If you're looking for a natural retinol alternative, bakuchiol may be just what you need. This powerful ingredient has been shown to provide many of the same benefits as retinol, without the associated skin irritations and risks retinol has. Bakuchiol is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, as well as a melanin inhibitor making it ideal for those with sensitive skin as well as acne-prone skin, hyperpigmentation, and mature skin types who want to target fine lines and wrinkles.

What is Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a naturally derived plant compound with the potential to provide similar benefits as retinoids and Vitamin A–based chemicals like Retinoic Acid (RA), which has been shown in research studies. The botanical name is  Psoralea corylifolia, also known as the babchi plant.

Antioxidant Rich Essence

Bakuchiol has been in use within Ayurveda and Eastern medicine for many centuries. Today we see it in skincare as an ingredient used for antiaging treatments to target wrinkles and skin discoloration. Bakuchiol also has antioxidants and is anti-inflammatory.

Collagen Production

Traditionally Retinoids, a prescription strength Vitamin A derivative, have been used to address wrinkles. These are often associated with side effects like burning, stinging, flaking skin, redness and dryness, and increased skin sensitivity as well as photosensitivity.

Retinol Less Strength Retinoid

Retinol, a lesser strength form, is available over the counter and has been predominantly used in skincare for decades for anti wrinkles and skin discoloration as well as acne. Unfortunately, retinol also has increased skin sensitivities, particularly for those with sensitive skin.

Improved Skin Tone

Bakuchiol is believed to activate the same cellular pathways to promote collagen and elastin as Retinoids. Retinoids have been the go-to for addressing wrinkles and fine lines because of their strength and ability to increase cellular turnover.

Bakuchiol is considered to be an alternative that may work similarly to over-the-counter products such as Retinol by activating pathways related to collagen production - meaning it could improve skin tone/texture just like they do!

Improves Hyperpigmentation

Bakuchiol is a naturally occurring plant compound that can help renew collagen and improve skin tone and texture. Resulting in brighter skin and improvement of fine lines and wrinkles as well as a reduction in acne. It's also safe for people who experience acne or hyperpigmentation as well as sensitive skin! Traditionally people who suffered from sensitive skin, rosacea, or other sensitizing issues have had difficulty with retinol and retinoids due to their increase in skin sensitivities.

Limited studies have shown the effectiveness of bakuchiol in pretty comparable degrees to topical retinols. However, retinoids and bakuchiol have not been studied well enough to conclusively determine if they fare the same.

How Often Should You Use Retinol Alternative Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol serums appear to be a safer alternative for most skin types although if you have sensitive skin you should still use caution and start with lower concentrations. We recommend always performing a patch test before full use on the face.

To begin use start with using it only once or twice a week until your skin can adjust to an increased usage of once a day. Always remember to use broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning after applying your moisturizer.

When Will I See Results

The studies we reviewed showed noticeable changes to the skin within 12 weeks, however, every person has a different extent of damage and factors that contribute to their skin issues and results may vary. We encourage you to take before and after photos so you can compare changes as they occur.

Best  Bakuchiol Serums Top 5

Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Serum

Dry Skin-Sensitive Skin

Bakuchiol Peptides are the ideal solution for those seeking an alternative to retinol and who want brighter skin without feeling greasy or heavy. This bakuchiol serum combines 1-25% pure bakuchiol with brightening peptide precursors, cica extract (a natural mushroom ingredient) giving it a gentle but powerful ability to soften visible signs of aging while also making your complexion look more even-toned - all-day long! Get radiant, soft skin with this retinol alternative formula by Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptide Infused Serum. Safe for all skin types. This nourishing oil can be used day or night.

Benefits

Softer skin texture

Improved appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Gentle enough for all skin types

Improvement in skin discoloration

Anti-aging Peptides

Moisturizing

Key Ingredients

• Bakuchiol
• Triglycerides
• Sunflower Seed Oil
• Jojoba Seed Oil
• Indica Fruit
• Moringa Oil
• Aloe
• Olive Fruit Oil
• Cica
• Inca Peanut Extract
• False Daisy
• Vitamin E

Paula's Choice CLINICAL 0.3 Retinol 2 Bakuchiol Treatment

Mature  Skin Types

Bakuchiol Serum and Peptides are the ideal solutions for those seeking an alternative to retinol and who want brighter skin without feeling greasy or heavy. This phyto retinol serum combines 1-25% pure bakuchiol with brightening peptide precursors, cica extract (a natural mushroom ingredient) giving it gentle but powerful power to soften visible signs of aging while also making your complexion look more even toned - all day long! This gentle retinol serum is safe for those with uneven skin texture and those who want to more even toned skin. Paula's Choice helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with this gentle Bakuchiol and Retinol serum.

For more information on Paula's Choice Clinical Retinol and Bakuchiol formula. Watch this Youtube video.

