Bio-retinol is not retinol and I want people to understand the trade. You get smoothing and evening without the peeling and the adjustment period, and you get less of it than a true retinoid would give. For someone who has failed on retinol twice and given up, less of something they will keep using beats more of something sitting in a drawer.
01 · Suitability
Is this the right product for you?
02 · Formulation
Key actives
| Active | What it does | Why we use it |
|---|---|---|
| Bio-retinolBidens Pilosa Extract | A plant extract used as a gentler alternative to a retinoid, helping smooth the look of texture and even tone. | It gives the direction of travel a retinol gives, without the flaking that makes most people abandon one. |
| Hyaluronic acidSodium Hyaluronate | A humectant that holds water in the upper layers of the skin. | Pairing hydration with anything retinoid-like is what keeps skin comfortable while the texture work happens. |
| Nopal cactus cell extractOpuntia Ficus-Indica Leaf Cell Extract | A cactus cell extract used to calm and to support an even tone. | A calming active alongside the bio-retinol is why this suits reactive skin that cannot take the usual route. |
03 · What to expect
Results take time
Guidance based on consistent use paired with daily SPF. Individual results vary. Not a substitute for a clinical assessment.
04 · In a routine
Where it sits
Cleanse
Morning and evening
Treat
Your serum, hydrating or brightening
HA-Revive Hyaluronic Hydrator
A pea-sized amount, morning and evening
Protect
SPF every morning
Treatment compatibility
Guidance only. Your practitioner's advice for your specific treatment always takes precedence.
05 · Questions
Common questions
No. Bio-retinol here is an extract of bidens pilosa, a plant, and it behaves in a similar direction to a mild retinoid without being one. You get smoothing and evening of tone with no peeling phase. You also get less of the effect than a true retinoid would give. For skin that cannot tolerate retinol, that trade is usually worth making.
The Drops are a serum, used under a moisturiser for a hydration boost. This is the moisturiser itself, and it adds the bio-retinol that the Drops do not carry. You can use both, serum first and cream on top.
This is a question for your midwife or GP rather than for us. What we can tell you is that the formula contains no retinol or retinyl esters. Take the ingredient list to whoever is looking after you and let them make the call.
It should not. The absence of an adjustment period is the main reason to choose a bio-retinol over a retinol. If you do see congestion in the first fortnight, stop and speak to us rather than pushing through.
