The anti-aging benefits of retinol are well-known, but there’s a lesser-known plant-based alternative. The best bakuchiol serums offer the brightening and firming effects of retinol without the irritation—a key advantage as temperatures drop and skin becomes drier.
“Winter brings lower humidity, more indoor heating, and a higher risk of dryness and barrier damage, which can worsen retinol’s side effects,” explains Mollie Kelly Tufman, PhD, a molecular biologist and founder of the Beauty Lab. Even for those who tolerate retinol well, “switching to bakuchiol for the season can be a smart move if your skin feels tight, flaky, or sensitive,” she notes. “You still get retinol’s benefits in a form that’s less likely to overwhelm an already dry winter skin barrier.”
“The main benefit of bakuchiol is its ability to stimulate collagen production,” says board-certified dermatologist Mina Amin, MD. “In a 12-week clinical study, bakuchiol significantly improved facial fine lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity, firmness, and pigmentation.”
Ready to try this botanical ingredient? Here’s what you need to know about bakuchiol, from the right serums to how to incorporate it into your skincare routine.
Vogue’s Favorite Bakuchiol Serums
Best Overall: Isdin Melatonik
$175 at Amazon
This nighttime serum has a silky texture and works while you sleep. “It’s a great multitasking, lightweight serum-in-oil well-suited for mature skin,” says dermatologist Deanne Mraz, MD. “The hero ingredient—melatonin—works with your body’s natural rhythm to support skin recovery from UV rays and environmental damage.” Enriched with bakuchiol, it also helps restore skin vitality, elasticity, and texture by stimulating collagen and elastin production.
Key Ingredients: Melatonin, vitamin C, bakuchiol
Size: 30 ml
Pros: Hydrating, gentle on sensitive skin, layers well
Cons: Some find the scent strong
Best for Enlarged Pores: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
$65 at Amazon
Dr. Amin recommends this treatment for its combination of retinol and bakuchiol, which is “great for acne and the appearance of enlarged pores.” It blends these potent ingredients with peptides into a lightweight lotion suitable for all skin types. Apply three times per week to the face and neck for a smoother, softer, brighter complexion over time. While the 0.3% retinol is beginner-friendly, it’s best for experienced users or those without sensitivities.
Key Ingredients: 0.3% retinol, 2% bakuchiol, peptides
Size: 30 mL
Pros: Works for all skin types, treats acne, refines pores
Cons: Some users notice a medicinal smellYou may experience occasional breakouts or flaking as your skin adjusts to the formula.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Serum
Price: $58
Why We Love It: Medik8 is renowned for its retinol and peptide formulas, so we expected great things from this serum. It promotes a youthful glow by boosting firmness and brightness, while ingredients like centella asiatica, Inka omega oil, and aloe vera soothe stressed skin and support the skin barrier. It also feels weightless on the skin.
Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, peptides, centella asiatica, Inka omega oil, sunflower seed oil, aloe vera
Bakuchiol Concentration: 1.25%
Size: 30 mL / 1 fl oz
Love It: Boosts firmness and brightness, supports skin barrier.
Leave It: Some report a slightly oily feel, and it can take a while to absorb.
Best for Breakouts: Typology Sérum Imperfections Bakuchiol 1%
Why We Love It: This French-made, vegan serum is designed to regulate sebum production in acne-prone skin. Dr. Kelly Tufman notes it’s essentially 1% bakuchiol in a hazelnut botanical oil base, ideal for those with slight dryness, occasional breakouts, and residual marks. Dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldenberg adds that this concentration is effective yet gentle and non-irritating.
Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, hazelnut botanical oil
Bakuchiol Concentration: 1%
Sizes: 0.50 fl oz, 1 fl oz
Love It: Regulates sebum, corrects and prevents breakouts.
Leave It: Not ideal for those with very oily skin or persistent acne.
Best Neck Cream: Neostrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream
Price: $98
Why We Love It: This cream pairs bakuchiol with patented ingredients like MicroDiPeptide 229, a micro-peptide that penetrates deeply to lift, firm, and sculpt. Vitamin E provides antioxidants, while NeoCitriate evens skin tone. Dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Bowles recommends it for firming and improving neck complexion, noting it targets sagging, wrinkles, and uneven tone. The brand says it can also be used on the face.
Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, NeoGlucosamine, MicroDiPeptide 229, NeoCitriate, Vitamin E
Bakuchiol Concentration: Not disclosed
Size: 80 g/2.8 oz
Love It: Fragrance-free, transfer-proof, no pilling.
Leave It: Some users wish for faster results, though most see improvement after about 60 days.
Best Eye Cream: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
Price: $13
Why We Love It: For those concerned with crow’s feet and dark circles, bakuchiol can be a gentler alternative to retinol. Dr. Amin suggests it’s a more appropriate choice for people with sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema who want retinol’s benefits but can’t tolerate it. This K-beauty eye cream is powered by bakuchiol and black rice.This eye cream is formulated with fermented black rice, bamboo shoot bark extract, and 0.5% bakuchiol (5,000ppm) to gently smooth fine lines and brighten the eye area. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and has a smooth texture that works well under makeup. However, some users find the packaging, particularly the pump, difficult to use.
