The Retinol Reckoning: Why We Said No

Retinol forces your skin. VIXIN teaches it to thrive.

Let’s talk facts, not fads. Retinol has long been sold as the gold standard in skincare, for acne, aging, pigmentation, texture, you name it. But here’s what most brands won’t tell you:

Retinol is one of the harshest, most aggressive actives used in skincare today. And the glow it gives? Often just inflammation in disguise.

What Retinol Actually Does

Yes, it speeds up cell turnover.
Yes, it can soften the appearance of lines and spots.
But it doesn’t do this gently, it does it by forcing your skin into overdrive.

The real cost?

• Dryness

• Flaking

• Redness

• Extreme photosensitivity

• Long-term barrier damage

• And in some cases, systemic vitamin A overload affecting the liver and internal organs

Let’s be clear, this isn’t support. It’s submission.

Your skin is not thriving, it’s being pushed to its limit.

The World Is Catching On

Retinol isn’t just controversial, it’s now being actively restricted.

• The European Union now limits retinol to just 0.03% in non-prescription skincare. Why? Because of rising concerns around vitamin A toxicity, liver strain, and systemic absorption. These aren’t surface issues, they’re health issues.

• In the U.S., California has banned retinol sales to minors, alongside other aggressive actives. Public health authorities flagged its overuse — especially among teens — as dangerous.

Still think this is just a "skincare trend"?

Skin Has Intelligence. And We Treat It That Way

At VIXIN, we don’t believe in overpowering skin.
We believe in unlocking what your skin already knows how to do - heal, restore, and protect itself.

That’s where aquaporins come in.

💧 What are Aquaporins?

Aquaporins are the water channels in your skin cells,  they regulate hydration, nutrient flow, and communication between cells. Think of them as the messengers and transport systems of your skin. If they’re blocked or damaged, your skin can't stay hydrated or regenerate properly.

Many harsh actives including retinol actually disrupt aquaporin function, drying the skin out and slowing its ability to heal.

VIXIN formulas are designed to activate and support aquaporins, helping your skin retain water, restore balance, and carry vital ingredients deep into the dermis — exactly where they’re needed.

The Future of Skincare Is Skin Smart™

We call it Skin Smart™ for a reason.
Our plant-based, bioavailable actives — like Goji Stem Cells, Green Coffee, Gotu Kola, and ALGAKTIV® RetinART — are designed to work with your skin’s biology, not bulldoze it.

No peeling.
No flaking.
No “it gets worse before it gets better” storylines.
Just skincare that listens to your skin and supports what it already wants to do.

Bottom Line?

Retinol forces. VIXIN teaches.
We don’t believe in skin punishment masked as progress. We believe in long-term health, barrier repair, hydration at a cellular level, and real results, not inflammation dressed up as glow.

So while the industry scrambles to rethink its obsession with retinol, we’re already ahead of the game.

VIXIN isn’t just skincare. It’s skin intelligence activated.