What Is Bio-Retinol and How Does It Differ from Retinol?

What Is Bio-Retinol?

Retinol has long been considered the gold standard for visible skin renewal, but it’s not always suitable for everyone.

Traditional retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, can be highly effective but often causes dryness, flaking and irritation, particularly for those with sensitive or mature skin.

Enter Bio-Retinol, a new generation of plant-based alternatives that offer many of the same visible benefits without the discomfort.

We've used this new wave of gentle innovation through our Organic Bio-Retinol Anti-Ageing Night Cream and Organic Retinol Alternative Anti-Ageing Eye Cream, two targeted formulas that help smooth, brighten and restore the skin’s youthful radiance without the irritation associated with traditional retinol.

How Bio-Retinol Works

Unlike conventional retinoids, Bio-Retinol doesn’t contain vitamin A. Instead, ingredients like Bidens Pilosa and Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract work by supporting the skin’s natural renewal process, helping it appear smoother, more radiant and evenly toned over time.

Our Organic Bio-Retinol Anti-Ageing Night Cream uses Bidens Pilosa Extract, a naturally active botanical that mimics the smoothing, firming effects of retinol in a skin-friendly way. It’s ideal for those wanting visible renewal without the risk of dryness or irritation.

For the delicate eye area, our Organic Retinol Alternative Anti-Ageing Eye Cream delivers similar results through Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract, a natural plant-based retinol alternative that helps stimulate cell renewal and promote collagen synthesis. This gentle extract works to reduce puffiness, brighten dark circles and soften fine lines while being kind enough for sensitive skin.

Together, these two products offer a complete Bio-Retinol system, reviving the skin overnight while gently renewing the eye area.

Bio-Retinol vs Traditional Retinol

While both share a common goal, smoother, youthful-looking skin, they achieve it differently.

Retinol is potent and can deliver quick visible results but often leads to dryness, tightness or redness. It also increases the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and should be used only at night with caution.

Bio-Retinol and natural retinol alternatives, on the other hand, offer a gentler approach. Derived from plants like Bidens Pilosa and Vigna Aconitifolia, they support the skin’s renewal process while maintaining its natural balance, meaning there’s no need to “build tolerance.” Both our Night Cream and Eye Cream can be used every evening without irritation, even on sensitive or pregnancy-prone skin.

If your skin is easily reactive, or if you prefer natural and organic ingredients, Bio-Retinol provides a more balanced, holistic approach to anti-ageing skincare.

The Power of Plant-Based Retinol Alternatives

At the heart of our Organic Bio-Retinol Anti-Ageing Night Cream lies Bidens Pilosa Extract, known as “nature’s retinol.” It helps visibly smooth and firm the skin, while nourishing plant oils like Rosehip, Pomegranate and Jojoba deliver long-lasting hydration and antioxidant protection.

Meanwhile, our Organic Retinol Alternative Anti-Ageing Eye Cream is formulated with Vigna Aconitifolia Seed Extract, a botanical that helps promote collagen synthesis and cell renewal. Its silky, fragrance-free texture instantly soothes and hydrates the eye area, helping to brighten, de-puff and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Both formulas have been independently reviewed as safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, making them ideal for anyone seeking effective yet gentle anti-ageing care. The Eye Cream has even been shortlisted for the Mother and Baby Awards 2026, highlighting its safety and performance.

When and How to Use Bio-Retinol

To get the best results, apply the Organic Bio-Retinol Anti-Ageing Night Cream each evening to clean, dry skin, massaging a small amount into the face and neck using gentle upward motions. Then, follow with a small amount of the Organic Retinol Alternative Anti-Ageing Eye Cream, tapping it lightly around the orbital bone with your ring finger.

Unlike traditional retinol, there’s no need to alternate nights or introduce them gradually, just consistent, nightly use for visible improvements in texture, tone and hydration.

Why Choose a Natural Alternative

Today’s skincare users are more ingredient-savvy than ever. Choosing Bio-Retinol allows you to enjoy effective, results-driven skincare while staying true to natural values. Our night cream and eye cream are:

• Certified COSMOS Organic
• Certified Vegan and Cruelty Free

Together, our Organic Bio-Retinol Anti-Ageing Night Cream and Organic Retinol Alternative Anti-Ageing Eye Cream represent the next generation of natural anti-ageing skincare, a gentle, plant-powered duo that helps support smoother, firmer and radiant-looking skin without compromise.

If you’ve ever wished for retinol-like results without the dryness, sensitivity or harshness, these two are the perfect place to start.

For more blogs on our Bio-Retinol Night Cream, see below:

• Anti-Ageing Bio-Retinol Night Cream key ingredients
• Benefits of cica in skincare for sensitive skin
• Skincare routine guide: where and when to use each product
• How Gotu Kola helps with skin firmness
• Why a night cream is beneficial in your skincare routine
• What is bio-retinol and how does it differ from retinol?
• How to build an evening skincare routine with Bio-Retinol Night Cream
• Difference between Radiance-Boosting and Bio-Retinol Night Face Creams

About Lucy Bee 

Founded by Lucy, a beauty therapist and mum, Lucy Bee is an independent British skincare and wellness brand dedicated to creating effective and unique formulations. Customer care is of prime importance to us and we have a V-I-Bee reward credits scheme for our account holders as thanks for their loyalty. All of our products have a focus on sustainability, organic, natural, vegan and cruelty free. Since launching in 2012 with fair trade coconut oil, Lucy Bee delivers uncompromising quality to conscious beauty.  

Any information provided by us is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. We always recommend referring your health queries to a qualified medical practitioner.