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When you think of daytime skincare, you likely imagine hydrating, brightening, and protective formulas infused with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and ceramides. What you likely don’t think of is retinol. The reason? For as long as we can remember, retinol has been dubbed a nighttime-only ingredient because it purportedly makes skin more sensitive to UV light. But bioretinol—a plant-based retinol alternative—exists to help you avoid this very issue, and Supergoop! Is harnessing its benefits for the latest version of its fan-favorite Daily Dose Serum.
Today, Supergoop! Launched its Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 ($46), the first bioretinol-infused mineral sunscreen to hit the market. The serum is formulated with bakuchiol (a retinol alternative that’s known for its gentle, effective anti-aging nature), L-Carsonine (a peptide known to boost firmness and protect against blue light damage), glycerin and olive esters (to keep skin plump and hydrated), and antioxidant-rich extracts (like grape seed extract and green tea extract, which are known for their free radical-fighting effect).
Supergoop Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 — $46.00
What to know about using retinol during the day
“One of the misconceptions about retinol products is that it is used at bedtime because it makes the skin more sensitive to UV light,” says board-certified dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD, the director of cosmetic dermatology and assistant professor of dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Hospital. She explains that while retinol can increase sun sensitivity because it thins out the top layer of skin (which means we have less of a physical barrier to protect us from the sun), the real reason we typically use the ingredient at night is because sunlight inactivates it and makes it less effective.
This isn’t the case for bakuchiol. According to Dr. Kobets, bakuchiol acts like retinol in that it boosts collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production—but isn’t impacted by sunlight. Plus, it’s gentler and more hydrating, making it the perfect anti-aging ingredient to infuse into a daytime formula.
“Our Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 is a daytime treatment, supercharged with plant-based retinol and mineral SPF that helps improve overall skin quality, along with addressing the visible signs of aging and photoaging,” says Sofia Gracia, Supergoop!’s Vice President of Product Development. “On their own, bioretinols and SPFs are two powerhouse anti-aging ingredients. But together, they work to break the cycle of skin damage by helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helping to prevent future damage from happening.”
Of course, it was no easy feat for Supergoop! to bring this first-of-its-kind product to life. “Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40 is the result of months and months of research, ingredient-sourcing, and lots of testing (and re-testing!)—just like all of our other SPFs,” says Holly Thaggard, the brand’s founder. What’s more, she points out that it was created with customers in mind, as more and more people are looking for multi-tasking products that can help streamline their routines.
What happened when I tried the new Supergoop! SPF-bioretinol
As someone who loves a quick and simple skincare routine, I was excited to get my hands on the serum a few weeks ahead of its launch.
Like the Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum ($46) and Supergoop! Daily Dose Hydra-Ceramide Boost + SPF 40 Oil ($46), the Supergoop! Daily Dose BioRetinol + Mineral SPF 40 comes housed in a small rounded white and yellow bottle. Instead of a pump, it features a purple-tipped dropper applicator that dispenses the pale beige fluid.
While the serum isn’t touted as a tinted formula, the inclusion of the antioxidant English oak bark extract (which is naturally beige) gives it its brownish hue. It doesn’t fully diminish all signs of discoloration (redness, in my case), but it does help to slightly even out skin tone. Plus, unlike your typical un-tinted mineral SPF formulas, the shade blends seamlessly into all complexions and won’t leave behind a white or chalky cast.
While a little of this easy-to-blend fluid goes a long way, Gracia says to use six to eight drops for adequate coverage and protection. “Gently pat it into the skin as the final step in your skincare routine, after moisturizer,’ she says.
From there, you’ll notice an instantly plumper, dewier, and—most importantly—protected visage. And the best part? Things will only get better over time.
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