If you're already curious about bakuchiol, it's almost certainly because you're deep in a search for an alternative to retinol. We're personally big fans of a retinol-powered skincare regimen. Whether you get the vitamin A derivative over the counter or from your dermatologist, it is a miracle worker when it comes to smoothing fine lines, boosting collagen production, clearing up blemishes, preventing breakouts. But not everyone is keen on retinol: It can do a red, peeling number on sensitive skin. Not to mention, many consumers prefer all-natural or vegan formulas, which is a box retinol cannot check.
So what’s a good alternative if you’re retinol averse? There are numerous ways to build an anti-aging regimen, but one ingredient stands out for being the best skin-smoothing alternative to retinol: It’s bakuchiol (pronounced buh-COO-chee-ol), it is relatively new to skincare formulas, but has strong roots in traditional eastern medicine—and it appears to actually work.
What is bakuchiol?Bakuchiol is an extract of the seeds and leaves of an herb called babchi, which is used in Ayurvedic practices to remedy various skin conditions and improve texture, tone, firmness. But in skincare you'll most likely encounter it mixed into creams and serums in refined form.
Its purported benefits are quite similar to retinol: Bakuchiol is said to boost collagen production to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, reduces hyperpigmentation, and boost cellular regeneration to aid in healing and to brighten skin. It’s gentle on skin, too, making it good for pretty much everybody. It also has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory powers, which amounts to a strong defense against skin-compromising factors like acne and razor burn.
Is bakuchiol as effective as retinol?In blind tests against retinol, it seems to hold up: One study found nearly identical results in a 0.5% bakuchiol cream versus a 0.5% retinol cream when applied for 12 weeks, the typical time needed for noticeable age-reversing results. (Note that the bakuchiol was applied twice daily, and the retinol once.) Excitingly, while the results were relatively similar, the participants who used bakuchiol had far fewer reactions to the ingredient than those who took the retinol.
Many people are skeptical that bakuchiol can provide the same drastic, complexion-perfecting impact as retinol, but there is firm evidence that bakuchiol can at least hold its own—and do it without producing irritation. However, we should say here that when it comes to high-grade, prescription retinoids—namely tretinoin, which you can only get via your doctor—there’s no real competition.
What are the best bakuchiol products?How you get your bakuchiol fix depends on the product you use. If you’re using a serum, then you should apply it to clean, dry skin before you apply a moisturizer. You can use bakuchiol twice a day—morning and night—without any worry of sensitivity. It also won’t react adversely to any other ingredients, unlike many retinol products. Here are three great serums:
Sephora
Sephora
Dermstore
It also come mixed in to moisturizers and eye creams, which have essentially the same benefits as the serums—pick one or the other.
Amazon
Amazon
Sephora
Amazon
You can even find bakuchiol in some cleansers, which makes sense given its numerous defensive benefits for the skin. This is a good one:
Sephora
However, you should combine this with other leave-on bakuchiol products if you want to enjoy the long-term benefits of the ingredient—it works best when it's got enough time to do its thing. And much like retinol, if you cease using bakuchiol (even after you see those significant 90-day smooth results), your skin can quickly revert to its less elastic, less firm, less clear, less balanced ways. If you want the benefits, you’ve got to keep up the habit.
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