Retinol Alternative Serum

A retinol alternative serum is a gentle option for anyone who wants the feel of a retinol-inspired step without using traditional retinol, and Ankh Beauty’s Retinol Alternative Serum does that with a lightweight botanical formula featuring 2% Bidens Pilosa, jojoba, and hyaluronic acid. Created with Black women in mind, this page helps you decide whether this 30 ml serum fits your ritual by showing its texture, full formula approach, ingredient list, how to apply it, precautions to know, and how it compares with other Ankh Beauty serums and custom rituals. For anyone choosing skincare with intention, those details make it easier to find a serum that supports smooth, balanced-looking, refreshed skin in a way that suits your preferences.

Size: 30 ml / 1.01 fl oz

The formula

Bidens Pilosa extract, jojoba seed oil and hyaluronic acid.

Texture & format

Face serum.

What ingredient defines the plant based retinol alternative?

This 30 ml serum features Bidens Pilosa extract, alongside jojoba and hyaluronic acid. “Retinol alternative” is the product name; it does not mean this formula is identical to retinol products, and high-strength retinol may be inappropriate for sensitive skin, so some shoppers who do not tolerate retinol look for a natural alternative that feels more gentle and offers less irritation as an alternative to retinol.

Read the skincare selection guide

Ingredients / INCI

This is one of our skincare products that pairs botanical oils with antioxidants to support healthy skin. In this formula, sea buckthorn and rosehip bring natural skincare ingredients often associated with vitamin c support for brighter-looking skin tone, and rosehip is also known for helping reduce the look of hyperpigmentation and scarring. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports collagen production and brightens skin tone.

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Isoamyl Laurate, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Cellulose, Aqua/Water, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa (Rose Myrtle) Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Phytate, Octyldodecanol, Tocopherol, Geraniol, Citronellol, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Linalool, Citral

Directions & precautions for sensitive skin

Follow the current product packaging for application, frequency and precautions, since how often you use active ingredients matters in your routine and any skincare routine can involve sensitivity, including when using retinoids. High-strength retinol can be especially irritating and may lead to irritation such as redness, peeling, dryness, burning, and even persistent redness; sensitivity can make it harder to stay consistent. Review the full formula before use, including any listed fragrance components, and support your skin with gentle cleansing, moisturizing care, a suitable moisturizer, and daily sunscreen. Gentle alternatives may be a better fit for sensitive users, and anyone pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new actives.

Compare all four Ankh Beauty face serums and boosters by texture, featured ingredients and size.

Prefer a different formula or texture? Compare Bioactive Prebiotics Jelly Serum for a jelly format, Antioxidant Ginkgo Gel Booster for an oil-free botanical gel, or Vitamin C Serum for a formula featuring 2% vitamin C.

Retinol Alternative Serum: formula questions

Does this serum contain retinol?

Retinol does not appear in the published ingredient list. Ankh Beauty’s Retinol Alternative Serum features Bidens Pilosa Extract, jojoba seed oil and hyaluronic acid. “Retinol alternative” is the product name; it does not establish that this formula is identical to a retinol product.

Is this a bakuchiol serum?

Bakuchiol does not appear in this formula’s published ingredient list. The featured botanical is Bidens Pilosa Extract. Compare the complete formula rather than assuming that all products described as retinol alternatives contain the same ingredients.

Is Retinol Alternative Serum fragrance-free?

No. The published ingredient list includes Parfum/Fragrance, Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool and Citral. Review the complete ingredient list and the current packaging directions before choosing this serum.

Explore the collection

Shoppers comparing retinol alternatives often look for anti-aging benefits, including visible smoothing, support for skin texture, and a smoother texture over consistent use.

Compare related Ankh Beauty products or build your custom ritual.