Best Plant-Based Option: Herbivore Moon Fruit Serum
Dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen recommends this serum, describing it as a gentle, all-natural formula suitable for all skin types. It smooths fine lines and improves texture without causing irritation. It’s fast-absorbing and pairs well with moisturizers. Users are divided on the scent; some find it pleasant, while others describe it as odd.
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient from the leaves and seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant (babchi), an herb native to India used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.
What is the best form of bakuchiol?
Texture does not interfere with bakuchiol’s efficacy. A serum offers a lightweight delivery, while a cream or oil provides a more hydrating form.
Bakuchiol Versus Retinol: What’s better?
Retinol is considered the gold standard based on decades of data showing it reduces wrinkles, smooths texture, fades hyperpigmentation, and treats acne. However, it can cause redness, peeling, and barrier disruption.
Bakuchiol is best for those with sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin that flares with retinoids, and for people with early signs of aging who want a gentler option. It’s also frequently used in pregnancy skincare, though it’s always best to clear new products with a doctor.
Is it okay to use bakuchiol and retinol together?
They can be combined but it’s generally not needed. For maximum anti-aging or acne treatment, retinol is recommended. For sensitive skin, bakuchiol is often the better choice to avoid irritation. One approach is to alternate them, using retinol a few times a week and bakuchiol on other days.
What percentage of bakuchiol is the most effective?
According to experts, 0.5% to 2% bakuchiol is the most effective range.Percentage Considerations
Beginners or those with sensitive skin may prefer a lower percentage, while experienced users or individuals with deeper wrinkles might benefit from a higher concentration.
Is Bakuchiol a Retinol Alternative?
Bakuchiol is often called a natural retinol alternative, but what does that mean? Dr. Amin explains that while both ingredients work similarly, they are quite different. Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is known to boost collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity. However, it can cause irritation and dryness, especially for those with dry skin. Recent studies suggest bakuchiol offers comparable benefits with a lower risk of irritation. That said, more research is needed to fully compare bakuchiol to prescription retinoids.
Another advantage of bakuchiol is that it remains stable in sunlight and doesn’t increase sun sensitivity—though daily sunscreen is still recommended.
How Long Until You See Results?
“Like most skincare products, it takes a few months to see improvement,” says Dr. Shokeen. “With consistent use, visible results typically appear within 4–12 weeks.” She notes that results may take longer compared to retinol.
Who Should Use Bakuchiol?
According to Dr. Shokeen, bakuchiol is a good option for:
– Those with sensitive skin who can’t tolerate retinol.
– Pregnant or breastfeeding women (after consulting a healthcare provider).
– Anyone seeking a natural retinol alternative.
– People concerned with aging, dark spots, or uneven texture.
Are There Any Downsides?
Though promising, bakuchiol lacks extensive research. “There are very limited studies on bakuchiol,” says Dr. Howard Sobel. “While it may help increase cell turnover and renewal, it can still cause sensitivity, redness, dryness, or stinging. I recommend introducing it slowly.”
What Should You Avoid Pairing with Bakuchiol?
To prevent irritation, Dr. Sobel advises against combining bakuchiol with vitamin A derivatives like retinol. Using too many cell-turnover stimulants at once can lead to redness, dryness, or flakiness.
How We Tested
Our testing process combines expert insight with hands-on evaluation. We consult dermatologists and estheticians to identify standout products, then assess each based on ingredients, texture, packaging, and how well they address specific skin concerns. Our recommendations are informed by personal testing, expert guidance, and user reviews.
Meet the Experts
– Dr. Mina Amin, dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists in Los Angeles.
– Dr. Divya Shokeen, board-certified dermatologist at Ocean Skin and Vein Institute in California.
– Dr. Howard Sobel, board-certified cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Bakuchiol Serums
Beginner Questions
Q What is bakuchiol
A Bakuchiol is a natural plant extract primarily from the Babchi plant Its often called a plantbased retinol because it offers similar skinsmoothing and firming benefits without the common irritation
Q How is bakuchiol different from retinol
A While both can improve wrinkles and skin texture retinol is a vitamin A derivative that can cause redness peeling and sun sensitivity Bakuchiol is gentler suitable for sensitive skin and can be used day or night without the same sensitivity concerns
Q What are the main benefits of using a bakuchiol serum
A The main benefits are reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles improving skin firmness and elasticity smoothing skin texture and providing antioxidant protectionall with minimal risk of irritation
Q Who should use a bakuchiol serum
A Its great for anyone looking for retinollike results especially those with sensitive skin rosacea or who find retinol too harsh Its also a good option for pregnant or nursing individuals who typically avoid retinol
Q Can I use bakuchiol every day
A Yes most bakuchiol serums are gentle enough for daily use both in the morning and evening Always follow the instructions on your specific product
Advanced Practical Questions
Q Can I use bakuchiol with other active ingredients like vitamin C or acids
A Yes bakuchiol is generally very compatible It pairs well with vitamin C in the morning for antioxidant protection You can use it with hyaluronic acid for hydration or with AHAsBHAs but if you have sensitive skin introduce them slowly on alternate nights to monitor tolerance
Q How long does it take to see results from a bakuchiol serum
A You may notice improved hydration and brightness within a few weeks Significant improvements in firmness and fine lines typically take consistent use for about 812 weeks similar to retinol
Q Do I still need to wear sunscreen if I use bakuchiol
A Absolutely While bakuchiol doesnt increase sun sensitivity like retinol sunscreen is the most crucial step in