These serums, creams, and oils are a gentler option than many retinols on the market but still pack a strong punch.
You know how words start to sound weird if you say them a bunch of times? Well, bakuchiol is like that — only it kind of sounds weird all the time. Bakuchiol. Bakuchiol. Jokes aside, the ingredient itself doesn’t mess around. The plant-based retinol alternative has exploded in popularity as people seek out gentler (and sometimes vegan) products for smooth, glowing skin.
“Bakuchiol is an antioxidant found in the seeds of the plant Psoralea corylifolia,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD., tells Allure. “It has a long history in medicine for its healing properties, including soothing rashes, calming redness, and healing cuts.”
It has similar effects on complexions, too. Like traditional retinols, the benefits of incorporating bakuchiol into your skin-care routine can include smoother texture, less hyperpigmentation, and restored elasticity. “Bakuchiol, like retinol, works by increasing cell turnover, thereby stimulating collagen production and diminishing wrinkles, skin laxity, and overall photodamage,” explains dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD.
The only difference is retinols are known for being especially harsh and drying for those with sensitive skin, and bakuchiol is less irritating. “It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties shown not only to stimulate collagen production but also to be more gentle on the skin and so may be better tolerated by those with dry sensitive skin,” explains Shari Marchbein, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Because of these properties, it’s also recommended for oily or acne-prone skin types. Another bonus: Unlike retinols, bakuchiol is completely safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Consider these 17 serums, moisturizers, and oils your crash course in all-things bakuchiol.
Sephora Collection Targeted Bakuchiol Serum
At first glance, we thought the Sephora Collection Targeted Bakuchiol Serum was a self-tanner but it’s even better. Yes, it will work to reduce fine lines and wrinkles but vitamin E helps calm any inflamed or aggravated skin.
Supergoop Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40
Supergoop is protecting our skin in more ways than just UV rays. With the Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral serum you’re getting a bottle packed with hydrating glycerin and collagen-boosting peptide l-carnosine, which firms the skin with use.
InnBeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush
The InnBeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush is a hydrating formula that is loaded with hyaluronic acid to plump skin. Plus, there’s yuzu in it too which is high in vitamin C to brighten skin from within.
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
David Kim, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, often recommends The Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum to his patients because of its affordable pairing of retinol and bakuchiol, which he says is well-tolerated by all skin types. Although it doesn’t list the exact percentages of each ingredient, the serum is even gentle and effective enough for sensitive skin.
The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturizer
Layer the Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturizer over your favorite serums and toners for an added boost of not just hydration but also smoothing and clarifying. Its lightweight consistency makes it a great fit for oily skin types or those living in hotter climates. “Unlike a retinol, which can be harsh and should only be used at night, bakuchiol can be used in the a.m. and p.m.,” says Dr. Engelman. So reach for this whenever you want.
Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
Unlike most products, the Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment reveals just how much bakuchiol it’s formulated with, making Dr. Kim a fan of it. “Studies have shown that the concentration should be 0.5 percent or above,” he explains.
Dr. Marchbein took the numbers one step further, adding, “In a 12-week study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, 0.5 percent bakuchiol cream twice daily was as effective as 0.5 percent retinol at nighttime in that both reduced pigmentation of the skin and wrinkles.”
Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 1.0
The Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 1.0 is a personal favorite of Dr. Marchbein and Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson’s, MD. Reason being: It’s spiked with not only retinol and bakuchiol but also vitamin C, squalane, and isosorbide dicaprylate, which improves hydration and epidermal barrier function. “This combo helps improve texture and quality of the skin, improving fine lines and hyperpigmentation as well,” Dr. Marchbein explains.
Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Serum
The sold-out Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Serum is finally back by popular demand — and counts New York City-based dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD as a devotee. Its water-based, Jell-O-like texture instantly melts into skin to give it a glassier glow over time. You’ll notice the serum has a dreamy lilac tint, which naturally occurs with the addition of healing eggplant and holy basil extracts.
Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream
Even the thin skin around your eyes can benefit from bakuchiol. The Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream features it with soothing rosehip seed oil, firming niacinamide, and moisture-retaining ceramides to iron out lines on and around your lids and defeat dryness.
Kinship Pimple Potion Retinal + Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment
Just as its name suggests, the Kinship Pimple Potion Retinal + Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment targets breakouts and blackheads with retinal, a vitamin A derivative, and good ol’ salicylic acid alongside bakuchiol. Dab it onto your problem areas to reduce inflammation overnight without any annoying flaking.
ISDIN Melatonik
Melatonin — yes, as in the sleep supplement — is bakuchiol’s costar in the ISDIN Melatonik. When added to skin-care products, melatonin protects skin from the sun and helps heal UV damage. Robinson often recommends this serum as “its ingredients work together to repair damaged skin cells and encourage collagen rejuvenation while you sleep,” she tells Allure.
Dr. Marchbein is also a fan, noting it packs a “powerful antioxidant punch overnight.”
Alpyn Beauty Plantgenius Melt Moisturizer
Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and linoleic acid (plus olive, coconut, and apricot kernel oils) figure heavily in skin-care brand Alpyn Beauty’s Plantgenius Melt Moisturizer, which plumps and revitalizes your complexion with continued use. Dry skin, who?
Dr. Zenovia Bakuchiol Hydrating Cleanser
Yes, you can even cleanse with bakuchiol. Allure editors are into the Dr. Zenovia Bakuchiol Hydrating Cleanser, in particular. The pH-balanced face wash banishes breakouts without stripping and irritation. You can use it every day without worrying about drying your skin out.
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum
Instead of slathering on a serum with only hyaluronic acid in it, try the Biossance Squalane + Phyto Renewal Serum. The oil-based elixir brightens your complexion and diminishes the appearance of fine lines over time, making it a favorite in our book. If you’re into green beauty, you’ll love this serum as much as we do.
Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil
We’ve never met a facial oil we didn’t like, and Omorovicza’s Miracle Facial Oil is no exception with its fast-absorbing medley sea buckthorn berry, rosehip, and sweet almond oils. The supercharged elixir shields skin against environmental stressors in addition to strengthening your skin’s barrier.
PCA Skin Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5% Pure Retinol Night
Hormonal acne, plus the PCA Skin Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5% Pure Retinol Night, equals clear skin. It’s just simple math when bakuchiol, retinol, and salicylic are involved. Spread a pea-sized amount all over your skin, and your deepest, most painful pimples are sure to disappear in no time.
Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift + Retinol Advanced Resurfacing Treatment
Spray the Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift + Retinol Advanced Resurfacing Treatment into your hand and watch it foam up. But that’s only half the fun. As the cream promotes cell turnover and collagen production, you love how it makes your skin beam.