This is why it’s known as nature’s retinol.
For decades, retinol has been the popular choice for tackling fine lines, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone. But it can be too harsh for sensitive skin and cause flaking, redness, and irritation. This is where Bakuchiol comes in, it's a gentle plant-based alternative that gives similar results without that harshness.
What Is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol (pronounced bah-koo-chee-ol) is a natural extract from the Psoralea corylifolia plant, long used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It's known as the natural retinol alternative because it helps soften signs of ageing, brighten the skin, and refine texture without the potential side effects that come with traditional retinols.
Bakuchiol vs Retinol
Both Bakuchiol and retinol target the same concerns: fine lines, uneven skin tone, loss of firmness, and dull texture. They both work by encouraging collagen production and speeding up cell turnover.
Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A, known for softening fine lines and speeding up cell renewal, but it can come with a tricky adjustment period, including dryness, flaking, redness, and increased sun sensitivity. Because it breaks down in sunlight, retinol is a night-only ingredient, and daily SPF is a must while you’re using it.
Bakuchiol supports collagen production and improves skin texture in a way that’s comparable to retinol, it is far better tolerated, and you can wear it day or night.
The Science of Bakuchiol
Research shows that Bakuchiol, when applied twice daily for 12 weeks, was just as effective as retinol in reducing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation without the dryness, redness, or irritation retinol often causes.
Further research confirms Bakuchiol's antioxidant activity, collagen-boosting potential, and ability to calm inflammatory skin conditions without compromising the skin barrier.
Ready to try it? These are my favourites.
Bakuchiol Serums
MooGoo Bakuchiol Anti-Ageing Active Serum
This light, fast-absorbing serum blends bakuchiol with jojoba oil, shea butter and natural vitamin E to support collagen production, smooth fine lines and even skin tone. There’s a mild oat scent, and it suits all skin types including sensitive and reactive skin. Use it nightly after cleansing, let it soak in for a few minutes, then follow with your moisturiser.
100% Pure Bakuchiol Face Oil
A multi award-winning face oil made with the clinically proven percentage of bakuchiol to target cellular turnover, fine lines, uneven skin tone and loss of firmness. It’s non-greasy and absorbs quickly, and mature, dry and sensitive skin that finds traditional retinol too harsh does especially well on it.
LAMAV Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Booster
The LAMAV Bakuchiol Booster is a 4% Bakuchiol blend enhanced with adaptogenic herbs Ashwagandha, Ginseng and Holy Basil to support skin against stressors, plus antioxidants from Pomegranate and Green Tea. It combines Ayurvedic herbs with Australian native bio-actives and is certified organic.
Bakuchiol Day Creams
100% Pure Bakuchiol Moisturiser
The 100% Pure Bakuchiol Moisturiser pairs bakuchiol with Kojic Acid and Liquorice Extract to brighten, 3% Niacinamide to refine tone and texture, and Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane for lasting hydration. Skin is left soft and plump without any heaviness.
KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Moisturiser
In KORA’s 4-week study of 55 retinol users, 85% said it was more effective than the retinol products they had used before, 87% said skin looked firmer and tightened, and 96% had no irritation. The KORA Organics Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Moisturiser is a richly nourishing cream formulated with a 5% Bakuchiol and Alfalfa blend, Acai Stem Cells for antioxidant support, and a Natural Peptide and Ceramide Blend to firm, plump and lock in moisture.
Bakuchiol Night Creams
Black Chicken Remedies Natural Retinol Night Mask
The Black Chicken Remedies Natural Retinol Night Mask is an overnight bakuchiol sleep mask that supports the skin’s natural renewal process while you sleep. It helps maintain the skin’s barrier, deeply hydrates and rebalances overnight, so the complexion looks refreshed by morning. Gentle enough for sensitive and combination skin.
Metamorphosis Luminous Bakuchiol Cell Renewal Balm
This rich overnight balm from Vanessa Megan’s Metamorphosis range is made specifically for peri and menopausal skin. It melts in to restore volume loss with an extreme moisture boost while improving cellular turnover and supporting collagen synthesis, for smoother, more radiant skin.
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