Samphire, The Plant-Based Alternative to Retinol
Developing an anti-aging routine is an integral part of skin maintenance; however, it can be challenging to navigate if you have contraindications. At Higher Aesthetics, we want to empower clients with a range of skin concerns, and part of that is education! We are going to dive into our favorite retinol alternative for our clients who have sensitive skin, are pregnant, vegan, or in some way cannot use traditional retinol.
Vitamin A does incredible things for our skin. Retinol is a form of fat-soluble vitamin A, and it comes in a range of strengths from over-the-counter to prescription strength. It is a well-known and highly researched ingredient, so we have the hard proof it works; this is why it is a standard ingredient in most skincare regimens.
Retinol is recommended for a range of skin issues and works by stimulating blood flow, cell renewal, and collagen production. It is known to reduce hyperpigmentation and fine lines, balance your skin's natural oils.
Even though retinol works so well, there are a couple of reasons you would choose not to use it. There are contraindications to retinol use such as pregnancy, sensitive skin, or inflammatory skin conditions like Rosacea. Retinol is a potent ingredient and can be generally irritating and photo-sensitizing. Since this ingredient is not ideal for everyone, alternatives are now available.
First, let's touch on another well-known plant-based retinol alternative, Bakuchiol. It is ideal for sensitive skin, and while it is not structurally the same as retinol, it has the same overall effects. However, there are some caveats to choosing it.
Bakuchiol is derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant, an endangered plant. It is overharvested because of its popularity, so this is not a sustainable ingredient.
Samphire is derived from Crithmum maritimum, also known as Sea Fennel. It is a type of coastal plant found throughout Europe and Northern Africa. It is used in both beauty and food in many different cultures.
Samphire is known in the beauty world as Sea Retinol. It is an excellent alternative to traditional Retinol because it does not break down in the sun, and it is a sustainable ingredient. It is sensitive skin safe, and vegan.
What is Samphire?
Samphire is the new powerful photo-retinol that is emerging on the wellness scene. This plant-based Retinol alternative is generally safe for everyone and works the same way a standard Retinol does with some added benefits
Samphire is an extract high in stem cells, known to help the skin renew itself. Technically, plant stem cells increase the proliferation of epidermal stem cells by stimulating fibroblasts to synthesize collagen, which, in turn, stimulates skin regeneration (1).
Samphire is a traditionally used plant with a wide range of medicinal uses in Mediterranean folk medicine. It was used as a diuretic, digestive aid, and specialty food in Spain and Southern Italy. It contains many valuable compounds such as ascorbic acid, carotenoids, tannins, and flavonoids (2).
It is known to accelerate skin renewal, which has many benefits, from aiding acne healing to reducing fine lines and smoothing skin texture. Unlike any other retinol alternative, Samphire also helps filter and block blue light. Since our lives are more virtual than ever, this is essential for skincare.
What are the benefits?
Smoother, softer, and brighter complexion
Reduces fine lines, scars, and wrinkles
Naturally exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores
Balances sebum productions
Helps skin inflammation
Stimulates collagen production and cell renewal
No contraindications, and it is pregnancy safe
Blocks against harmful blue light
How is it sustainable?
Samphire or Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum) is a quick-growing Mediterranean sea plant. It grows abundantly in the wild and offers a sustainable alternative crop to maritime farmers, and it is not considered endangered by the IUCN (3). Basically, it is quite easy to grow and wild populations will not be affected.
Recommended Samphire Products
Earth Harbor Naturals - Samphire Sea-Retinol Digital Serum
This product is recommended and offered by Higher Aesthetics. We love this product because it contains clean, natural, vegan, and sustainable ingredients that work together to produce a potent and visible effect. This serum is comparable to a standard 1% retinol serum.
Anti-Aging Properties of Plant Stem Cell Extracts. 2018. Miastkowska and Sikora. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/5/4/55/htm?cicada_org_mdm=direct&cicada_org_src=healthwebmagazine.com&crsi=662497356
Reviewing the Prospects of Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.)as Emerging Vegetable Crop. 2018. Renna, Massimiliano. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6313929/
IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/203487/2766187#assessment-information