Natural Actives That Give You That Glow Without Retinol
LA Times Studios may earn commission from purchases made through our links.
As summer approaches and the UV index rises, skincare routines are getting a seasonal shake-up. Gone are the days of layering on heavy retinoids without a second thought. With Google searches for 'retinol alternatives,' 'glowing skin naturally,' and 'non-toxic glow' all on the rise, more people are seeking gentler ways to achieve radiant skin, without the risk of sun sensitivity.
Fortunately, nature delivers. With trending ingredients like Vitamin C-rich Kakadu Plum, to fruit-based AHAs and ultra-hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, a new wave of botanicals are offering glow-boosting benefits with minimal irritation.
Retinol is celebrated for its ability to boost collagen and smooth fine lines, but it's not without its seasonal drawbacks. Come summer, its downside becomes harder to ignore: increased sensitivity to the sun. Retinol is best used at night, and even then, it can leave skin more vulnerable to sunburn and irritation. That's why more people are turning to gentler, plant-powered alternatives that offer similar benefits without the UV-related risks.
Known for their natural formulations, Tata Harper echoes this concern. 'Any AHA increases sun sensitivity, no matter the source,' founder Tata Harper explains. 'It is always recommended to wear SPF when using any product containing AHAs.'
Tata says that if you are working on evening your skin tone or brightening dark spots, you always want to wear SPF during the day to protect your skin from future discoloration caused by the sun. With UV rays being a leading trigger for hyperpigmentation, daily sun protection is essential, especially when using brightening actives like Vitamin C or AHAs.
If there's a holy grail for natural glow, Kakadu Plum makes a strong case. This Australian superfruit is known for having the highest recorded levels of Vitamin C. And that matters: Vitamin C is key to brightening dull skin, evening out tone, and shielding against environmental damage. It also supports collagen production, making it a go-to for anyone chasing that healthy, sun-kissed look.
Tata Harper taps into this powerhouse ingredient in its Resurfacing Serum, pairing Kakadu Plum with AHA superfruits and lactic acid. The result is a gentle yet effective formula designed to enhance your skin's natural glow while supporting its long-term health.
Fruit-derived Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) like those from pineapple, papaya, and citrus have become the exfoliants of choice for those wanting smoother, glowier skin, without harsh side effects. These natural acids help break down dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover, all while being gentler than many synthetic alternatives.
'All AHAs work the same no matter the source,' says Tata Harper. 'However, our formulas are created with ingredients that exfoliate but also support skin health and barrier resilience.' To help offset any irritation, the brand blends AHAs with seed oils rich in Vitamin E, linoleic acid (Omega-6), and linolenic acid (Omega-3).
Other clean beauty brands, like Three Ships, embrace this strategy too. Their Superfruit Exfoliating Mask pairs fruit-derived acids with hydrating botanicals to maintain balance and boost brightness.
Ask any derm what your summer skin needs, and they'll likely say hydration. That's where Hyaluronic Acid comes in. Known for holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water, this ingredient acts like a moisture magnet, plumping the skin and softening fine lines, even in hot, dehydrating weather.
The best part? It's lightweight and layers easily with other actives. Products like the Plum Plump Hyaluronic Serum from Glow Recipe deliver deep hydration without feeling greasy, making it ideal for your summer regimen.
Natural alternatives to retinol aren't just about what they leave out, they're about what they offer instead. Botanical retinol can mimic and restore to nourish the skin without triggering sun-related sensitivities.
For full-body care, Tata Harper recommends their Resurfacing Mask uses non-photosensitizing BHA from willow bark to smooth and refine the skin. And the Resurfacing Body Serum takes it a step further, combining AHA superfruits, cacao oil, and Kakadu Plum to gently exfoliate and hydrate from head to toe.
As the sun grows stronger and skincare habits shift, retinol alternatives are more than a passing trend, they're a smart seasonal switch. These natural actives do more than brighten; they work in sync with your skin's rhythms, offering long-lasting results without irritation. The takeaway? Radiant skin doesn't have to come with compromises.
