As a self-proclaimed skincare addict, I think I know a thing or two about how to take care of my skin. Sunscreen every day (opens in new tab), don't sleep with makeup on, etc., etc. There is one skin care ingredient that has come to be treated like the holy grail in the beauty world. Derived from vitamin A, it has been touted as the most effective ingredient (opens in new tab) for treating signs of aging and brightening the skin. Retinol works very well, but it is also very potent. I am a healthy 22 year old, but we all know that anti-aging is a tool set for prevention. Imagine my horror when, after cracking open my first tube with retinol and eagerly applying it, my skin immediately rejected it. I had little bumps all over my face, my forehead was dry and peeling, and my entire body was hot and itchy. I used probably four different retinol products, none of which worked for my skin. My heart was broken. Retinol just doesn't work for me.

One day, however, I was talking with my chemist friend Allison, and she told me about a plant-based retinol analogue called Bactiol, which is gentle enough for skin like mine. 'I don't know the details,' she said. 'Look it up and report back,' she said. So I contacted Heather Wilson, a licensed esthetician and Director of Brand Development at InstaNatural (opens in new tab), and was able to ask her all my questions. Allison, my dear, this is for you.

Simply put, Bactiol is not retinol. It is a "retinol substitute. It is a great alternative to retinol because it has the same effect on the skin as retinol, but is less irritating and drying." Retinol provides great results for the skin, but because it is a more advanced ingredient, it cannot be used routinely on some skin types. This ingredient produces similar effects to retinol, but without the irritation.

For those who want the great results that retinol can provide - minimizing fine lines, glowing skin - but cannot use retinol products due to sensitivity, Bactiol is a great alternative. Says Wilson, "Generally speaking, Bactiol is great for everyone who wants to soften the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture."

But that doesn't mean regular retinol users are left out of the fun. "It's also ideal for those who have used potent retinol products but want to reduce their use while maintaining their effectiveness. Such consumers can alternate between strong retinol and bactiol every other day," Wilson suggests.

If daily use of retinol is beginning to have a negative impact on the skin, supplementing that product with a bactiol alternative can reduce retinol use without having to abandon anti-aging products altogether.

As with most skin care products, bactiol is most effective when used in combination with other ingredients. Wilson says, "A product's effectiveness is determined by the sum of its parts, not whether it contains a single ingredient." When looking for bactiol in skin care products, look for formulations that include other ingredients that support skin care goals, such as vitamin C for brightening or hyaluronic acid for hydration."

What is Wilson's personal favorite '"I love InstaNatural's 2.5% Retinol Bactiol Serum because it combines the best of both worlds. By utilizing Bactiol along with Retinol in this formula, it is very gentle, hydrating, and nourishing to the skin."