Retinol does not go out of style. In no area is this as evident as in well-aging, a category driven by ingredients and built around hero molecules, where retinol remains the undisputed reference for wrinkle reduction and skin texture improvement. However, its efficacy comes with irritation, sensitivity, and increasingly restrictive regulation.
As the market fills with "retinol alternatives," consumers are looking for selective, well-tolerated, and natural-origin solutions. At the same time, Traditional Chinese Medicine is gaining relevance as a wellness language inspired by longevity. Clearly, today, differentiation is no longer about replicating retinol, but about offering only its positive side through a targeted mechanism of action, supported by a natural and attractive narrative.
Provital responds to this need with Retilance™, a new generation active beyond retinol for multidimensional luminosity. Based on the 3S-Retinol concept (Selective, Safe, and Sustainable), it does not merely reproduce the claims associated with retinol, but reimagines them through a more selective, safe, and compatible approach with current consumer needs to promote skin longevity.
Retilance™ is an extract from the root of Atractylodes lancea, a plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote body balance and vitality, standardized in total polyphenols. After evaluating different plant extracts for their agonist activity on the RARα receptor, it stood out as the most active candidate. Thanks to its ability to modulate RAR signaling without triggering the full spectrum of responses typical of retinol, it reproduces the benefits of retinoid biology, but avoiding irritation. The result is multidimensional luminosity, from the cell receptor to the skin surface.
Full transcriptomic sequencing in human dermal fibroblasts revealed that Retilance™ replicates approximately 80% of retinol's transcriptomic signature, while activating RAR-mediated pathways, which in turn are key for skin renewal and extracellular matrix regeneration. Unlike retinol, it does so without activating the irritation-related TRPV1 pathway, providing a retinoid-like effect, but more selective, on skin regeneration, antioxidant protection, and structural integrity. In fact, Retilance™ promotes superior expression of genes most related to collagen synthesis than retinol.
Backed by advanced in vitro and in vivo research, Retilance™ redefines the concept of superiority in this era of overchoice through three dimensions:
- Selectivity: by activating RAR, inducing metabolism in fibroblasts, Retilance™ strengthens skin structure and provides a healthier texture with a younger appearance.
- Safety: in addition to not activating the main TRPV1-mediated irritation pathways in in vitro studies, Retilance™ demonstrated excellent skin tolerance in in vivo studies, even on sensitive skin.
- Natural Sustainability: thanks to its link with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Retilance™ represents a holistic and balanced approach to promoting skin longevity.
Two studies - with 113 volunteers representing all skin types and tones - demonstrated that 2% Retilance™ significantly improves firmness, elasticity, texture, wrinkle depth, luminosity, and hydration versus placebo, with visible effects from day 14 and excellent tolerance, even on sensitive skin. And compared to 0.3% retinol, it offers comparable anti-aging efficacy, and 10% brighter skin.
Retilance™ is an ingredient of 100% natural origin (ISO 16128), Halal certified, compatible with Chinese market requirements, and suitable for vegan formulations. By reinterpreting the benefits of retinol through selective, safe, and natural efficacy, it surpasses the hero and allows for premium positioning for well-aging products aimed at sensitive skin, holistic concepts, and those inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine.