Bakuchiol vs Retinol: What’s the Real Difference?

Confused about Bakuchiol vs Retinol? Learn the real difference, how they work, and how to use them in your routine.

Bakuchiol? Retinol? What the heck is the difference?

Skincare ingredients keep evolving so fast it's hard to keep up, even for us and we're around it all day!

Bakuchiol and retinol are both popular for anti-aging and skin renewal. But they’re not the same. Let’s break down what makes each special, so you can pick the one (or both!) that suits your skin best.

A Little Backstory

(If you like the nerdy stuff — skip to the next section if not! 😅)

Bakuchiol

• Rose to fame in the late 2010s during the “natural skincare” boom.

• Used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.

• Gained popularity as a plant-based alternative to retinol, especially for sensitive skin.

• Studies showed similar anti-aging benefits without the harsh irritation.

  Today you'll find it in serums, moisturisers and clean beauty formulas.

Retinol

• A skincare staple since the 1980s for acne and anti-aging.

• Prescription retinoids (like tretinoin) approved for fine lines in 1995.

• Huge rise in popularity in the 2000s–2010s with clinical skincare trends.

• Backed by decades of research for wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and acne.

  Retinol remains one of the most trusted ingredients in modern skincare.

Bakuchiol vs Retinol - The Quick Guts

	Bakuchiol	Retinol
Source	Plant-derived from Psoralea corylifolia seeds and leaves.	Synthetic or animal-derived (note: our brands are synthetic).
How it works	Mimics retinol’s effects (boosts collagen, reduces fine lines, improves texture) but gentler.	Speeds up cell turnover to reduce wrinkles, lines, pigmentation and acne.
Benefits	Non-irritating for sensitive skin Helps with hyperpigmentation and acne Antioxidant-rich for even tone and protection	Highly effective for collagen and renewal Strong evidence for anti-aging and acne Improves texture, tone, and reduces pores
Side Effects	Rare, mild irritation possible	Possible irritation, redness, dryness, peeling (especially at first)
Best for	Sensitive or reactive skin, natural/plant-based skincare fans	Normal to oily skin that can tolerate stronger actives

Key Differences

Irritation:

• Bakuchiol = gentler, less risk of dryness and peeling.

• Retinol = effective but can irritate.

  
  

Effectiveness:

• Retinol = more potent, faster visible results.

• Bakuchiol = subtler, gradual change with fewer side effects.

Skin Type:

• Retinol = robust skin, anti-aging or acne.

• Bakuchiol = sensitive, reactive skin types.

Can You Use Both?

Short answer? Yes! But carefully.

Using both can balance results with less irritation. Here's how:

1. Layering Strategy

• Retinol at night after cleansing, before moisturising.

• Bakuchiol can be layered over retinol if tolerated.

  
  

2. Alternate Use

• Use on alternate nights to reduce irritation:

  • Night 1: Retinol

  • Night 2: Bakuchiol

  • Night 3: Retinol

• Or retinol at night, bakuchiol in the morning.

3. Start Slowly

• New to actives? Introduce one at a time.

• Build tolerance gradually.

• Bakuchiol is ideal to start if you’re sensitive.

Why Use Both?

• Retinol = boosts cell turnover, reduces wrinkles, fights acne.

• Bakuchiol = calms, strengthens skin barrier, antioxidant support.

• Using both can mean powerful results with less irritation.

So… Which should I choose?

If you’re still wondering:

Go for Retinol if you want proven, clinical-level anti-aging and can handle a bit of irritation.

Opt for Bakuchiol if you have sensitive skin or want a gentler, plant-based approach with similar benefits.

If you’re unsure, chat with your skin therapist to customise your routine

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Thinking about adding retinol or bakuchiol to your routine?

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