Click here to learn more about Tata Harper
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Qantas passenger hits out over hidden travel frustration for thousands of Aussies: 'So common'
An Australian disability advocate is calling for better, disability-led policies and systemic reforms to ensure disabled travellers are respected, and their mobility aids are properly handled, after her wheelchair was damaged for a third time by Qantas. Melbourne woman Zoe Simmons, who lives with fibromyalgia, said she recently embarked on a round-trip to Tokyo from Melbourne with the national carrier, and when she was given back her wheelchair in Australia, it had sustained substantial damages. She said it was handed back with warped metal, broken parts, and scratches that impacted its safety and usability. Zoe said that in 2021, a similar, though more severe incident occurred with Qantas, and again last year, though she didn't report the latter issue — the steering controller had broken off — over fears of being "laughed off". Following her recent trip to Japan, Qantas did arrange for Zoe to get her wheelchair repaired through one of its partnered repair services, but she feels it's unfair that disabled passengers have to accept this as the norm — that they're expected to handle repairs themselves whenever their mobility aids are damaged during travel. Zoe said she, and hundreds of thousands around the country, remain deeply frustrated at the energy it takes disabled passengers to continually advocate for repairs and recognition, often met with indifference or excuses from airline staff. "I just hate that it's so common, like what are they doing to our wheelchairs that causes metal to warp and break," Zoe told Yahoo News Australia. "There are chunks out of the arm rests, the arm rests are very warped and are weirdly sitting now, they're also loose, the foot guard has chunks out of it, my wheel cover and my cup holder are also damaged, not to mention the scratches, and so on. "Last time I flew with them, they broke my wheelchair controller off. And it was just laughed off! I didn't have the energy to fight for such a small thing then." Zoe said that after discovering damage to her wheelchair, she had to explain her story to several airport staff who mostly responded with dismissive sympathy. When a manager eventually spoke with her, Zoe raised the issue of how the burden always falls on disabled people to advocate for themselves—something the manager denied, citing policies and procedures, without acknowledging how exhausting that constant advocacy is. She criticised the way airlines treat wheelchairs like baggage instead of essential mobility aids, and called for stronger policies, better staff training, and public reporting on wheelchair damage. "Imagine if non-disabled people expected their legs to be broken every time they flew, if chunks came off," she said. "What if your bones were warped? They need to stop treating wheelchairs like baggage and start respecting them for what they are." Zoe highlighted that in the US, some 30 wheelchairs are damaged daily during flights, according to the US Department of Transportation, which began requiring airlines to report wheelchair and scooter damage in December, 2018. Since then, monthly reports have consistently shown that an average of around 25–30 mobility devices are damaged each day across US domestic flights. But Australia lacks transparent recording or reporting of such incidents. "It's just frustrating to have sat in the Disability Royal Commission several years ago, and we're talking about this. While things are improving, they aren't improving fast enough," she said. "We need disability-led policy and procedural reforms, and to ensure everyone has access to repairs, not just people who can be the squeaky wheel." In a letter given to Zoe by Qantas, seen by Yahoo, a representative asked her to take her "damaged bag" to an authorised repairer. "If this is not convenient, please forward a quote for the repair with this letter to your nearest Qantas office for review," it said. Speaking to Yahoo on Wednesday, a Qantas spokesperson "sincerely apologised" for the ordeal. "We sincerely apologise to Ms Simmons for the damage caused to her wheelchair. We know how critically important mobility aids are, and we are investigating how this damage occurred," they said. "We are working closely with Ms Simmons to ensure the repairs are facilitated as soon as possible." Woman slams shocking treatment at Aussie music festival: 'Not good enough' Hidden danger affecting vulnerable Aussies outside supermarkets 'Horrible' reality millions of Aussies face every time they board a flight After Yahoo's enquiries, Zoe said Qantas reached out to her again. She said their designated repairer doesn't service her type of wheelchair. "I then gave them the details of a repairer I know will work, but see all the hoops and onus and exhaustion here, when this stuff happens every day," she said "I'm not mad for myself — I am mad for every disabled person who experiences this, in whatever way that might look like," she said. "I am not that angry about my chair. What I'm angry about is that this is what we are expected to put up with — and much, much worse — every time we fly." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Toxic beef wellington cook gives evidence at triple-murder trial
Australian woman Erin Patterson is giving evidence in her triple-murder trial The court has heard Ms Patterson, 50, cooked and served a beef wellington meal containing toxic death cap mushrooms at her home in regional Victoria in July 2023, which killed three relatives and seriously injured another The prosecution says Ms Patterson included the poisonous mushrooms deliberately - she denies this and her defence team says it was a "terrible accident" Her estranged husband's parents, Don and Gail Patterson, both died as well as Gail Patterson's sister, Heather Wilkinson. Heather's husband, Ian Wilkinson, became ill but survived Her testimony so far has canvassed the breakdown of her marriage, moments of tension with her in-laws, her health anxieties, and her love of mushrooms She will spend a third day in the witness box on Wednesday Toxic beef wellington cook gives evidence at triple-murder trial
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Action St. Louis mobilizes tornado relief at YMCA after the storm
ST. LOUIS – St. Louisans who find themselves homeless in the aftermath of the May 16 tornado are receiving help from the appropriately named Action St. Louis. It's been 18 days since the tornado hit and volunteers with Action St. Louis have mobilized at the YMCA in the city's O'Fallon Park neighborhood. A spokesperson for the grassroots organization says they'll continue to help storm victims pick up the pieces and move forward. Action St. Louis didn't wait for funding or red tape. They moved when needed and are still here to meet the moment. 'This is the people response. We are a hub that is 100% people-powered,' spokesperson Aleidra Allen said. 'The night of the tornado, we put out a Google form to just start recruiting volunteers so we could be a service to our people and try to meet any immediate needs.' What began as a pop-up site is now a full-scale community relief hub that's helping thousands. Kehoe, White House offer differing status updates of federal disaster assistance for May 16 tornadoes 'At our hub, people can get various services around things like getting things boarded up, tarps, debris clean-up, and also things like home goods, cleaning supplies, paper towels, flashlights, hygiene items; they can also get nonperishable food, diapers,' Allen said. Renee Lockett, whose home was destroyed by the tornado, says she's been living in her car for the past 18 days. 'I lost everything – my clothes, my food; practically everything I own,' Lockett said. 'I can't do nothing but get help and I'm ready to receive it and I'm grateful for it.' Action St. Louis pointed Lockett to where she could seek temporary housing and additional help. The organization's work is far from over, though. They're calling on the public to keep the momentum going with donations, supplies, and time. 'We will be here and we will continue to show up until we feel that there is a sustainable plan in place to ensure that our people will get the long-term care that they need,' Allen said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
