Tatcha Just Launched a Retinol Alternative That Doesn’t Irritate Sensitive Skin

Retinol has fast become the it-girl skincare ingredient due to its long list of anti-aging benefits—it can prevent fine lines and wrinkles, even out uneven skin tone, and rejuvenate the skin, amongst other things. 

That being said, the Vitamin A-derived ingredient isn’t always suitable for every skin type, especially those with sensitive and dry skin types and conditions like rosacea and eczema, as it can cause redness, irritation, flaking and increased sensitivity to the sun. (It’s also recommended that pregnant people stay away from retinol.)

Enter: Tatcha’s newest innovation The Silk Serum, which promises the same great results you’d get with retinol without the potential redness and irritation. So, what exactly are the similarities? The Silk Serum features a unique Retinol Alternative Duo—a blend of cranberry extract and sea fennel—that acts on the same factors as retinol to support collagen-depleted skin. (According to brand studies, when tested against retinol and bakuchiol, the serum was just as effective!)

Also featured is Hadasei-3, Tatcha’s very own proprietary complex which contains double-fermented Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae which are rich in essential amino acids, leaving the skin looking radiant and healthy. Of course, a Tatcha ingredient list wouldn’t be complete without the brand’s go-to moisturizing ingredient silk protein (which is also notable in Tatcha’s well-loved Silk Cream), which will help reduce the look of deep wrinkles and plump the skin.

As the silk serum contains no actual retinol, pregnant women can use it, and there’s no having to worry about potential redness, irritation, dryness, and increased photo-sensitivity.  Another benefit to note is that it can be used both morning and night, whereas it’s recommended that most retinol products be used at night only with extra time for the skin to build up a tolerance to it.

If you’re ready to put the power of this retinol-alternative silk serum to the test yourself, it’s available to buy at Sephora and Tatcha.com for $98.