Why We Chose Granactive Retinoid For Hero Serum #1 (And Why We Skipped Some Trends)

I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the science and philosophy behind our Hero Serum #1: Healthy Ageing Serum, particularly regarding why we selected Granactive Retinoid as a key ingredient. With new ingredients and trends popping up every season, it’s tempting to get swept away by the latest buzz. While we’re all for innovation, our product decisions are rooted in results and the real, lasting benefits they offer for your skin.

Why Granactive Retinoid?

Retinoids are one of the most researched and proven anti-aging ingredients, but for many, they can cause irritation, sensitivity, and dryness. When formulating Hero Serum #1, we sought a gentler alternative that still delivers the sought-after benefits of traditional retinoids without the drawbacks. That’s where Granactive Retinoid comes in.

Granactive Retinoid (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate) offers many of the same results as retinol — improved skin texture, reduction of fine lines, and even-toned skin — but is far more tolerable, even for sensitive skin types. Here’s why we love it:

• Reduced Irritation: Traditional retinoids can be powerful but harsh, often causing redness or peeling. Granactive Retinoid is designed to minimize these side effects, making it ideal for daily use.
• Stability and Effectiveness: Granactive Retinoid is stable in a formula, which means it remains effective over time. This stability, combined with low irritation, makes it versatile enough to pair with other ingredients.
• Gentle Anti-Aging: This form of retinoid binds directly to retinoid receptors in the skin, which allows it to work quickly and effectively, but without the usual adjustment period that can make skin sensitive and reactive.

When you use Hero Serum #1, you’re getting the best of both worlds — a proven anti-aging powerhouse that won’t disrupt your skin’s barrier.

The Trend Talk: Snail Mucin and Bakuchiol

Skincare trends can be both exciting and overwhelming. Two popular ingredients that have been making the rounds lately are snail mucin and bakuchiol. While both of these ingredients offer benefits, I believe they might have their moment, rather than being timeless skincare staples.

Snail Mucin: Hydration Hero or Fleeting Fad?

Snail mucin, originally popularised by Korean skincare, is prized for its hydrating, repairing, and smoothing properties. It’s great for some skin types, and there’s no denying it adds a nice glow. However, its benefits are primarily tied to hydration rather than the collagen-boosting effects often advertised. At Louise Thomas Skin Care, we’re always looking for deeply restorative ingredients that go beyond superficial hydration.

We prefer ingredients like Fucogel and hyaluronic acid, which offer intensive, consistent hydration without the variability that can come from animal-derived ingredients. And unlike snail mucin, these ingredients have a long history of clinical support and sustainability.

Bakuchiol: Nature’s “Retinol”?

Bakuchiol has been called a plant-based alternative to retinol, and while it does have some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its comparison to retinol can be misleading. Unlike Granactive Retinoid, bakuchiol doesn’t work as a true retinoid. It doesn’t bind to retinoid receptors, which means it doesn’t have the same deep, proven effects on collagen production and skin cell turnover.

Bakuchiol can be a nice addition to a routine for its soothing properties, especially for those with very sensitive skin. However, it’s not a substitute for a clinically-supported retinoid like Granactive Retinoid when it comes to true anti-aging benefits.

Our Approach: Science-Driven, Trend-Aware

At Louise Thomas Skin Care, we’re committed to providing solutions that aren’t just trendy but effective, safe, and backed by research. Our Hero Serum #1 with Granactive Retinoid is a product designed for real results — a blend of cutting-edge science and compassion for your skin. So while we enjoy watching trends evolve, our priority remains bringing you only the best and most trusted ingredients for radiant, healthy skin.

Thank you for joining us on this journey! We’re so excited to continue formulating products that help you feel empowered, knowledgeable, and confident in your skin.

Stay radiant,
Louise