Bakuchiol gets marketed as a "natural retinol alternative," which oversimplifies what's actually a different ingredient with a similar end goal: smoother texture and softer-looking fine lines, with less irritation risk along the way.
What bakuchiol actually is
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound from the babchi plant, which studies suggest can produce some retinol-like effects on skin, such as improved texture and support for collagen, without directly working through the same mechanism as retinol. It's not a stronger or weaker version of retinol; it's a different ingredient that lands in a similar category of use.
How it compares to retinol
- Irritation: bakuchiol is generally much gentler, with far less risk of the redness, peeling and purging that can come with starting retinol.
- Speed of results: retinol tends to show visible change faster for deeper concerns; bakuchiol's effects are usually more gradual.
- Sun sensitivity: retinol increases sun sensitivity notably; bakuchiol does so to a much lesser degree, though daily sunscreen still matters with either.
- Sensitive skin: bakuchiol is the more commonly chosen option for those who find retinol too irritating.
Where to find it
PURITO's Timeless Bloom Bakuchiol Serum and Retinol Spot Cream combine bakuchiol with a low-dose retinol for a middle-ground option, while TIA'M's Vita A Bakuchiol Youth Serum leans fully into bakuchiol alone. APLB's Retinol Vitamin C E line takes the opposite approach, using true retinol alongside brightening actives for those who tolerate it well.
Which should you choose?
If you're new to anti-aging actives, have sensitive skin, or want to avoid retinol specifically, bakuchiol is the sensible starting point. If you've used retinol before without issues and want faster results, there's little reason to switch.
Browse retinol and bakuchiol products to compare your options.