Bakuchiol vs. Retinol: The Natural Alternative You Need to Know

September 29, 2025

When it comes to skincare, one of the biggest questions I hear from women is, “Should I use retinol or try bakuchiol instead?” I completely understand why this feels confusing. Both promise smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, and that healthy glow we all want, but the way they work on your skin can feel so different.

For years, retinol has been the go-to ingredient for dermatologists and beauty lovers alike. Many people see retinol as the ultimate go-to when it comes to anti-aging skincare. But let’s be honest, retinol can also be harsh, and many of us have experienced the redness, peeling, or sensitivity that comes with it. That’s where bakuchiol steps in as a natural, gentle, and surprisingly effective alternative.

In this guide, I want to walk you through what makes each ingredient unique, its benefits, and how you can choose the one that feels right for your skin. By the end, you’ll feel confident about whether to stick with retinol, switch to bakuchiol, or even use them together for the best of both worlds.

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that has been widely studied and proven to transform the skin. When applied, it encourages your skin cells to renew faster. That translates into softer, smoother skin, visibly reduced fine lines, and a brighter, more balanced complexion with consistent use. It also boosts collagen production, helping to firm the skin and reduce visible signs of aging.

This is why dermatologists often recommend retinol as one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients available. It doesn’t just mask concerns; it works on a deeper level to actually improve the way your skin behaves.

Still, I know a lot of women feel unsure about using it, and honestly, I completely understand why. Retinol can be quite strong, especially in the beginning. Common side effects include dryness, redness, peeling, or increased sensitivity to sunlight. It also isn’t safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, which makes it less flexible for women who want a year-round, worry-free option.

So while retinol delivers incredible results, it often requires patience, careful use, and a good routine to balance out its intensity.

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol (pronounced buh-koo-chee-ol) is a natural, plant-based ingredient that comes from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. It’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine, but only recently has it become popular in the skincare world as a gentle alternative to retinol.

What I love about bakuchiol is that it gives your skin very similar results to retinol—like smoother texture, fewer fine lines, and a more radiant complexion—but without the irritation that many women struggle with. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol doesn’t cause dryness, peeling, or sensitivity, which makes it a dream for those of us with delicate or easily reactive skin.

Another big plus? Bakuchiol is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which means you don’t have to pause your skincare routine during those important life stages. It’s also a great option if you want to keep your routine more natural and plant-powered while still targeting aging, uneven skin tone, or loss of firmness.

Key Benefits: Bakuchiol vs. Retinol

Both retinol and bakuchiol have powerful benefits for your skin. Retinol has long been the gold standard with plenty of research to support its results, but bakuchiol is emerging as a gentler, more approachable alternative that’s equally exciting.

Here’s a simple comparison to help you see their key differences at a glance:

Benefit	Retinol	Bakuchiol
Anti-aging (reduces wrinkles, fine lines)	✔️ Proven gold standard	✔️ Shown to deliver similar results
Boosts collagen (firmer, plumper skin)	✔️ Strong effect	✔️ Gentle but effective
Skin irritation (redness, dryness, peeling)	❌ Common side effect	✔️ Rare, very gentle
Safe during pregnancy/breastfeeding	❌ Not safe	✔️ Yes, safe to use
Skin type suitability	Works best for normal to oily skin; may be harsh on sensitive skin	Safe for all skin types, even sensitive
Sun sensitivity	❌ Increases photosensitivity	✔️ No added sun sensitivity
Natural origin	❌ Synthetic derivative of Vitamin A	✔️ 100% plant-based

What this means is that retinol is still the go-to if you’re looking for the fastest, strongest results, and your skin can handle the adjustment. But if you want a kinder, more natural, and pregnancy-safe alternative, bakuchiol is the perfect choice.

How Do They Work on the Skin?

Even though bakuchiol and retinol are different in origin, one being plant-based and the other a vitamin A derivative, they actually influence the skin in surprisingly similar ways.

