You’re likely well-aware of the reparative, anti-aging benefits of retinol, but for those interested in firming and brightening sans irritation—allows us introduce you to the best bakuchiol serums. The ingredient is oft-recommended by dermatologists and estheticians as a plant-based “retinol alternative.” “The main benefit of bakuchiol is it can stimulate collagen production,” board-certified dermatologist Mina Amin, MD, tells Vogue. “In a 12-week clinical study, bakuchiol resulted in significant improvement in facial fine lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity, firmness, and pigmentation,” she says.
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With such impressive results in a world where promoting a youthful visage is top of mind for most, it’s no surprise bakuchiol is being used by many of the leading skincare brands—and in high demand by customers. Ahead, everything you need to know about bakuchiol—from the best bakuchiol serums to how to appropriately add it into your routine.
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Best for Enlarged Pores: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
- Why We Love It: Amin cites this treatment as a top pick for its combination of retinol and bakuchiol which is “great for acne and the appearance of enlarged pores.” In typical Paula’s Choice fashion, this is powerful, yet gentle—whipping the two potent ingredients, plus peptides, into a lightweight lotion suitable for all skin types. Just lather it on three times per week across the face and neck for a smoother, softer, brighter complexion over time. Though the retinol concentration is on the lower end (0.3%) and therefore good for beginners, we’d still recommend reaching for this as an experienced retinoid user or those without skin sensitivities.
- Key Ingredients: 0.3% retinol, 2% bakuchiol, peptides
- Bakuchiol Concentration: 2%
- Size: 30 mL / 1 fl oz
Best for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Serum
- Why We Love It: From our research and testing, Medik8 stands out for two things: retinol and peptides—its Crystal Retinal 3 and Oxy-R Peptides are two Vogue editor favorite face serums. So we knew its Bakuchiol Peptides Serum would be something special. Not only does it have the ability to promote a youthful glow by boosting skin’s firmness and brightness, but it also utilizes centella asiatica, Inka omega oil, and aloe vera to remedy stressed skin—simultaneously supporting skin barrier health. Not to mention, it sits weightlessly 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
Best for Dry Skin: Allies of Skin CE15 Bakuchiol Firming Oil
- Why We Love It: As a face oil, locking in moisture is the name of the game for Allies of Skin’s CE15 bakuchiol elixir. It uses 11 oils (rosehip, sea buckthorn, argan, and pumpkin seed to name a few) as a base plus vitamin E to deliver antioxidant protection and quench dehydrated skin. Then there is bakuchiol and teprenone which improve skin’s elasticity for a firmer, smoother complexion over time.
- Key Ingredients: 10% Vitamin C, 5% Vitamin E, 1% Bakuchiol, 3% Teprenone, Coenzyme Q10
- Bakuchiol Concentration: 1%
- Size: 30 mL / 1 fl oz
Best Eye Cream: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
- Why We Love It: Crow’s feet and dark circles are two reasons one might reach for a retinol eye cream, but a bakuchiol potion might be better suited for some. “Given the lower risk of irritation when compared to retinol, bakuchiol may be a more appropriate choice for people with sensitive skin, including those with rosacea and eczema, who desire the skincare benefits of retinol but cannot tolerate it,” says Amin. If that sounds like you, look no further than K-beauty brand HaruHaru Wonder’s Black Rice eye cream powered by fermented black rice, bamboo shoot bark extract, and 5,000ppm of bakuchiol to gently smooth fine lines while awakening the eye area.
- Key Ingredients: Fermented black rice, bamboo shoot bark extract, bakuchiol, ginseng root extract
- Bakuchiol Concentration: 5,000ppm (0.5%)
- Size: 20mL / 0.67 fl oz
Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Renewing Cream
- Why We Love It: If you’re looking to pick up a bakuchiol product from your local drugstore, Cetaphil’s Healthy Radiance Renewing Cream should be your go-to. It’s powered by bakuchiol and niacinamide which Amin says “work to help with any redness, discoloration, and fine lines”— not to mention its ability to help fade dark spots for a more even skin tone.
- Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, 2% niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, peppermint leaf extract
- Bakuchiol Concentration: Not listed
- Size: 50 mL / 1.7 fl oz
Best Sunscreen: Supergoop! Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40
- Why We Love It: Turns out, bakuchiol can also be effective in your chosen sunscreen for face—and of course, Supergoop! has delivered a stellar formula worth a spot in your vanity. “I love that this option is combined with sunscreen to save a step in the skin-care routine while also maximizing the skin-care benefits,” Amin says. And because you’d be using SPF in the morning, you could still use your typical retinol in the evening. You know what that means? An optimized regimen sure to meet your wrinkle-fighting, dark spot-fading goals with ease.
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide 16.5%, bakuchiol, peptide, olive esters, glycerin
- Bakuchiol Concentration: Not listed
- Size: 30 mL / 1 fl oz
Best for Uneven Skin Tone: Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum
- Why We Love It: “Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum is made with hyaluronic acid so it is very hydrating,” Amin explains. “[It also contains] niacinamide which can work with bakuchiol to help with any redness, dark spots, and fine lines.” A French pharmacy staple, enriched with the brand’s thermal spring water, this is fast-absorbing, helps strengthen the skin barrier, and should cause no irritation.
- Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, photostable vitamin E, Avène thermal spring water
- Bakuchiol Concentration:
- Size: 30 mL / 1.0 fl oz
Best Plant-Based: Herbivore Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Serum
- Why We Love It: Dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen recommends Herbivore’s serum—describing it as “a gentle, all-natural formula suitable for all skin types. It smooths fine lines and improves skin texture without causing irritation.” Plus, it’s plant-based and boasts a nourishing serum-texture that sinks into skin and pairs well with face moisturizers to follow.
- Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, plant peptides, Schisandra berry extract, jojoba seed oil, glycerin
- Bakuchiol Concentration: 1%
- Size: 30 mL / 1 fl oz
What is bakuchiol?
“Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient from the leaves and seeds of Psoralea corylifolia plant (AKA babchi),” says Amin. “This herb is native to India and has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.”
What is the best form of bakuchiol?
Amin explains that texture does not interfere with bakuchiol’s efficacy meaning that it can be integrated as a serum or cream to your liking. “A serum formulation offers a more lightweight method of delivery of bakuchiol,” she says, while “a cream or oil would offer a more hydrating form of delivery of the bakuchiol.”
What percentage of bakuchiol is the most effective?
According to Amin, 0.5-2% of bakuchiol is the most effective percentage. Beginners or those with skin sensitivities might look for a lower percentage, whereas experienced users or those with deep wrinkles may find a higher percentage more appropriate.
Is bakuchiol a “retinol alternative”?
Bakuchiol is often dubbed a plant-based, retinol-alternative but what does that actually mean? Amin explains that this comparison highlights that the two ingredients work similarly, but they are actually quite different. “Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is known to stimulate collagen production, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and increase skin elasticity,” she explains. “However, retinol is commonly associated with side effects of irritation and dryness, most notably for individuals with dry skin. Recent research supports the notion that bakuchiol demonstrates these same benefits with less of a risk of irritation.” Amin continues that future research is needed to determine the efficacy of bakuchiol in comparison to prescription retinoids.
Another reason to consider bakuchiol versus retinol is that the former is stable in sunlight and does not result in increased sun sensitivity—though Amin bids that sunscreen wear is still recommended.
How long does it take to see the results of bakuchiol?
“Just like most products—it takes a few months to see improvement,” says Shokeen. “You can expect to see visible improvements in 4-12 weeks of consistent use.” She continues that results can be longer compared to retinol.
Who should use bakuchiol?
According to Shokeen, the following people should use bakuchiol:
- Individuals with sensitive skin who can’t tolerate retinol.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (always consult with a healthcare provider).
- People looking for a natural alternative to retinol.
- Those with issues concerning aging, hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin texture.
Meet The Experts
- Mina Amin, MD, is a Los Angeles-based dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center.
- Divya Shokeen, MD, is a California-based, board-certified dermatologist at the Ocean Skin and Vein Institute.