When it comes to skin care, retinol has long been the ingredient du jour for targeting harsh lines and rough textures. However, the supplement isn’t the easiest to incorporate into a routine, and improper use can cause further damage to your skin. (Pro tip: use a good barrier cream and never leave home without trusted sunscreen). Enter: bakuchiol, the natural faux-retinol alternative that delivers similar results without fear of ruining the clear skin you worked so hard to achieve.
“Bakuchiol is derived from Psoralea corylifolia, or babchi plant. It is vegan and used as a retinol alternative. Extracted from its seeds, it helps increase cell turnover, collagen production, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It also works as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties,” Dr. Shari Sperling, New York City board-certified dermatologist and founder of Sperling Dermatology, tells ELLE.com.
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
Best for Textured Skin
Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
If you’ve toyed with the idea of using retinol but don’t want to take the plunge just yet, why not try bakuchiol first? Scroll down for the 13 best bakuchiol serums to round out your skin care routine.
1
Best SPF With Bakuchiol
Supergoop
Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40
| Size | 1 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Bakuchiol, peptides |
2
Best Bakuchiol Serum With Squalene
Biossance
Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum
| Size | 1 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Bakuchiol, squalene, niacinamide |
3
Best for Mature Skin
Revision Skincare
Retinol Complete
| Size | 1 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Retinol, vitamin C |
4
Best Bakuchiol Moisturizer
The INKEY List
Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer
| Size | 1 oz/ 30 mL |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Bakuchiol, squalane, sacha inchi oil |
5
Best for Textured Skin
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum
| Size | 1 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Retinol, bakuchiol, ferulic acid |
6
Best Dual Bakuchiol Serum
Acure
Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum
| Size | 0.67 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Bakuchiol, turmeric, eggplant |
7
Best Overnight Bakuchiol Serum
ISDIN
Melatonik Overnight Recovery Anti-Aging Benefits Night Serum
| Size | 1 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Melatonin, bakuchiol, vitamin C |
8
Best for Beginners
Herbivore Botanicals
Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum
| Size | 1 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Bakuchiol |
9
Best Bakuchiol Serum for Dullness
Paula’s Choice
Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
| Size | 1 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Retinol, bakuchiol, peptides |
10
Best for Sensitive Skin
Beekman 1802
Dream Booster Bakuchiol Beta-Retinol Better Aging Serum
| Size | 0.5 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Bakuchiol |
11
Best Bakuchiol Eye Cream
Burt’s Bees
Renewal Firming Eye Cream
12
Best Bakuchiol Booster
BYBI
Beauty Booster Bakuchiol Oil
| Size | 0.50 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Bakuchiol, squalene |
13
Best for Dark Spots
Olehenriksen
Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum
| Size | 1 fl oz |
|---|---|
| Key ingredients | Bakuchiol, AHAs |
14
What percentage of bakuchiol is best?
Just as certain percentages of retinol yield different results, Dr. Sperling advises paying close attention to the amount of bakuchiol in your products. “To see the best results, I recommend using a bakuchiol oil that has between 0.5 to 2 percent bakuchiol,” she says.
15
What is the difference between bakuchiol and retinol?
“Retinol is often associated with dryness and irritation and worsening of acne for the first few weeks of use, called purging,” Dr. Sperling says. Thankfully, with bakuchiol, there’s no purging period because it’s a natural, plant-based retinol alternative and a lot more gentle on the skin.
16
What ingredients should you not use with bakuchiol?
When analyzing bakuchiol products, you’ll see it’s commonly used with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalene, which Dr. Sperling says are “great” to use with bakuchiol. However, you should avoid using actives like glycolic acid to avoid irritating your skin.
Nerisha Penrose Beauty Commerce Editor Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music).
