Retinol gets a lot of attention, and for good reason. It's been studied for decades. But if you have mature skin, you may know its downsides as well as its promises: redness, flaking, stinging, and that tight feeling that leaves you wondering whether your skin is being helped or hurt.
I wanted something gentler. After a lifetime among plants, I found it in bakuchiol, a botanical active that, in research so far, offers retinol-like results with far less irritation. That's why it's in our bakuchiol body creams.
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol (buh-KOO-chee-ol) is a plant-based skincare ingredient taken from the seeds of the babchi plant, Psoralea corylifolia. So, is bakuchiol a retinol? No. It isn't a form of vitamin A at all, but it behaves in a similar way on skin, which is why it's often called a natural retinol alternative.
The babchi plant has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese practices. Modern skincare discovered bakuchiol more recently, and research has been catching up ever since.
Bakuchiol vs. retinol: how do they compare?
Both help skin look smoother and more even over time. The difference is how gently they get you there.
|
|
Retinol |
Bakuchiol |
|---|---|---|
|
Source |
Vitamin A derivative |
Babchi plant seeds |
|
Research |
Decades of studies |
Newer, smaller studies |
|
Common side effects |
Redness, flaking, stinging |
Generally well tolerated |
|
When to use |
Usually at night only |
Morning or night |
|
Sun sensitivity |
Can increase it |
Not known to increase it |
|
Best for |
Skin that tolerates strong actives |
Mature, sensitive, or easily irritated skin |
What the research says. In a 2019 study in the British Journal of Dermatology, 44 people used either bakuchiol or retinol on their faces for 12 weeks. Both groups saw similar improvements in fine lines and uneven pigmentation. The retinol group reported more scaling and stinging.
Here's where I want to be straight with you. That was one small study, and retinol still has far more research behind it. But for mature skin that's grown more sensitive, results that are comparable and comfortable are exactly what I was looking for.
Bakuchiol vs. retinol for sensitive, mature skin
Mature skin isn't a problem waiting to be fixed. It's skin that has lived, adapted, and carried you through a lifetime. What it deserves most is nourishment, gentleness, and ingredients that work with it.
As skin matures, it tends to make less oil, grow thinner, and become more reactive. A strong active that leaves you red and flaking isn't celebrating that skin. It's fighting it. Bakuchiol lets you care for your skin every day without the recovery period.
That's why I made it part of our body creams, alongside plant butters, botanical oils, and niacinamide. Skincare was never meant to turn back the clock. It's about showing up for your skin, at every age, with ingredients it can trust.
How to use bakuchiol
Bakuchiol doesn't need the slow, careful introduction retinol often does. Smooth a bakuchiol body cream over your arms, legs, hands, and chest once or twice a day, ideally after a warm bath or shower. Give it time. In the 2019 study, results were measured after 12 weeks of steady use.
It gets along with the ingredients you already love:
- Niacinamide helps skin hold moisture and supports your barrier.
- A buttermilk bath first makes it a ritual. Soak, pat dry, then apply.
And as always, sunscreen is your skin's best friend on sunny days.
Bakuchiol vs. retinol: FAQ
Is bakuchiol a retinol?
No. Bakuchiol is a plant extract, not a retinol or any form of vitamin A. It's called a retinol alternative because it gives skin similar benefits through a gentler path.
Is bakuchiol as effective as retinol?
In the one head-to-head study so far, bakuchiol gave results comparable to retinol for fine lines and uneven pigmentation over 12 weeks, with less irritation. It was a small study, so more research is welcome, but the early results are encouraging.
Is bakuchiol good for sensitive, mature skin?
For most people, yes. Being gentler than retinol is its biggest advantage. As with anything new, try a little on a small area first if your skin is very reactive.
Can you use bakuchiol and retinol together?
Yes, some people do, and bakuchiol may help skin feel more comfortable alongside retinol. If you're using a prescription retinoid, check with your dermatologist first.
Can I use bakuchiol in the morning?
Yes. Unlike retinol, which is usually saved for nighttime, bakuchiol can be used morning or night.
Does bakuchiol make your skin sensitive to the sun?
It isn't known to increase sun sensitivity the way retinol can. Daily sunscreen is still a good habit for every skin.
Is bakuchiol safe during pregnancy?
Bakuchiol isn't a retinoid, but research on pregnancy is limited. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor before using it.
Can I use bakuchiol with niacinamide?
Yes. They pair beautifully, which is why you'll find both in our body creams.
Finish the ritual
If you've wanted the benefits people talk about with retinol, without the redness and flaking, bakuchiol is a lovely place to start. Choose a scent that lifts your mood, like romantic Rose Garden, bright Sugared Orange, or fresh Lemon Sparkle.
Your skin has carried you this far. It deserves care that feels good every single day. Explore our bakuchiol body creams and find your favorite.
Happier skin awaits you.