Home > Health News

Why Natural Korean Skincare is Blacklisting Retinol: 5 Eye-Opening Facts

By Marry McGee - Health and Beauty Researcher

14-09-2024

Retinol can damage our skin barrier, and overly expose newborn cells that get mutated by UV exposure.

So why does Retinol get so much praise in Western skincare?

Why are top skincare experts ignoring the real risks retinol poses to our skin’s long-term health.

Think about it:

Retinol is too harsh for some skin types.

It’s true that it boosts collagen production tenfold.

But at what cost?

It's known to cause sensitivity, redness, and peeling.

This goes completely against Korean skincare culture.

Retinol tends to cause more damage to our skin barrier, which is ground zero for for expression wrinkles, sagging and uneven skin tone.

Their philosophy focuses on gently nourishing the skin and values long-term health over quick fixes.

Here are 5 reasons Retinol is all but blacklisted from 90% of K-Beauty products.

Blacklist Reason No. 1: Growing Google Searches for “Retinol Purge”

Because Retinol is so strong, many women are harming their skin without meaning to.

"Retinol Purge" is the term for the breakouts, irritation, and peeling...

They all happen because Retinol leaves our skin more sensitive than before. Some think this purge is normal, but for many it doesn't stop.

Many give up because it’s so uncomfortable, never seeing the Asian mum glow.

This “purge” is a clear warning that our skin is overwhelmed and stressed out.

As the droves of people searching for “Retinol damage”

And “Retinol making skin worse” It’s clear that women are questioning if Retinol’s harsh effects are worth the risk.

Blacklist Reason No. 2: Retinol Needs Expert Oversight, Say Dermatologists

Dermatologists’ clinics are seeing more patients with problems from using Retinol wrong.

These experts warn that Retinol’s popularity has led to misuse. People are using it without understanding how it works or what their skin needs.

Dermatologists say Retinol isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

They’re urging caution, especially for beginners. Many now treat patients whose skin has suffered the consequences.

As a result, clinics see more people monthly seeking help for irritated, damaged skin.

This could have been avoided The message from dermatologists is clear...

Seek medical guidance before using Retinol.

Blacklist Reason No. 3: Retinol’s Lab-Born Formula Has No Place in Natural Skincare

This is the biggest reason Korean skincare avoids Retinol.

It doesn’t fit with the skin-first philosophy at the core of their beauty rituals.

Where Retinol is cooked up in a lab...

Korean skincare favors natural, skin-loving ingredients.

Ingredients like snail mucin, bamboo extract, and fermented botanicals.

They are sustainably sourced and designed to work with our skin, not against it.

Retinol’s synthetic origins don’t just clash with nature... It's production raises concerns about pollution and waste.

This is something Korean beauty has long been careful to avoid by embracing eco-conscious solutions. Korean skincare values calm, balanced nourishment.

As savvy consumers grow more concerned about what goes into our products... We must turn away from harsh, synthetic ingredients like Retinol.

We want transparency, simplicity, and clean beauty that delivers results without compromise.

Blacklist Reason No. 4: The EU is Forcing Skincare Companies to Pull Many Retinols off Shelves by 2027

The EU is limiting Retinol to 0.3% in all skincare skincare.

Concerns like redness, peeling, and sun sensitivity are the main culprit.

They’ve seen the risks, especially for pregnant women, and are taking action fast.

By 2027, many Retinol products will be off the shelves or reformulated to meet these new rules.

This affects the UK skincare market too.

That's why Korean skincare has always avoided Retinol.

Europe is moving towards safer, cleaner beauty, and Retinol’s synthetic origins are a no-no.

As consumers ask for natural, skin-friendly options, lab-made chemicals are losing their place in skincare.

Blacklist Reason No. 5: Retinol Contradicts the Longevity Culture in Asian Skincare

Asian skincare has always focused on natural, gentle ingredients that respect the skin’s balance.

Especially for sensitive skin above 40.

These ingredients are effective and affordable.

They offer long-term care without the harsh side effects of synthetic products.

Retinol doesn’t fit with this approach. While it may help some, more often than not it doesn't.

That’s why Asian women have turned to a natural, Ayurvedic alternative – Bakuchiol.

Bakuchiol gives the same anti-ageing benefits as Retinol.

It boosts collagen, smooths fine lines, and fights wrinkles, but without the harsh side effects.

It is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

It gently nourishes the skin and helps it stay healthy and glowing.

Thousands of women have already switched to Bakuchiol.

They love it for its ability to give great results without any risk.

Bakuchiol, grown in Asia and used for centuries, offers the same benefits as Retinol without the side effects.

The Rose Youth Elixir is rich in Bakuchiol - The Ayurvedic Alternative to Retinol

Why is it named the Rose Youth Elixir?

Because its second HERO ingredient is pure rose oil, which nourishes, hydrates, and strengthens the skin, giving it that glowing, baby-soft touch.

These were my first 30 days of applying the Elixir to my skin…

✅ Instant Hydration (First Week): From the first week of using Bakuchiol, my skin felt deeply hydrated and plump. The moisture surge gave my skin a much-needed boost, relieving dryness and tightness almost immediately.

✅ Brighter Complexion (Second Week): By the second week, Bakuchiol’s brightening effects started to show. My complexion looked visibly more radiant, with dark spots and dullness fading away, revealing a fresh, healthy glow.

✅ Smoother Texture (Third Week): By the third week, Bakuchiol’s gentle anti-ageing properties were in full effect. The rough patches and fine lines began to smooth out, leaving my skin feeling noticeably softer and more refined.

✅ Younger-Looking Skin (Fourth Week): By the fourth week, Bakuchiol had transformed my skin. Fine lines softened, my skin looked firmer, and my overall complexion appeared more youthful, with a renewed vitality I hadn’t seen in years.

Join the 50,000+ women who’ve already experienced this botanical ‘’botox in a bottle’’

Ditch the Retinol, and grab the Rose Youth Elixir Now with a discount.