Miranda Kerr is a woman of many titles: supermodel, businesswoman, mother-of-three. But now she'll add one more to her repertoire – innovator – as her beauty brand KORA Organics has become the first to launch a certified organic plant stem cell retinol alternative serum.

Following conventional paths has never been part of Kerr's oeuvre, always one to do thing her own way, approaching her career, her family and her health from a holistic and progressive standpoint. KORA Organics, by extension, is no different, pushing the boundaries of 'clean' and organic skincare long before those terms were mainstays of the beauty industry's vernacular.

Kerr took some time to chat with RUSSH about her daily rituals, positive affirmations and the innovation behind KORA Organics' world-first Certified Organic Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum.

It’s no secret that retinol has been the hot skincare product of the past few years. Can you tell me a little bit about your relationship with retinol products?

I haven’t been able to use conventional retinol products as they cause irritation on my skin, but I knew how great the benefits could be which is why I put our chemists to work on our new Certified Organic Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum which is a first-to-market world wide certified organic retinol alternative product.

Congratulations on the new Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum! Where did the ideation/creation process begin for this product and how long did it take to come to fruition?

I created this product because traditional retinols have felt too harsh on my skin. When I was pregnant with my three boys, I had a hard time finding a healthy, natural option that gave me the results I needed, and it wasn't just me, we have had so many customer requests to create a retinol alternative. It's been over two years in the making and I have been using it for the last six months, and have seen a dramatic difference in my skin. I use a few drops, morning and night after cleansing and before moisturising.

One of the really exciting things about the KORA retinol alternative serum is that unlike traditional retinol formulas, it can be used both morning and night. Was it important for you to create a product that was versatile in this way?

Yes! Unlike other retinols and alternatives, it’s gentle enough to use every single day, both morning and night, for even more ageing support 24/7 without irritation. Our milky serum is powered by plant-based retinol alternatives Bakuchiol and Alfalfa Extract, which work together to gently treat and prevent visible signs of  ageing with five times the power of retinol. At the same time, it’s packed with a  hydrating boost of antioxidant protection from Acai Plant Stem Cells, Rosehip and Noni Fruit, targeting ageing and environmental stress all day and night.

I love its lightweight, milky consistency that absorbs super easily to work on fine lines and wrinkles while nourishing and strengthening my skin. To me it's a no brainer, if you can get the results you are looking for in a healthy way, then why wouldn't you?!

As someone who has sensitive skin, plant-based retinol alternatives are a saviour for my skin. What is it about this serum that sets it apart in the market?

Our Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum, is the only Certified Organic retinol alternative serum world-wide. Our hero ingredients are Bakuchiol which is a natural, plant-based ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Alfalfa extract is rich in antioxidants and minerals, which helps to nourish and protect the skin. Together, these ingredients help to improve skin texture and skin tone. The açaí stem cells prevent future ageing from environmental stressors. It's truly a powerhouse product. Our serum is also vegan, cruelty free and free of synthetic fragrances, sulphates and parabens.

What have you found is one of the biggest misconceptions about retinol-alternative products?

The biggest misconception is that retinol-alternatives don’t work like your traditional retinol products. The proof is really in the results and that’s why at KORA we do clinical studies to prove the efficacy and the power of certified organic products because there is a misconception that organic may not be as powerful as conventional products. What’s incredibly interesting to me is the studies we conducted on this group were done on die-hard conventional retinol users, specifically so that we could see if they got better results from our certified-organic product compared to their conventional chemical retinol product. When we did clinical trials, almost 80% of traditional retinol uses preferred this product and achieved better results

Interestingly our studies also are done over four weeks and normally retinol studies are done over 8 weeks so to get these results so fast speaks volumes.

• 78% said it’s more effective than retinol product used before
• 80% said it minimized the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
• 82% said it softens the visible signs of skin aging
• 80% said skin feels and looks firmer & plumper
• 80% said their skin looks repaired and restored
• 90% said leaves skin without causing irritation, redness or dryness

As we head into winter here in Australia, we know that the change in temperature can have an impact on the physical and microbiological hydration of our skin. What other products or treatments do you like to pair with the KORA Retinol Serum to ensure your skin continues to look nourished and hydrated?

I love using our Turmeric Glow Moisturizer followed by our Noni Glow Face Oil, these two products are super hydrating and nourishing on your skin. The Turmeric Glow Moisturizer is ultra rich and is my go-to skin saviour and I use it morning and night. It deeply hydrates, brightens and soothes your skin, leaving it with a radiant glow.

Our Noni Glow Face Oil was the first product we launched, it is my holy grail oil that I've been using religiously morning and night for almost 14 years. I call it my liquid gold, it is a powerful daily treatment oil that nourishes dehydrated skin and helps even skin tone and texture and leaves you with a natural glow. This is one of our award winning, cult favourites and one of the first facial oils to launch world-wide.

It’s much easier to be invigorated by your morning routine than it is to maintain those habits into the evening. What are some of your tips for managing a consistent routine across all forms of wellness when it feels like the day is getting away from you?

One thing that helps me is to focus on the things that make me feel good and energised. That way, I'm more likely to stick to my routine. My morning routine consists of small rituals that prepare me both mentally and physically for the busy day ahead. I look forward to my morning meditation, it helps me set my intentions for the day. I like to then start my day with a workout to keep me feeling fit, strong and energised. At night time, my rituals are about winding down and making sure I get a good night’s sleep. I love doing my evening skincare routine, it is a moment for myself at the end of the day to reflect.

It’s inevitable as participants of the beauty industry that the narrative around ageing becomes quite central to many of the conversations we have – with ourselves and others. What’s one of the most valuable mantras or advice you like to live by for a full and healthy life?

My mum would tell me to let my little light shine, and that is a mantra that has helped me throughout every moment of insecurity in my career. From casting calls in the beginning, to walking the red carpet, or leading my team today. I truly believe in the power of the mind and positive affirmations.