Retinol helps the skin renew itself faster while also encouraging collagen, which keeps the skin firm and youthful. This is why you’ll notice smoother, firmer skin and a reduction in wrinkles over time. But the catch? Because it’s so active, it can also strip away too much too quickly, leaving skin red, flaky, and sensitive if not used properly.
Bakuchiol, on the other hand, works more gently. Rather than pushing your skin into rapid exfoliation, it gently encourages natural cell renewal and boosts collagen production over time. Think of it as a soft encouragement rather than a push. It gives you the same brightening, firming, and smoothing benefits, but in a way that feels kinder and less overwhelming for your skin barrier.

That’s why many dermatologists now say bakuchiol can mimic retinol’s results, especially when it comes to anti-aging, but without the common irritation.

Studies & Results You Should Know

What I find so exciting about bakuchiol is that it’s not just hype; it actually has science behind it. Research has found that bakuchiol helps smooth fine lines, support firmness, and create a more even skin tone—offering results very similar to retinol, but with less irritation.

For example, in one study, women who used bakuchiol twice a day saw the same level of wrinkle reduction and skin smoothness as those using retinol once a day, but without the redness and peeling. That’s huge for anyone who has struggled to stick with retinol because of irritation.

Another interesting finding is that bakuchiol also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which means it not only supports anti-aging but also calms your skin while protecting it from environmental stress (like pollution and UV exposure). Retinol doesn’t offer that soothing effect, which is another reason bakuchiol feels gentler and more holistic.

To put it simply:

Retinol = powerful, proven, but sometimes harsh.
Bakuchiol = gentle, natural, effective, and easier to tolerate long-term.

Who Should Use Which?

This is where things get personal, because choosing between bakuchiol and retinol really depends on your skin and lifestyle.

If you have sensitive skin that easily turns red, flakes, or feels tight, bakuchiol will likely be your best friend. It’s also a safer choice if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, since retinol is not recommended during those times.
If you’re new to active skincare and just starting to build a routine, bakuchiol gives you a gentle entry point without the stress of side effects.
If you already use retinol and your skin tolerates it well, you don’t have to switch completely. Some women actually use both, retinol at night and bakuchiol in the morning, for an extra boost of collagen support.
If you’re really focused on tackling deep wrinkles, stubborn acne, or advanced photo-aging, retinol might still give you faster, more dramatic results, though it does require more patience and careful use.

The good news? Both options are effective. The key is choosing what feels sustainable for your skin.

How to Add Bakuchiol to Your Routine

If you’re ready to try bakuchiol, the transition is much smoother than starting retinol. Here’s how I like to guide people:

Cleanser + Toner: Start with your regular gentle cleanse.
Bakuchiol Serum or Cream: Apply a pea-sized amount to your face and neck.
Moisturizer: Lock in hydration with a nourishing cream or lotion.
SPF (daytime): Always protect your skin with sunscreen, since bakuchiol still works best when your skin is shielded from UV damage.

You can use bakuchiol morning and night since it doesn’t increase sun sensitivity like retinol does. That makes it a really flexible option for everyday skincare.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for easy reference:

Step	Retinol	Bakuchiol
Frequency	2–3 nights a week (start slow)	Daily, AM + PM
Side Effects	Dryness, peeling, irritation	Rare, usually well-tolerated
Best For	Deep wrinkles, acne, photo-aging	Sensitive skin, prevention, pregnancy-safe

The takeaway? Bakuchiol is like the friendlier, more approachable version of retinol—you get the benefits without the stress.

Safety, Side Effects & Buying Tips

One of the things I absolutely love about bakuchiol is how gentle and safe it is compared to retinol. Most people, including those with very sensitive skin, can use it without experiencing dryness, peeling, or redness. That being said, everyone’s skin is unique, so I always recommend doing a quick patch test on your inner arm or jawline before applying it all over your face.

When you’re shopping for bakuchiol products, here are a few things to look out for:

Concentration: Most serums and creams contain around 0.5%–2% bakuchiol, which is considered effective and safe.
Formulation: Pairing bakuchiol with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, or peptides can enhance its soothing and anti-aging benefits.
Packaging: Choose products in dark, airtight bottles to keep the ingredients stable and potent.
Quality: Always go for trusted, clean beauty brands that are transparent about their ingredients.

The bottom line? Bakuchiol is generally very safe, even for long-term use, but like any new skincare product, it’s about finding the right formula that works best for your skin’s needs.