9 best bakuchiol serums and creams if your skin doesn't agree with retinol
Is it true that bakuchiol serums are a good retinol alternative? As someone with sensitive skin, and who has tested several products containing it, I think so. Many people see great results from retinoids with little to no issues, but I've never really seen eye-to-eye with retinol serums. Sure, they resurface and feel like they're working — but very few formulas do so without leaving my skin dry, red and irritated. But while using the best bakuchiol serums and creams, I've experienced no such problems.
From interviewing dermatologists, I've learned that this buzzy ingredient is a much gentler alternative to retinol – and can help to smooth out my skin's texture and firm it up without compromising my moisture barrier. “Bakuchiol is a hero ingredient in the South Korean beauty industry, thanks to its strong focus on skin barrier health and well-tolerated nature," Dr Shinny Cho, Korean consultant dermatologist at Future Care Medical , told me.
“Bakuchiol has been shown to boost collagen production by stimulating receptors in the skin, improve skin texture, and fade pigmentation," Dr Christine Hall, K Beauty expert and GP in medical aesthetics at TakTouk Clinic , also notes that it does so, “without the side effects that often come with retinoids."
However, “What really sets it apart is the gentleness," Dr Cho explains. "People who struggle with the irritation, dryness or redness that comes with retinol have found it to be a wonderful alternative. It helps the skin feel firmer and smoother over time, but without the usual sensitivity or peeling.”
Another big plus that earns bakuchiol extra points is that, unlike retinol, it is considered a safer skincare choice for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive – as highlighted in a 2022 review in the Journal of Integrative Dermatology. (Note: it's still always a good idea to triple-check the label for any other actives that may be unsuitable and, if you're unsure, check with your doctor. They will also be able to give you advice that's personal to you.)
If you've had a similar experience to mine when applying topical retinoids and are intrigued by the prospect of switching to bakuchiol, you're in the right place. Ahead, I've put together a curated edit of the best face serums and moisturisers that I've personally tested, breaking down what makes each one so great.
How I tested the best bakuchiol serums and creams:
As a beauty journalist, my testing process isn't as straightforward as you may assume. I always test a new serum or a moisturiser for at least four-to-six weeks before I even consider recommending it to readers. From carefully assessing the ingredient lists to comparing the consistencies, fragrance and price points, I'm very selective when it comes to curating a final edit, especially when it comes to the actual benefits.
For this particular round-up of the best bakuchiol creams and serums, I've tested and reviewed formulas from both Korean and Western skincare brands. Plus, to ensure a fair verdict, I also refrained from making any other drastic changes to my skincare regimen (including any supplements too), to give me the best possible set-up to observe the results.
Why you can trust me:
As a journalist with more than half a decade of experience testing beauty products, I worked on the Glamour team as Beauty Commerce Writer for more than two years. Now a Freelance Beauty Writer, I have also written for titles including Marie Claire, Vogue, Cosmopolitan and more. Over the course of my beauty journalism career, I've tried just about every skincare ingredient that's worth shouting about – including bakuchiol.
Enter: the best bakuchiol serums and creams, according to a beauty editor.
Dr. Jart+ Prejuvenation Firming Bakuchiol Serum
- Consistency: Gentle serum.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin.
- Fragrance free? No.
- Pros: Helps firm up the skin and smooth out wrinkles, leaving the skin feeling pillowy-soft.
- Cons: Expensive, contains fragrance.
Why we love it: A great pick for mature skin (shop more moisturisers for mature skin and primers for mature skin this way), this bakuchiol serum from Dr. Jart+ is nothing short of impressive. Its gentle yet powerful blend of ingredients helps restore the skin's suppleness while reducing the appearance of wrinkles – all while leaving it nice and glowy in the process.
Packed with collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, this formula also makes easy work of keeping your complexion plump and moisturised throughout the day.
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Indē Wild 1% Bakuchiol Sunset Restore Serum
- Consistency: Lightweight serum.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, squalane, tripeptide complex.
- Fragrance free? Yes
- Pros: Helps treat the skin overnight, supports the skin barrier, and feels lightweight.
- Cons: May not feel as hydrating on dry skin.
Why we love it: If your goal is to “reset” your skin overnight, you'll love this gentle formula from Indē Wild. Filled with barrier-loving components, this serum also comes enriched with tradition-rooted Ayurvedic ingredients, including Amla and Saffron. Simply squeeze out three to four pumps and apply to a freshly cleansed face before following up with your night cream. By morning, you should have glowy, rejuvenated skin.
