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Everything you wanted from retinol. Nothing you quit it for.
This bakuchiol serum is built around a plant-based retinol alternative: bakuchiol, a botanical from the babchi seed that, in a published 12-week head-to-head study, performed comparably to retinol on the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone, with less peeling and stinging. We deliver it in a nightly oil serum with rosehip, jojoba, and Nordic berry seed oils. No ramp-up schedule. No purge week. No sun-sensitivity warning.
Who this is for
- You tried retinol and quit — the flaking, the redness, the "retinol uglies" weren't worth it
- Sensitive or reactive skin that wants a gentle active it can use every single night
- Anyone who wants to start an anti-aging step tonight without a three-week adjustment period
- You're avoiding retinoids for any reason (if you're pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor first)
What this bakuchiol serum does
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines with consistent nightly use
- Supports a renewed-looking, more radiant complexion by morning
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin — nightly from day one, no titration, no cycling, no purge
- Layers cleanly with vitamin C, peptides, and hyaluronic acid
- Vegan and nut-free
The research on bakuchiol vs retinol
Ingredient-level evidence — this is what published science says about bakuchiol as an ingredient, not a study of this specific product.
In a randomized, double-blind, 12-week clinical study published in the British Journal of Dermatology (Dhaliwal et al., 2019), 44 participants used either 0.5% bakuchiol twice daily or 0.5% retinol once daily.
|
Bakuchiol |
Retinol |
| Wrinkle severity |
Reduced ~20% |
Reduced ~20% |
| Hyperpigmentation improvement |
59% |
44% |
| Scaling & stinging reported |
Less |
More |
The differences in wrinkles and pigmentation between the two groups weren't statistically significant, so the fair takeaway is "comparable," not "better." The authors concluded that bakuchiol was comparable to retinol in improving the appearance of photoaging and was better tolerated.
Our serum uses bakuchiol in a nourishing oil base for overnight use. We haven't run our own clinical trial on this formula and won't pretend we have — we chose the ingredient because the evidence is real, published, and peer-reviewed. Read the full comparison in our guide: Bakuchiol vs Retinol: what the research says.
What to expect from a bakuchiol serum, week by week
The study measured results at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Here's a realistic picture of nightly use (everyone's skin is different):
-
Weeks 1–2: skin feels softer and more nourished from the oil base. No peeling or purging expected.
-
Weeks 4–8: tone may start to look more even and skin more radiant.
-
Weeks 8–12: the point where the study saw fine lines look softer. Judge your results here, not before.
More detail in how long bakuchiol takes to work.
A bakuchiol serum for sensitive skin
Sensitive skin is the main reason people switch from retinol. In the head-to-head study, the bakuchiol group reported less scaling and stinging than the retinol group. As with any new product, patch test first and introduce it on its own before adding other actives. Not sure where it fits? Our guide to retinol alternatives compares the gentler options honestly.
How to use
Every night as your last step. Warm 4–5 drops between your palms and press into clean skin — face and neck. Unlike retinol, use it nightly from day one. Morning: cleanse, then vitamin C and SPF as usual. Step-by-step: how to use a bakuchiol serum.
Complete the night routine
Prep with the Hydrating Toner, press in the serum, seal with the Ceramide Barrier Night Cream. Prefer a day/night pair? The Day & Night Duo adds the Vitamin C Glow Serum.
Our 30-day guarantee
Use it for 30 days. If your skin isn't happier, email us and we'll refund you — no need to send anything back.
Common questions
What does a bakuchiol serum do?
It helps soften the look of fine lines and uneven tone over time, like a gentler take on retinol. Bakuchiol isn't a retinoid, so it doesn't bring the peeling and sensitivity retinol often does.
Is bakuchiol as good as retinol?
In the one published head-to-head RCT, bakuchiol performed comparably to retinol on the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation over 12 weeks, with less irritation. Retinol has decades more research behind it; bakuchiol has one strong study and a growing body of supporting work. For skin that can't tolerate retinol, it's the best-evidenced alternative.
Is this bakuchiol serum good for sensitive skin?
Bakuchiol is one of the gentlest anti-aging actives, which is why many people with sensitive skin choose it. Patch test first, and start it on its own before layering other actives.
Can I use bakuchiol in the morning?
Yes — bakuchiol doesn't increase sun sensitivity the way retinol does. We formulated this as a night serum because the oil base is richest overnight, but morning use under SPF is fine.
Can I use it with vitamin C?
Yes. Vitamin C in the morning, bakuchiol at night is the classic pairing. You can also layer them in the same routine — water-based serums first, oil serum last. Full pairing guide: what you can mix with bakuchiol.
Will I purge or peel?
No. Bakuchiol isn't a retinoid and doesn't speed up cell turnover the way retinoids do, so there's no purge phase and no flaking.
Can I use bakuchiol while pregnant?
Bakuchiol isn't a retinoid, which is why many people consider it during pregnancy, but research on its use in pregnancy is limited. Talk to your doctor before adding any new active.
How long until I see a difference?
The study measured results at 12 weeks. Give it 8–12 weeks of nightly use before judging.
Does it contain nuts?
No — this serum is nut-free. (Our Vitamin C Glow Serum contains sweet almond oil.)
Vegan. Full ingredient list below — every ingredient, no exceptions.
