We’ve all heard about retinol, the go-to ingredient when it comes to anti-ageing skincare, but lately bakuchiol has been stealing the spotlight as retinol’s natural alternative! An ingredient that delivers similar results but without any irritation. If you haven’t tried either, you might be wondering which is the better option for your skin, that’s why we are here to help! Keep reading for your guide to understanding both, plus the easy 3 step routines to help you get glowing, youthful skin with whichever ingredient you choose.

So what is retinol and what can retinol do for your skin?

Retinol is the OG when it comes to anti-ageing! It's a vitamin A derivative that speeds up cell turnover, smooths fine lines, boosts collagen, unclogs pores, and evens tone like nothing else!

Sounds amazing right? It really is! but with one downside. Unfortunately, retinol is strong and can irritate skin, causing redness or peeling at first. This does not mean you should never give it a try though! You just need to be sure to start slow, use at night, and always pair with SPF during the day!

Your 3-step retinol routine

1. Cleanser: Pevonia Micro Retinol Essential Foaming Cleanser
This gentle, yet powerful foaming cleanser preps skin with a dose of retinol to remove impurities without stripping. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C it hydrates and brightens skin too! It's perfect for evening out texture right from the cleanse.

2. Serum: Pevonia Micro Retinol Essential Serum
This potent yet lightweight anti-ageing serum delivers targeted Micro-Retinol, hyarlouronic acid and vitamin c deep into the skin to boost collagen, accelerate cell turnover, refine pores and firm, and brighten skin! Pat it on after cleansing for deep, overnight renewal.

3. Moisturiser: Pevonia Micro Retinol Moisturiser
Seal your serum in with this rich yet non-greasy cream formulated with Micro Retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and marine collagen to deeply hydrate skin while amplifying retinol's benefits. You’re wake up to plumper, glowier skin! And over time you’ll see a significant decrease in appearance of fine lines and wrinkles too!

Want all 3 products at a more affordable price? Why not indulge in the Pevonia Micro Retinol Skin Refining Gift Box which comes complete with the cleanser and matching toner, both for FREE, so all you need to pay for is the serum and moisturiser! Yes!

Bakuchiol, retinol’s gentler alternative

Derived from the Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi) plant, bakuchio has been gaining serious attention for its ability to mimic the effects of retinol, without the irritation!

Like with retinol, bakuchiol boosts collagen production to effectively reduce line lines and wrinkles, it also fights hyperpigmentation for a more even skin tone and provides antioxidant protection supporting a healthy skin barrier.

What makes it great for sensitive skin types though is it’s gentle and non-irritating! Unlike retinol, bakuchiol doesn’t increase sun sensitivity, meaning you can use it morning and night without worrying about extra SPF protection (though SPF is always a must in the mornings of course!). It really is the ideal solution for sensitive skin or anyone looking for a gentler alternative.

Your 3-step bakuchiol routine

1. Cleanser: Naturys Anti-Age Cleansing Gel Oil

This silk-like gel-oil cleanser melts away makeup, sunscreen and impurities while nourishing the skin. Infused with bakuchiol and peptides, it gently refines skin and perfectly preps for the next steps.  It really is ideal for sensitive complexions!

2. Moisturiser: Naturys Anti-Age No Age Fluid Cream

Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, this cream delivers bakuchiol, peptiedes and hyaluronic acid deep into the skin for a smoother, firmer, more luminous complexion.

3. Eye Cream: Naturys Anti-Age Well Ageing Eye Contour Cream

A gentle but effective eye treatment that revitalises fine lines, dullness, and early signs of ageing around the eyes without any irritation or stinging. It’s the perfect eye cream for delicate skin.

Retinol or Bakuchiol - which should you choose?

You really can’t go wrong with either! It’s less about which one is “better” and more about which one fits your skin’s needs.

If you’re someone who wants visible results quickly and your skin can handle a bit of intensity, retinol is a brilliant choice. It’s tried, tested and proven to work.

Prefer something soothing, natural, pregnancy-friendly and gentle enough for everyday use? Bakuchiol is a fantastic alternative. You’ll still see improvements in firmness, smoothness and radiance, just without the risk of irritation.

A lot of people even use both! Bakuchiol in the morning for antioxidant support, and retinol at night for rejuvenation. It’s a great way to balance results and tolerance!