#Retinoids

Product and Treatment Education – February 17, 2026

Retinoids: Gold Standard in Skincare Science

Retinoids, vitamin A derivatives, revolutionised dermatology as cell-communicating actives that bind nuclear receptors to alter gene expression, boosting cell turnover, collagen, even tone, and texture. Vitamin A deficiency was linked to skin issues like dryness and hyperkeratinisation in the early 1900s; Dr. Albert Kligman advanced this in the 1960s, discovering tretinoin (Retin-A) normalised acne follicles, gaining FDA approval in 1971. In the 1980s, Kligman proved tretinoin repaired photoageing via biopsies showing collagen gains, epidermal thickening, and elastin fixes—proven structural reversal, not masking. Today, retinoids like retinol remain unmatched for acne, pigmentation, and ageing via multi-pathway action.

Product and Treatment Education – May 22, 2023

RETINOL VS RETINOID: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Retinol and retinoids are both derivatives of vitamin A – the clinically proven star ingredient revered for the way it accelerate cellular turnover and tackles ageing signs, acne and discolouration.  Retinoid is a term used to describe any product that derives from vitamin A, while retinol is one, of many, types of retinoid. Other types of retinoid are retinoic acid or retinol palmitate so if you see these labelled on an ingredients label, they all work towards the same goal: brighter, smoother skin. Retinoids is a term to describe all Vitamin A derivatives. Retinol is available as an over the counter preparation and retinoids are prescription items only. 

Product and Treatment Education – January 14, 2021

Retinoids vs Bakuchiol. Is bakuchiol, a potential alternative to retinoids?

Bakuchiol vs Retinoids -  Is bakuchiol,a potential alternative to retinoids? Bakuchiol is a natural antioxidant and anti-ageing ingredient found in the seeds and leaves of the plant Psoralea Corylifolia. This plant, also known as babchi, is native to and grows wild throughout India, where it plays a role in Ayurvedic medicine. Bakuchiol is a new molecule that has a similar effect on retinoid receptors, but having no structural resemblance to retinoids family, but is considered a functional analogue of retinol.