Many people use retinol in their skincare regimen to reverse the signs of aging. And while retinol is good for your skin, retinyl palmitate is not an eqiuvalent altnernative.
"Retinyl palmitate is a form of vitamin A, which is retinol’s less aggressive 'relative,'" Dr. Somenek explained. "The ingredient functions as an exfoliator, promotes skin cell turnover, can unclog pores and improve skin tone."
He continued, "Ultimately, the purpose is to fortify the dermis to decelerate the formation of wrinkles. While all of this is positive from an anti-aging standpoint, a 2013 study showed that this ingredient might speed the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight. In sunlight, retinyl palmitate can form small molecules called free radicals that damage DNA."
Dr. Somenek advices replacing any retinyl palmitate products with those that use bakuchiol.
"[Bakuchiol" is a vegan skin care ingredient found in the seeds and leaves of a plant," he said. "It is also a potent anti-oxidant and can minimize skin discoloration, and has a calming, firming effect on the skin. Unlike retinyl palmitate, bakuchiol is stable in sunlight and won’t make skin photo-sensitive. Be sure to wear your SPF of 30 or greater whenever you are outdoors."
You can integrate bakuchiol into your routine with an affordable facial serum or day cream. We like Herbivore's Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum ($19), or the INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer ($9.99).
Or if you want something with retinol, find some of our favorite picks here.