Benefits

Softer, smoother skin texture

Improved appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and deep wrinkles

Improvement in skin discoloration and uneven skin tone

Anti-aging Peptides

Light Moisturizing

Key Ingredients

• Bakuchiol
• Shea Butter
• Glycerin
• Retinol
• Peptides
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Licorice Root
• Olive Fruit Oil
• Willow Bark Extract
• Burdock Root Extract
• Soybean
• Vitamin E

Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum

Acne Prone & Mature, Hyperpigmentation

An anti-aging bakuchiol serum that brightens and fades the appearance of stubborn dark spots. Designed for all skin types, this Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum from Allies of Skin is just the ticket to achieving a healthier natural glow by speeding up the cellular renewal process. In addition, it helps fade and lighten dark spots and increase skin elasticity. For oily skin types and acne-prone skin this highly concentrated facial serum has 11% mandelic acid, lactic, and salicylic acid (AHA's also known as alpha hydroxy acids). These work together to reduce blemishes or blackheads as well as refine large pores with their powerful AHA properties that also help Speed Up Cellular Renewal and strengthen the skin's barrier with increased hydration. Unlike retinol, this formula is designed with anti-aging benefits that help promote healthy skin increasing cell turnover for radiant skin.

Key Benefits

Reduction of age spots, melasma and skin discoloration

Improved radiance and more even skin tone

Reduction in the appearance of pores

Increased cellular renewal through exfoliation

Improvement in fine lines and wrinkles

Reduction in acne, blemishes and blackheads

Reduces breakouts and acne scarring

Reduces inflammation and excessive melanin production

Repair damaged skin cells

Key Ingredients

• Bakuchiol
• Mandelic Acid
• Salicylic acid
• Lactic Acid
• Peptides
• Rumex Occidentallis Extract
• Rosehip Fruit Oil
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Niacinamide
• Superoxide Dismutase
• White Tea Leaf Extract
• Resveratrol
• Vitamin E

GLOWBIOTICS Probiotic AntiPollution Firming Treatment

All Skin Types- Pollution Fighter

GLOWBIOTICS Probiotic Anti-Pollution + Firming Treatment is a powerful and innovative way to keep your skin looking young. This treatment creates an instant defensive layer on the face and neck area that protects against environmental factors like pollution or dirt which can cause signs of aging such as wrinkles with its exclusive anti-pollution complex powered by probiotics for a healthier-looking complexion in all areas! Get a younger, more vibrant complexion with the help of this exclusive anti-pollution complex! It's made up of not just one but two different compounds; an effective skin barrier from toxins AND protection against eco factors. The probiotics and Bakuchiol also help balance out your microbiome so you get all this great treatment without any side effects or worries about problematic ingredients like harsh chemicals found in many skincare products today.

Key Benefits:

• Acts as a natural barrier against eco-factors and toxins
• promotes youthful-looking skin
• Helps balance the skin's microbiome to improve skin health

Key Ingredients:

• Exclusive Anti-Pollution Complex
• Skin Tightening Complex
• Infrared Anti-Aging Complex
• Probiotics
• Bakuchiol
• Jojoba Seed Oil
• Beta Glucan
• Tomato Seed Oil
• Vitamin E
• Lavender Oil
• Eucalyptus
• Cranberry Seed Oil
• Sunflower Seed Oil
• Red Algae

Follain Firming Serum Collagen

For Normal to Dry Skin Types

Follain Firming Serum- This Collagen Boosting serum is powered by 1% Bakuchiol (natural Retinol alternative), 2% Peptides, and Niacinamide to visibly help firm and plump the skin. Rose Flower Water helps to soften and hydrate the skin and infuse the healing benefits of rose. Bakuchiol is an anti aging ingredient that can help promote collagen boosting effects to your skin with this formula.

Key Benefits

Increased hydration

Soft supple skin

Increased skin firmness

Improvement to discoloration

Key Ingredients

• Bakuchiol
• Rose Water
• Peptide
• Niacinamide
• Rosehip Oil
• Brown Seaweed
• Hyaluronic Acid

As you can see there are plenty of options for every skin type with these best Bakuchiol serums. When deciding which formula to use simply look for the right formula geared for your own skin type. For skin conditions like  hyperpigmentation look for products that help to reduce melanin production or increase skin exfoliation with ingredients like mandelic, glycolic or lactic acids.

Don't forget to wear your daily broad spectrum sunscreen to protect your skin from damaging UV rays.

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PAID ENDORSEMENT DISCLOSURE: As a staff of licensed aestheticians we review products based on their merit and our professional expertise. This is not a replacement for your own skin therapist's advice for your skin or any medical claim or endorsement. We encourage you to seek medical care when appropriate. To support our website activities, we may receive monetary compensation or another form of recompense for our endorsement, recommendation, testimonials, and/or links to any products or services from this website as an Amazon Associate or other affililiate.