
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.
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.
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.
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 problematic effects.
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).
Here are a few articles that discuss some of the negatives of the use of retinoids for those with delicate skin:
Harper’s Bazaar – July 21, 2021
Evening Standard – August 3, 2020
Fashionista – October 22, 2019
Business Insider – June 13, 2018
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.
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.
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.
However, I am aware that many people do want to address their skin issues with retinoids and report positive benefits from doing so.
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 here.
Note: The following section contains affiliate links, which means that Living Clean in a Dirty World may receive a commission if readers click on these links and then purchase products. Living Clean in a Dirty World also may accept product review samples but receives no other compensation from companies mentioned on this website. I hope that you will choose to click on the links and thereby help to further the development of this site.
Common Heir 0.2% Retinol Serum – $88
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating (Non-Retinoids): 
(5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Retinol Type: Retinyl Linoleate
Retinol Level: 0.2%
The description of this product reads, “A post-facial glow without irritation. Retinol’s 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.”
I have not tried this product.
Size: 60 capsules
Credo Rating: None (New Product)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Retinyl Linoleate)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Retinyl linoleate (9), Tocopheryl acetate (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: 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.
Drunk Elephant A-Gloei Maretinol Oil – $72
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating (Non-Retinoids): (5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Retinol Type: Retinol
Retinol Level: 0.5%
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’s 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.”
I have not tried this product.
Size: 1 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.6 Stars (469 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Yes
Drunk Elephant Clean: Yes
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Retinol)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Retinol (9). (Also contains Soybean Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Marula Oil, Soybean Oil, Retinol, Tocopherol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide NP.
Honest Honestly Pure Retinyl Serum – $30
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating (Non-Retinoids): (5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Retinol Type: Retinyl Linoleate
Retinol Level: Not Disclosed
The description of this product reads, “This nightly serum is formulated to help refine skin’s 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.”
I have not tried this product.
Size: 1 oz.
Target Rating: 4.2 Stars (136 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Retinyl Linoleate)
EWG Product Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Retinyl linoleate (9). (Also contains Citric Acid.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Apple Fruit Extract
All Ingredients: 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
Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum – $33
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating (Non-Retinoids): 
(4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Orange Peel Oil
Retinol Type: Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Retinol Level: 1-2%
The description of this product reads, “Next level serum….feared by wrinkles & sun damage alike. Our cutting-edge serum uses a form of vitamin A that is 2X more bioavailable than retinol…bringing marked results to wrinkles & skin discoloration. Coupled with vegan sourced ceramides & sodium hyaluronate, the salt of hyaluronic acid with greater skin penetrating/hydrating qualities than HA alone.”
I have not tried this product.
Size: 1 oz.
Awards: Better Nutrition Best of Natural Beauty 2017
Ulta Rating: 4.5 Stars (131 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Orange Oil)
EWG Product Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (9), Orange Peel oil (5), Aloe Vera (3). (Also contains Oat Beta-Gluten, Hydrolyzed Soybean Palmitate.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Orange peel oil
All Ingredients: Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glycerin, Oat Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Soybean Palmitate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coconut Oil, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Safflower Seed Oil, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Stearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citric Acid
Marie Veronique Gentle Retinol Night Serum – $115
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating (Non-Retinoids): (4 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Neroli Oil, Cistus Oil, Frankincense Oil, Green Myrtle Oil, Helichrysum Flower Oil
Retinol Type: Microencapsulated retinol
Retinol Level: Unclear
The description of this product reads, “Forty years of studies prove retinol’s extraordinary age delaying capabilities, and just as many studies show the powerful effects of Vitamin C, especially when combined with Vitamin E. More recent studies show how A, C and E work together to support superior collagen-building and antioxidant effects. Our high tech formula permits anhydrous Vitamin C and microencapsulated retinol, with stabilization assist from Vitamin E, to coexist to deliver near-miraculous results. Boosts collagen production and speeds cell turnover with retinol and Vitamin C to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Clears pores and controls breakouts. Delivers the same results as a Retin-A products but without the irritation. Safety Note: Retinol is the safe Vitamin A derivative, not to be confused with retinyl palmitate, which one study shows may enhance tumor growth in the presence of UV, or isotretinoin, which dermatologists prescribe for severe acne.”
The company also offers the Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion ($135), which contains three different retinols with a total strength of 1.2-1.4%.
I have not tried these products.
Size: 1 oz.
