Retinol has long been one of the best-known active ingredients in skincare — and for good reason. It is widely used to target fine lines, uneven texture, the appearance of pores, uneven skin tone and other visible signs of photoaging.

 

But retinol is not always easy to use. For some people, introducing it into a routine can come with redness, flaking, tightness and increased skin sensitivity. That is why skincare science has increasingly turned its attention to retinol alternatives — active ingredients designed to target some of the same skin concerns, but through a different route. This is where retinol-like skincare comes in.

What Is a Retinol Alternative — and What Does Retinol-Like Actually Mean?

 

A retinol alternative does not have to be chemically similar to retinol, nor is it simply “retinol under another name.” What matters more is what it does in the skin.

 

Retinol-like actives are developed to address processes and visible concerns associated with retinoid skincare — including fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, the appearance of pores, firmness and elasticity, and uneven skin tone.

 

One of the newer approaches to retinol alternatives comes from microalgae biotechnology. ALGAKTIV® RetinART, the active ingredient selected for our MICROALGAE ACTIVE SERUM, was developed from the microalga Chlorella vulgaris. During its development, more than 50 Chlorella vulgaris species and strains were screened to identify one with the desired potential.

 

 

A Microalgae Bio-Retinoid:
A Different Route to Retinol-Like Skincare

 

Its microalgae origin is fascinating, but what makes RetinART particularly interesting is how it works.

 

Active compounds derived from the microalgae act on signalling pathways associated with retinoids, but in a more selective way. This is what makes a retinol-like approach to skincare possible — targeting texture, tone and visible signs of ageing while taking a gentler approach to the skin.

 

Why does that matter?

When it comes to active skincare, stronger does not automatically mean better. Conventional retinoids can intensively stimulate epidermal renewal, which may be associated with increased skin sensitivity. The idea behind a more selective approach is to target the desired processes linked to retinoid skincare while taking a gentler approach to the skin. A retinol alternative, therefore, does not need to copy retinol.
The goal can be similar. The route does not have to be the same.

 

 

Retinol vs. Bio-Retinoid:
What Do the Studies Show?

 

RetinART has not only been studied in the laboratory. Its performance has also been compared directly with retinol. In a double-blind, randomised split-face clinical study involving 30 women over the age of 40, a formula containing 2% RetinART was compared with a formula containing 0.3% retinol over 56 days, with twice-daily application. The study focused on parameters associated with photoaging and hyperpigmentation. Instrumental assessments monitored skin firmness and elasticity, wrinkle depth and pore size. The appearance of pigmentation irregularities and skin-tone evenness was also assessed — both particularly relevant when discussing visible signs of photoaging.

 

This is why we see RetinART as more than simply another microalgae extract. It is a bio-retinoid alternative to retinol that has been studied against parameters traditionally associated with retinoid skincare.

 

 

MICROALGAE ACTIVE SERUM:
Retinol-Like Skincare Without Retinol

 

When we developed MICROALGAE ACTIVE SERUM, the idea was not to build the entire formula around a single “hero” ingredient.
For us, active skincare and supporting the skin barrier are not two separate goals.

 

Alongside RetinART, the formula therefore contains niacinamide, squalane, Ceramide NP, Sodium PCA, hydrating sugars, vitamin E and bisabolol.

 

RetinART targets the appearance of skin texture, tone and visible signs of ageing. Niacinamide complements the formula by supporting more even-looking skin and skin-barrier function. Squalane and Ceramide NP contribute lipid support, while Sodium PCA and hydrating sugars help maintain skin hydration. Vitamin E provides antioxidant support, while bisabolol contributes to skin comfort. The result is a serum that brings together retinol-like active care, hydration and skin-barrier support in one formula.

 

 

Is MICROALGAE ACTIVE SERUM a Replacement for Retinol?

 

We would describe it instead as a retinol alternative.
MICROALGAE ACTIVE SERUM does not contain retinol, nor is it designed to be a copy of it. At the heart of the formula is a bio-retinoid active derived from the microalga Chlorella vulgaris, developed to act on processes associated with retinoid skincare.

 

It can therefore be an interesting option for those looking to target fine lines, uneven texture, visible pores, loss of firmness and uneven skin tone, while taking a different approach from conventional retinol.

 

Retinol changed the way we think about active skincare. The new generation of bio-retinoids is not trying to erase that story — it is taking it further. Similar goals. A different route. A new generation of retinol-like skincare.

 

 

Sources and Clinical Studies

 

The information on the microalgae-derived bio-retinoid is based on laboratory and clinical studies of ALGAKTIV® RetinART, including the following published scientific paper:

 

Sánchez-Díez S, Lapeyre A, García-Delgado N, Ayats J. Bioretinoids from microalgae: Boosting retinol performance and tolerability. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2026;48(1):146–160. DOI: 10.1111/ics.70027.

 

International Journal of Cosmetic Science: Scientific paper
PubMed: PubMed record

 

ALGAKTIV RetinART: Official active ingredient website

 

Note: The results cited above relate to studies of the RetinART active ingredient in test formulations and do not constitute a clinical study of the finished SOFI MICROALGAE ACTIVE SERUM.