15% off €25

Code:TREAT
☀️ SummerVitamins & SupplementsCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNovominsBetterYouNew NordicBioglanNatures AidWild NutritionApplied NutritionEnd of Summer SaleSave up to 1/2 Price3 For 2 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletBetter than Half PriceGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeSoya FreeAlcohol FreeSesame Seed FreePalm Oil FreeWheat FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeLion's Mane MushroomApple Cider VinegarReishi MushroomChaga MushroomCollagenAloe VeraCastor OilTea TreeVitamin EMaitake MushroomNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesChocolate CoatedHealthier SnackingShop all Healthier SnackingProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksTeasMatcha & Green TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood PowdersMoringa PowderSpirulinaGoji BerriesBaobabChia SeedsDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksKefirFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsManuka HoneyBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSpreadsPateHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockVegan Food & DrinkDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaNakdPukkaHeath & HeatherManuka DoctorPerfectTedBio & MeGrenadeEgmont HoneyEnd of Summer Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeMix & Match 2 For €6While Stocks LastBetter than Half PriceGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreeNut FreeSoya FreePeanut & Nut FreeApple Cider VinegarLion's Mane MushroomReishi MushroomChaga MushroomNew inSports NutritionProteinShop all ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsSports CollagenBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoHolland & BarrettApplied NutritionPrecision EngineeredOptimum NutritionMyproteinUSNGrenadeNakdTriActiveSiSEnd of Summer SaleSave up to 1/2 Price3 For 2 Mix & MatchBuy one get one 1/2 priceMix & Match 2 For €72Buy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletIntroductory OfferGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeSoya FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreePalm Oil FreeAlcohol FreeVitamin ENew inBeautyNew inCetaphilAveenoDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandQ+AMiaromaTrilogyEnd of Summer Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletAlcohol FreeFluoride freeParfum FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeSoya FreeSugar FreeVitamin CTea TreeLavenderAloe VeraHyaluronic AcidRosehipRosemaryVitamin ESalicylic AcidSeaweedAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupWeight ManagementSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportHolland & BarrettOptimum NutritionGrenadeHeath & HeatherPulsinUSNEmilyEat WaterKalloNew NordicEnd of Summer Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceMix & Match 2 For €72Buy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeApple Cider VinegarNew inNew InTrendingEnd of Summer Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletMix & Match 2 For €6Mix & Match 2 For €72While Stocks LastBetter than Half PriceShop all Health & WellnessWomen's HealthMen's HealthImmunityHair & Skin HealthJoints, Bones, & MusclesEnergyGut HealthSleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettDr OrganicFaith in NatureNaturtintWeledaApplied NutritionVitabioticsQ+APrecision EngineeredOptimum NutritionEnd of Summer Sale3 For 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutletMix & Match 2 For €72While Stocks LastGluten FreeDairy FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeSoya FreeParfum FreeSesame Seed FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeVitamin CLavenderTea TreeAloe VeraHyaluronic AcidRosehipApple Cider VinegarVitamin ESeaweedLion's Mane MushroomNew inArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Skip to content

Explore related topics

Our favourite plant-based retinol products

hb-edit-plant-based-retinol-hero
Looking for a gentler, alternative to synthetic retinol products? Here some of the best plant-based vegan retinol skincare products and their benefits

Our top picks

Aids collagen production

Oleus Retinoid Serum 50ml
3.91

Oleus

Oleus Retinoid Serum 50ml

3 For 2 Mix & Match

9.10

17.99

Supercharges dull and tired skin

Evolve Bio Retinol + C Booster 15ml
4.5

Evolve

Evolve Bio Retinol + C Booster 15ml

Save up to 1/2 Price

27.36

36.49

Rich in Omega 3 and 6

Evolve Bio Retinol Gold Mask 60ml
4.89

Evolve

Evolve Bio Retinol Gold Mask 60ml

Save up to 1/2 Price

25.49

33.99

Explore related topics

If you’re a skincare buff, you have probably heard of retinol and the amazing things it can do for your complexion. But did you know that you can get retinol alternatives from plant oils that tend to be gentler for your skin?

We’ve made this guide to show you some of the best plant-based and vegan retinol products of 2022, as well as a recap of all the benefits of this super skin product.

Our favourite vegan and plant-based retinol products

Here they are! We have scoured our plant-based retinal offering here at Holland & Barrett for the best and most-loved products – so you don’t have to.
Oleus Retinoid Serum 50ml

Aids collagen production

Oleus

17.99

9.10

€18.20/100 ml

Why we love them

  • Tightening lightweight serum that supports collagen production and promotes a youthful complexion
  • Naturally delivers plant-based retinol from sunflower seed oil, carrot seed oil and retinyl palmitate
  • 100% vegan-friendly support for dehydrated and mature skin + it’s super handy for adding to skincare products you already have / other Oleus skincare
 

What our customers think

Fe portsmouth – Smooth – 5/5 stars “Lovely smooth serum.. Really moisturising... Makes my skin look great"

Donna MS – Good value for money – 5/5 stars “Bought on offer, feels light, a little goes a long way, good value for money.”
 
Evolve Bio Retinol + C Booster 15ml

Anti-ageing benefits

Evolve

36.49

27.36

€18.24/10 ml

Why we love them

  • Rosehip oil, vitamins A, C, E and F to help increase collagen production, hydration and skin radiance
  • Rich in extracts including bakuchiol oil (100% natural functional analog of retinol) and sea buckthorn oil which is packed with vitamin C, omega fatty acids and beta carotene
 

What our customers think

Skyepup – Well worth the money – 5/5 stars “I add a couple of drops to organic rose hip oil. For a night-time moisturiser. This product works well.”
 
