If you've been researching anti-aging skincare, you've probably run into the same dilemma: everyone says retinol works, and everyone also warns you about the "retinol uglies" — the flaking, redness, and purging phase that makes many people quit before they see results. That's why bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative, has become one of the most searched skincare ingredients of the past few years.
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol (pronounced buh-KOO-chee-all) is a botanical compound extracted from the seeds of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), long used in Ayurvedic tradition. Despite being chemically unrelated to retinol, bakuchiol has been studied for its ability to support similar visible results: a smoother-looking texture, a more even-looking tone, and a softer appearance of fine lines.
What is retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A and one of the most researched ingredients in skincare. It's effective — but it comes with well-known trade-offs: dryness, peeling, increased sun sensitivity, and an adjustment period that can last weeks. It's also generally avoided during pregnancy and can be difficult for sensitive skin to tolerate at all.
Bakuchiol vs. retinol: the key differences
- Gentleness: Bakuchiol is widely considered far less irritating. No purge phase, no flaking for most users — which means people actually stick with it.
- Sun sensitivity: Retinol makes skin more photosensitive and is best kept to nighttime. Bakuchiol is not known to increase sun sensitivity, though daily SPF is always a good idea.
- Stability: Retinol degrades with light and air. Bakuchiol is a more stable molecule, so it plays well in oil-based formulas.
- Visible results: In comparative studies, bakuchiol users reported improvements in the appearance of fine lines and tone comparable to retinol users — with significantly less dryness and stinging.
Who should choose bakuchiol?
A bakuchiol serum is a strong choice if you have sensitive or reactive skin, you've tried retinol and given up on it, or you simply want an anti-aging step that doesn't require an adjustment period. Our Natural Retinol Alternative Oil Serum pairs bakuchiol with rosehip and berry oils in a nightly facial oil — everything you wanted from retinol, nothing you quit it for.
How to use bakuchiol in your routine
Bakuchiol is refreshingly low-maintenance:
- Cleanse in the evening with a gentle, non-stripping face wash.
- Apply your bakuchiol serum to clean, dry skin. A few drops pressed into the face and neck is enough.
- Moisturize if your skin runs dry — a ceramide night cream layers beautifully over a bakuchiol oil.
- In the morning, add an antioxidant like vitamin C for brightness, and finish with SPF.
Want the morning and evening steps handled together? The Day & Night Duo pairs our brightening vitamin C serum for mornings with the bakuchiol oil for nights, and the Age-Defying Glow Trio builds out the full routine with a hyaluronic day cream and de-puffing eye cream.
The bottom line
Retinol earned its reputation, but it isn't the only path to smoother-looking skin. Bakuchiol offers comparable visible benefits with a fraction of the irritation — which makes it the rare anti-aging ingredient that's genuinely easy to be consistent with. And consistency, more than any single ingredient, is what actually changes how your skin looks over time.
Frequently asked questions about bakuchiol
Is bakuchiol safe during pregnancy?
This is the most important question to get right, so here's the honest answer: we don't recommend assuming bakuchiol is pregnancy-safe, and you should check with your doctor or midwife before using it. Bakuchiol is often marketed as a "pregnancy-safe retinol alternative" because, unlike retinol, it isn't a vitamin A derivative. But the truth is that bakuchiol hasn't been well studied in pregnancy, and "not enough evidence of harm" is not the same as "proven safe." Plant-derived doesn't automatically mean safe during pregnancy. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please talk to your healthcare provider before adding any active ingredient — including this one.
Does bakuchiol help with acne?
It may help. Bakuchiol has been studied for antioxidant and soothing properties, and some people find it helps the look of blemish-prone skin without the irritation stronger actives can cause. That said, it isn't an acne medication and shouldn't replace treatment for persistent or cystic acne — a dermatologist is the right call there.
Does bakuchiol cause purging?
For most people, no. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol isn't associated with a "purge" phase of breakouts and flaking. That's a big part of why people find it easier to stick with. As with any new product, introduce it gradually and patch-test first.
Can you use bakuchiol with retinol?
Yes. Some people alternate nights, or use bakuchiol as their "off-night" step to keep results going while giving skin a break from retinol. If you're happy with bakuchiol alone, there's no need to add retinol at all.
How long does bakuchiol take to work?
Give it time. Most studies ran for around 12 weeks, so think in terms of two to three months of consistent nightly use before judging results — the same patience any anti-aging ingredient asks for.
Explore our full Visible Signs of Aging collection — every formula vegan, with the complete ingredient list published on each product page. This article is general information, not medical advice.