Retinol has decades of research behind it, which makes it one of the most studied ingredients in skincare. It's also famous for redness, peeling and an adjustment period. Enter bakuchiol, the plant-based ingredient often called nature's retinol alternative.
The short version
- Retinol is a vitamin A derivative with the most evidence for smoothing lines and improving texture.
- Bakuchiol comes from the seeds of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia).
- In a 12-week study, bakuchiol and retinol improved wrinkles and dark spots similarly, but bakuchiol caused less dryness and stinging.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding? Skip retinoids and ask your doctor before trying any new active.
What retinol does
Retinol is converted in the skin into retinoic acid, which speeds up cell turnover and supports collagen. Over time, that means smoother texture, softer fine lines, more even tone and clearer pores. The trade-off: many people experience dryness, flaking and sensitivity, especially at first.
What bakuchiol does
Bakuchiol isn't vitamin A at all, but research suggests it acts on some of the same skin pathways. In a 2019 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, people using 0.5% bakuchiol twice daily saw improvements in wrinkles and hyperpigmentation similar to those using 0.5% retinol daily, with noticeably less scaling and stinging.
Side by side
Retinol
- Most researched for anti-aging
- Can cause dryness, peeling and sensitivity
- Best used at night
- Not recommended during pregnancy
Bakuchiol
- Promising research, still growing
- Generally gentle, even for sensitive skin
- Can be used morning or night
- Ask your doctor during pregnancy
Which one should you choose?
- Choose retinol if your skin is resilient, you want the most proven option, and you're willing to ease in slowly.
- Choose bakuchiol if your skin is sensitive or acne-prone, you've struggled with retinol before, or you want a gentler daily option.
- Use both, carefully: some people pair bakuchiol in the morning with retinol at night. Introduce one at a time.
Esthetician pick
Hydraglow™ Stem Cell Moisturizer
A lightweight moisturizer with bakuchiol, plant stem cells and squalane, an easy way to add bakuchiol to your routine, even for acne-prone skin.
Shop now →“The best active is the one your skin can tolerate consistently.”
Whichever you choose
Pair it with a supportive moisturizer and daily SPF. Smoother, brighter skin is a long game, so expect to wait 8–12 weeks for visible results.
Not sure what your skin needs?
Book a 1:1 virtual consultation with Tauany and get a routine built around your skin, your goals and your budget.
Book a consultation →Written by Tauany Vargas, licensed esthetician and founder of Awear. This article is for education only and isn't medical advice. For persistent or severe skin concerns, please see a dermatologist.