# Alt Retinol Retinol formulations are no longer specific to oils and serums. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jul 23, 2022 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/atl-retinol ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.8/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Alt Retinol trend? **Alt Retinol:** Retinol is being adapted into new formulations that enhance product experience, delivery, and/or ease-of-use. These new formulations include everything from retinol-based powders to solid balms. ## The consumer insight behind the Alt Retinol trend The skincare industry's growth means that consumers have a lot of choices between products. This process can be overwhelming for even the most skincare-acquainted consumers, and so purchase decisions are often made based not just on ingredients and quality, but on new and interesting product experiences. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 4, 2021 to Jul 14, 2022 - Published: Jul 23, 2022 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Alt Retinol trend ### New Retinol Formulations Skincare companies are adapting Retinol into new formulations, from powders to balms, to enhance product experience, delivery, and ease-of-use. ### Convenient Retinol Delivery Skincare brands are introducing convenient and portable retinol delivery methods such as pads and sticks. ### Self-Activated Retinol Powders Skincare companies are now offering fresh, clinical-grade self-activated retinol powders for targeted, high-functioning skin results. ## What the Alt Retinol trend means for industry ### For Skincare Industry The skincare industry is booming and presents an opportunity for companies to innovate with new formulations and delivery methods to enhance the product experience and gain a competitive advantage. ### For Anti-Aging Industry The anti-aging industry can benefit from the convenience and efficacy of new retinol delivery methods to cater to consumers looking for targeted and high-functioning products. ### For Travel Industry The convenience of retinol delivery methods such as portable balms and sticks can cater to the on-the-go lifestyle of travelers, presenting an opportunity for collaboration between skincare and travel companies. ## Workshop question How could your brand create a more distinct product experience? ## Trend signals for Alt Retinol Trend score 3.8 out of 10, from popularity 66%, activity 36%, freshness 12%. - Popularity: 66% - Activity: 36% - Freshness: 12% ## Examples of the Alt Retinol trend 4 featured examples from Feb 4, 2021 to Jul 14, 2022. - [Self-Activated Retinol Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retinol-powder): Exponent Beauty's Time Rewind Retinol Powder is Clinical-Grade (Category: Fashion) Implication: The skincare industry can explore the development of more innovative self-activated products to address the issue of ingredient degradation and enhance product efficacy. - [Retinol-Based Anti-Aging Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peace-out): Peace Out Debuted its Retinol Face Stick at Sephora (Category: Fashion) Implication: Beauty brands should consider developing and marketing more innovative, natural, and portable anti-aging skincare solutions to appeal to consumers who increasingly prioritize conv… - [Ginger Root Retinol Pads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/private-practice): Private Practice's Retinol Pads Help to Reverse the Signs of Aging (Category: Fashion) Implication: The skincare industry can benefit from incorporating natural ingredients into retinol products to cater to consumers looking for more holistic solutions. - [Rejuvenating Solid Skincare Balms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rejuvenating-night-balm): SBTRCT's Rejuvenating Night Balm is the First Solid Retinoid (Category: Fashion) Implication: Skincare companies have the opportunity to develop new, innovative solid balms that offer the high performance of retinol with minimal irritation to attract consumers looking for… ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)