Is bakuchiol as good as retinol?

A few small studies report comparable appearance benefits with less irritation, but the evidence is limited and far younger than retinol’s. It is a reasonable gentler option, not a proven equal.

Can I use bakuchiol during the day?

Unlike retinoids, it is not flagged as light-sensitive, so it is commonly formulated for both morning and evening use. Daytime sunscreen is still worthwhile with any active aimed at the appearance of fine lines.

Who is bakuchiol best suited for?

It is often chosen by people who find retinol irritating or who are avoiding retinoids for personal or medical reasons, as well as by those wanting a gentler entry point before trying a stronger retinoid.

Plant-derived antioxidant

Bakuchiol

INCI: Bakuchiol·Studied at 0.5–1%·Limited evidence

A plant compound extracted from Psoralea corylifolia seeds, marketed as a gentler "retinol alternative" for the appearance of fine lines. It is more shelf-stable than retinol and does not carry the same light-sensitivity or irritation profile, making it easier to formulate and to layer with other actives. Its evidence base is far younger and thinner than retinol’s, resting on a small number of studies rather than decades of research.

Studied for

·The appearance of fine lines
·The look of a smoother, more even surface
·Support for the visible comfort of skin during a retinoid-free routine
·The appearance of firmer-looking skin over consistent use

How it’s thought to work

Studied for association with retinol-like appearance benefits, though it works through different, less well-mapped pathways than a true retinoid. The body of evidence is still early, built mainly from a handful of small head-to-head trials against retinol rather than the larger research base retinol itself has. Its shelf stability and lack of light sensitivity make it easier to combine with other daytime actives, which is part of its appeal as an alternative.

Landmark study· studied at 0.5%

Topical bakuchiol was linked to visibly softer looking wrinkles and more even toned skin after 12 weeks, with less visible scaling than retinol.

Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology, 2019.

View on PubMed (PMID 29947134) ↗

Questions

Is bakuchiol as good as retinol?: A few small studies report comparable appearance benefits with less irritation, but the evidence is limited and far younger than retinol’s. It is a reasonable gentler option, not a proven equal.
Can I use bakuchiol during the day?: Unlike retinoids, it is not flagged as light-sensitive, so it is commonly formulated for both morning and evening use. Daytime sunscreen is still worthwhile with any active aimed at the appearance of fine lines.
Who is bakuchiol best suited for?: It is often chosen by people who find retinol irritating or who are avoiding retinoids for personal or medical reasons, as well as by those wanting a gentler entry point before trying a stronger retinoid.

Serums we’ve scored with Bakuchiol

References

This dossier covers the efficacy evidence. For the safety and concern profile of Bakuchiol, see PlainBody ↗, our sister site.