Evolve Bio Retinol Gold Mask 60ml

Natural, vegan, organic

Evolve

33.99

25.49

€4.25/10 ml

Why we love them

  • Naturally good for you with 100% natural, vegan and 85.1% organic ingredients plus gold sparkles to help you glow!
  • Plant-based retinol-like extract from the Bidens Pilosa plant that helps rejuvenate the skin and promotes cellular renewal, without the irritation some other retinol-based products can cause
  • Rosehip oil and argan oil also feature in this mask, which are rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to help nourish and moisturise your skin
 

What our customers think

Denise – Beauty Gold Mask – 5/5 stars “The best mask I have ever had! There are so many gold masks on the market, but I am happy I chosen evolve beauty range. The price is reasonable, and I can already see the results on my skin. Would definitely recommend!”
 
REN Bio Retinoid™ Youth Concentrate Oil

Improves skin firmness

REN

67.49

50.61

€16.87/10 ml

Key benefits

  • Plant alternative to retinol Bidens Pilosa help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with less chance of irritation
  • Rosehip oil provides the essential fatty omega acids 3 & 6 to support skin renewal
  • Sea buckthorn oil helps to visibly improve skin firmness and reduce roughness
 
Disciple Dreamy Skin Retinyl Oil 20ml

Boosts radiance and firmness

Disciple

45.49

€22.75/10 ml

Why we love them

  • Regenerate while you sleep with Retinyl – a pure form of vitamin A that supports collagen and elastin production, boosting firmness and reducing the appearance of pigmentation
  • Rosehip seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids (an impressive 80%!) to help maintain good skin texture and elasticity
  • Prebiotic burdock root supports good bacteria on the skin’s surface and helps control breakout-causing bacteria and free-radicals
 

What our customers think

CleanJunkie – Fave night oil – 5/5 stars “I’ve been using this oil for over a year and overjoyed that HB now sell it. It’s changed my skin. I used to use a similar oil from a more expensive brand (it’s blue colour) but this half the price and as good. Pores are smaller and skin looks brighter. I think it’s also faded my dark spots!”
 
Dr Organic Pro Collagen Plus Bakuchiol Moisturiser

Stimulates collagen

Dr Organic

25.99

€5.20/10 ml

Why we love them

  • Naturally moisturising pro-collagen complex is rich in hyaluronic acid, biotin, blackberry leaf extract and other skincare favourites
  • Bakuchiol oil (plant-based retinol alternative) supports collagen production, helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improves skin tone
  • 100% vegan friendly and can be used day and night to help smooth, firm and plump your skin
 

What our customers think

Ren123 – Love it! – 5/5 stars “I've been using it for 3 months now and I absolutely love it. My skin is moisturized, looks firmer, skin tone has improved, and it has a nice, fresh glow. I definitely recommend.”

H J Williams – A new moisturiser – 5/5 stars “I normally use Dr. Organic Anti Ageing moisturiser with Dragons Blood but thought I’d try this new cream for smoother skin, anti wrinkle and firmer skin with Bakuchiol plant based retinol alternative. I’m really pleased with this moisturiser! I have been using this for over a month now and can say that, so far, I’m extremely pleased with the smell, the consistency and it’s claims about skin firming are definitely true.”
 

FAQs

What is plant-based retinol?

Some of the most popular plant-based retinol oils you’re likely to see on product labels include:
  • Bakuchiol oil
  • Carrot seed oil
  • Rosehip oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Broccoli seed oil
  • Apricot oil
  • Peach kernel oil
  • Baobab oil
 

Does retinol come from animals?

No, synthetic retinol extracts used in beauty and other commercial products do not usually come from animals, it comes from vitamin A or plants rich in vitamin A.

However, you can find retinol in eggs and fish liver, beef and chicken but this is very rarely used in beauty products.
 

Can retinol be vegan?

Yes, even regular synthetic retinol extracts are commonly vegan. Whether a retinol product is vegan or not normally comes down to other factors, e.g., if contains other animal-derived products.
 

What does vegan retinol do?

Vegan and plant-based retinol can work in a very similar way to synthetic vitamin A-derived retinol, helping to:1 
  •  Speed up cell turnover
  • Exfoliate older skin cells at an increased rate
  • Support elastin and collagen production
  • Plump and moisturise the skin
  • Smooth the appearance of existing lines and wrinkles
  • Minimise the appearance of new lines and wrinkles
  • Shrink and fade the appearance of dark spots (hyperpigmentation), acne scars, sun spots, and redness over time
  • Prevent pores from clogging
 

Is vegan retinol effective?

Yes!

Vegan and plant-based retinol not only offer the same benefits as regular retinol that we mentioned above, but they can also be a lot gentler to the skin.

Some synthetic retinol products can be hard to tolerate and quite harsh on the skin, leaving it irritated, dry, flaky or sensitive. This is why it is always advised that you build up retinol usage in stages.

With plant-based vegan retinol, you don’t have to worry so much about this as they are less likely to cause flare-ups or dryness.​​​​​​​
 

The final say

We hope this guide has helped you discover the many benefits vegan and plant-based retinols can offer, as well as our customer’s favourite retinol products.

Related Articles

Sign up for exclusive offers

Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.