
Retinol vs RetinART™
Why Floragy is Leading the Future of Skincare
For decades, retinol has been hailed as the gold standard in skincare for tackling fine lines, uneven skin tone, and texture. But as more people experience irritation, sensitivity, or peeling, the industry has been searching for an alternative that delivers the same, if not better results, without the drawbacks.
That’s where RetinART™ comes in. A cutting-edge bio-retinoid derived from microalgae, RetinART™ is rewriting the rules of skincare. Unlike retinol, it works in harmony with skin’s natural processes, offering transformative results without any of the irritation.
How Retinol Works
Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, speeds up cell turnover and boosts collagen production. However, because it can destabilise skin’s protective barrier, it often causes redness, peeling, dryness, and sun sensitivity. Many dermatologists caution that retinol requires careful usage, sunscreen diligence, and a gradual introduction.
How RetinART™ Works
RetinART™ is a marine bio-retinoid rich in apocarotenoids which are natural compounds that mimic the activity of retinoic acid but without the harsh side effects. Encapsulated in advanced liposomes for stability and penetration, it’s clinically proven to outperform both retinol and bakuchiol in improving skin texture, radiance, and resilience.
Alexandre Lapeyre, Managing Director of Algaktiv, who specialise in microalgae biotechnology to create natural active cosmetic ingredients, states “We’re not just setting new efficacy benchmarks; we’re also prioritising skin tolerance and environmental sustainability, aligning with the values of the modern consumer. Algaktiv RetinART’s latest achievements underscore our dedication to innovative research, sustainable practices, and offering safe, highly effective skincare.”
Why we chose RetinART™
Our mission has always been to create effective, natural skincare that’s accessible, nurturing, and kind to skin. When our founder Louisa began developing Flourish Serum with leading chemist Vasileios Karamalakis, she knew it needed to be more than “just another serum.” It had to solve the age-old problem: results without compromise.
By choosing RetinART™, we’ve achieved exactly that. Independent clinical trials show:
- 94% of participants saw an improvement in skin texture compared to 76% using retinol.
- 89% reported brighter, smoother skin.
- 0% experienced irritation, peeling, or redness.
- RetinART™ also increased hyaluronic acid by +8%, collagen I by +127%, and collagen III by +176% in those tests, which points to both improved hydration and structural support in the skin.*
And the truly exciting part.. we're is the first UK brand to feature RetinART™ in a serum. With Flourish, we’re proud to bring this scientific breakthrough to our community before anyone else.
“Our use of RetinART sets a new benchmark for indie natural skincare brands. It’s a bold move that signals where the industry is headed.” – Louisa, Founder of Floragy
The Future is Flourishing
Retinol paved the way, but it’s time as the unrivalled hero is ending. The future lies in bio-retinoids like RetinART™. High-performance, science-backed, and gentle enough for every skin type. With our new Flourish Serum, we're not only keeping pace with innovation, but leading it.
*https://www.personalcaremagazine.com/story/44274/algaktiv-reveals-retinart-clinical-study-findings