Save when you shop for the best bakuchiol serums with these Sephora discount codes at checkout.
- Consistency: Serum.
- Key ingredients: 1.25% bakuchiol, peptides, Centella asiatica.
- Fragrance free? Yes
- Pros: Improves skin texture, ingredients indicate that it's safe for pregnant women (though the brand recommends consulting your doctor prior to using it).
- Cons: Expensive.
Why we love it: “Coming from one of the best science-backed skincare brands, Medik8, this bakuchiol serum is, hands down, the best formula I've tested. It didn't end up irritating my skin at all. Instead, the added Centella asiatica helped to soothe it in the process.
"After four weeks of consistent use, I noticed a marked improvement in my skin's texture and hydration levels. I loved that, aside from bakuchiol, it also features other equally great ingredients like peptides and Centella asiatica – both of which are great for reinforcing my barrier,” shares Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor.
Read more: Medik8 Crystal Retinal completely transformed my skin.
The INKEY List Bakuchiol Moisturiser
- Consistency: A lightweight cream.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, squalane, glycerin.
- Fragrance free? Yes
- Pros: Great everyday moisturiser, doesn't feel heavy on the skin, supports the skin barrier, reasonably priced.
- Cons: May not be the best option if you're after more drastic results.
Why we love it: The INKEY List is known to deliver genuinely innovative yet affordable formulas without compromising on the quality, and this bakuchiol barrier repair cream is proof. Its ultra-gentle mix of ingredients works in unison to offer a lasting boost of hydration while caring for your fine lines and wrinkles.
From barrier-protecting sacha inchi oil, omegas 3, 6 and 9, it also comes enriched with squalane and glycerin, making it a great everyday cream for all skin types (particularly those with sensitive skin). It's also proven to help refine texture and boost your skin's elasticity over time, which also makes it a solid choice for those with mature skin.
Yepoda The Glow Hero Bakuchiol Oil Serum
- Consistency: A face oil/serum hybrid.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, jojoba oil, bisabolol, Aloe vera.
- Fragrance free? Yes.
- Pros: Leaves a dewy sheen, great for dry skin, and has a lightweight feel.
- Cons: May not be the best choice for oily or acne-prone skin.
Why we love it: Having recently launched in the UK, Yepoda is another K Beauty brand that keeps on giving, and this bakuchiol serum is one of its best-selling formulas. Blurring the lines between a face oil and a serum, this hybrid product is the ultimate multitasker, offering the youth-boosting benefits of bakuchiol alongside nourishing and soothing properties of Aloe vera and bisabolol. Above all, we found it leaves your skin looking glowier than ever, making it a great makeup base if glow is your priority.
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
- Consistency: Lightweight gel-cream.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, fermented rice extract.
- Fragrance free? Yes.
- Pros: Helps soften under-eye fine lines, instantly refreshes the skin, delivers lasting hydration.
- Cons: May not deliver the same impressive results you could see from using a retinol eye cream.
Why we love it: As the skin around our eyes is the most delicate on our face – and, by extension, more sensitive – bakuchiol-infused eye creams are well worth considering, no matter your skin type.
Formulated to help visibly brighten your under-eyes and soften the look of fine lines, this surprisingly lightweight and milky eye cream also helps instantly refresh and hydrate the skin. Plus, fermented rice extract packs in antioxidant benefits to shield the skin from environmental aggressors.
TIAM Vita A Bakuchiol Youth Serum
- Consistency: Milky serum.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin A, bakuchiol, hydrolysed collagen.
- Fragrance free? Yes (artificial).
- Pros: Feels nourishing on the skin, delivers a healthy boost of hydration, improves elasticity.
- Cons: May not be best if you're looking for a retinoid-free formula.
Why we love it: Coming from the K Beauty brand TIAM, this bakuchiol serum also comes infused with vitamin A – only this time, it's the gentler iteration known as retinyl palmitate. What sets this formula apart is that, among a host of hydrating ingredients, it also has a 1,000 ppm concentration of hydrolysed collagen for an added elasticity boost. Plus, its milky, nourishing and fast-absorbing nature makes it an absolute dream to apply.
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By WishTrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Retinal Night Cream
- Consistency: A cushiony cream.
- Key ingredients: Collagen, retinal, bakuchiol.
- Fragrance free? Yes (artificial).
- Pros: A great nighttime formula to replenish the skin, which helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
- Cons: Contains retinal, meaning it's not suitable for use during pregnancy.