Awards: Harper’s Bazaar Best Serums Retinol 2020, 2021; Byrdie Best Retinol Serum 2021
Credo Rating: 4.7 Stars (261 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Retinol, Essential Oils)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Retinol (9), Rosa canina oil (3). (Also contains Neroli Oil, Cistus Oil, Frankincense Oil, Green Myrtle Oil, Helichrysum Flower Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Neroli hydrosol, Rosa canina seed oil, Blackberry seed oil, Aspen bark extract, Hops extract, Rosemary oseoresin, Kakadu plum extract, Neroli oil, Cistus oil, Frankincense oil, Turmeric root extract, Green myrtle oil, Helichrysum flower oil, Carrot seed extract
All Ingredients: Green Tea Leaf Infusion, Neroli Hydrosol, Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid, L-Ascorbyl Palmitate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Glycerin, Argan Kernel Oil, Encapsulated Retinol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Jojoba Seed Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Blackberry Seed Oil, Aspen Bark Extract, Xanthan Gum, Kombucha Ferment, Beta-Glucan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Salicylate, Glucosamine, Sodium PCA, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Hops Extract, Rosemary Oleoresin, Ubiquinone, Kakadu Plum Fruit Extract, Superoxide Dismutase, Resveratrol, Phospholipids, Neroli Oil*, Cistus Oil*, Frankincense Oil*, Turmeric Root Extract, Green Myrtle Oil*, Helichrysum Flower Oil*, Carrot Seed Extract, Water
No B.S. Retinol Night Cream – $55
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating: 
(3 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: Lavender Oil
Retinol Type: Retinyl Palmitate
Retinol Level: 0.1%
The description of this product reads, “Rely on the power of Retinol to soften fine lines and refine skin texture as it gently resurfaces skin for an improved overall complexion. Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid keeps everything dewy, while antioxidant Vitamin E safeguards your skin against nasty free radicals. Retinol (Retinyl Palmitate): Contains 0.1% retinol; powerful enough for effective cell turnover, yet gentle enough for sensitive skin.”
I have not tried this product.
Size: 1 oz.
Amazon Rating: 4.4 Stars (180 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Retinyl Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol)
EWG Product Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate (3), Aloe Vera (3), Retinyl Palmitate (9), Phenoxyethanol (4). (Also contains Lavender Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Pomegranate fruit extract, Lavender oil
All Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Olivate, Glycerin, Sorbitan Olivate, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Pomegranate Fruit Extract, Lavender Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharide Isomerate, Retinyl Palmitate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
Typology Fine Lines & Wrinkles Serum – $45
Performance Rating: Not Rated
Ingredients Rating (Non-Retinoids): (5 / 5)
Processed Fragrance: None
Retinol Type: Retinol
Retinol Level: 0.3%
The description of this product reads, “Collagen and elastin fibers form a three-dimensional network in the skin, ensuring the skin’s suppleness and plumpness. Over the years, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, resulting in visible wrinkles and skin that scars more easily. This serum is composed of 0.3% retinol to treat all different levels of skin aging. Each application works to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibers to reduce the signs of aging. One of the most effective compounds to treat the signs of aging, Retinol (or vitamin A) is a part of the family of retinoids, typically derived from beta-carotene. Thanks to its high level of antioxidants, retinol can fight free radicals – which cause the skin to age prematurely. Free radicals accumulate on the skin’s barrier due to factors like UV exposure and pollution. Highly anti-inflammatory, retinol is able to treat the inflammatory aspect of skin aging. It regulates the production of melanin too, a skin pigment that causes brown spots and hyperpigmentation. Retinol can also boost the production of hyaluronic acid – essential for hydration. Plus prevent the depletion of the skin’s collagen and elastin stores: ensuring skin stays supple, plump, and firm. This retinol serum is formulated for mature skin types. We don’t recommend use on sensitive or reactive skin.”
I have not tried this product.
Size: 1 oz.
Typology Rating: 4.2 Stars (782 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: No (Retinol)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Retinol (9). (Also contains Soybean Oil.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Salicornia herbacea extract
All Ingredients: Castor Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Soybean Oil, Retinol, Salicornia Herbacea Extract
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I might eventually be interested in trying.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
100% Pure Retinol PM Eye Cream – $52
100% Pure Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm – $68
100% Pure Retinol Restorative Neck Cream – $60
Bloomeffects Black Tulip Overnight Retinoid Serum – $119
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream – $74
Farmacy 1% Vitamin A Retinol Serum – $60
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Overnight Serum – $72
Mara Evening Primrose + Green Tea Algae Retinol Oil – $120
Marie Veronique Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion – $135
Marie Veronique Treatment Retinol Serum – $115
Maya Chia The Straight A – $125
Saint Jane Beauty Sacred Sleep Overnight Repair with Retinol – $70
The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum – $11
Typology Firming Moisturizer – $38
Versed Gentle Retinol Serum – $22
Youth To The People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum – $68
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Links on this page that may result in affiliate income may include – but are not necessarily limited to – those from the following companies: 100% Pure, Amazon, Bloomeffects, Common Heir, Credo, Drunk Elephant, Farmacy, Honest, The Inkey List, Juice Beauty, Mad Hippie, Mara, Marie Veronique, Maya Chia, No B.S., Pharmaca, Sephora, Saint Jane Beauty, Target, Typology, Ulta, Versed, Youth to the People.
Reader comments about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
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