Why we love it: After a quality Korean moisturiser that will firm up your complexion while being gentle on your skin barrier? Say less. This bakuchiol-infused cream delivers just that, thanks to a potent-yet-gentle blend of retinal, collagen and tripeptides. Unlike traditional retinoid formulas, this formula features retinhaldehyde, which is not only more effective, but also less likely to irritate, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Consider your nighttime routine sorted.
Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol and 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
- Consistency: Lightweight lotion.
- Key ingredients: 2% bakuchiol, 0.3% retinol, peptides.
- Fragrance free? Yes.
- Pros: Delivers genuinely impressive results, combines the benefits of both retinol and bakuchiol.
- Cons: Expensive, not suitable for use while pregnant.
Why we love it: Not quite a serum, not quite a moisturiser, this overnight treatment has the creamy consistency of a lightweight lotion and packs in the benefits of both retinol and bakuchiol combined. Suitable for all skin types, this clever blend will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture without causing any irritation. Unlike most formulas that are only formulated with bakuchiol, this hybrid treatment is a must for those looking for more rapid and noticeable results – though of course, if you are against using retinol, it won't be for you.
Bakuchiol serum FAQs, answered:
What is bakuchiol and what are its benefits?
“Bakuchiol is a natural compound extracted from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia [babchi] plant that's native to Asia and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries,” shares Dr. Hall.
According to Dr. Cho, “It has recently become popular in modern skincare as a gentler alternative to retinol. It works by encouraging skin cell turnover and supporting collagen and elastin production, which, over time, can lead to smoother, firmer, and brighter skin,” she explains.
“Because it’s also rich in antioxidants, bakuchiol helps to defend the skin against free radicals and environmental stress," Dr. Cho continues. “So it’s not just about ‘anti‑ageing’ but also about keeping the skin resilient and healthy.”
Why is bakuchiol so popular in K Beauty?
According to Dr. Hall, “The beauty industry in South Korea is known for its innovative, skin-loving products, and bakuchiol fits right in. The emphasis is always on gentle-yet-effective ingredients that don’t compromise the skin’s barrier, and this ingredient delivers just that.”
Thanks to its non-irritating yet barrier-loving nature, Dr. Hall notes that “Bakuchiol feeds into the ‘glass skin’ trend in K Beauty – the desire for clear, glowing, and healthy skin while respecting the skin’s barrier.” You can shop more of the best Korean skincare products, including Korean serums, Korean eye creams and Korean face masks – as reviewed by the GLAMOUR team.
Which skin types and concerns would benefit most from bakuchiol?
“One of the reasons bakuchiol has gained such a following is its versatility: most skin types can tolerate it well," Dr. Cho confirms. "Even people with sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea often find bakuchiol a welcome alternative to traditional retinoids because they don’t trigger the usual redness, dryness, or peeling."
She continues to explain that “Dry or mature skin will benefit from its collagen‑boosting and hydrating qualities, while those with uneven pigmentation will appreciate its ability to gently even out skin tone. It also has mild anti‑inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can be helpful if you’re prone to breakouts."
Bakuchiol vs. retinol – what's the difference?
“Both bakuchiol and retinol are known for their powerful firming and skin-smoothing properties, but they differ significantly in how they affect the skin,” explains Dr. Hall.
“Retinol, a form of vitamin A, can be highly effective for promoting skin turnover, but it often comes with side effects like dryness, redness and increased sensitivity to sunlight,” she continues. “It can take some time for the skin to adjust, and there’s often a ‘purging’ phase where breakouts can occur." That said, Dr. Hall does reiterate that “retinol really is the gold standard ingredient for which we have the most evidence to prove that it works.”
On the other hand, she notes that “Bakuchiol offers the benefits without the irritation.” According to Dr. Hall, the main difference is that “It’s non-photosensitising, meaning it can be used both day and night.” She also highlights that “Bakuchiol works more slowly, so it may take longer to see noticeable results compared to retinol.”
Ultimately, “Bakuchiol is recommended for individuals with sensitive skin, or for those who have had negative experiences with retinol in the past. But if you're looking for a more rapid, intensive treatment, retinol might be the better choice," concludes Dr. Hall.
So while there are some similarities between the two skincare ingredients, there are distinct differences in terms of what bakuchiol and retinoids are proven to achieve – and how quickly they can do so.
Meet the experts:
| Dr. Christine Hall | K Beauty expert and GP in medical aesthetics at TakTouk Clinic. |
| Dr Shinny Cho | Korean consultant dermatologist at Future Care Medical. |
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