The answer depends on your skin’s needs. If you have sensitive skin, struggle with irritation, or prefer a plant-based alternative, bakuchiol is an excellent option. It delivers many of the same benefits as retinol, including support for aging skin and acne, but without the common side effects like redness, dryness, and peeling.

For many people, retinoids simply aren’t an option—whether due to skin sensitivity, pregnancy, or personal preference. That’s where bakuchiol stands out—offering a gentler yet effective alternative.

If you're looking for a natural way to achieve retinol-like results, bakuchiol is the solution you’ve been searching for!

👉 Want a detailed comparison? For a full breakdown, see our expert guide on Bakuchiol vs. Retinol.

Many people think of serums as only water-based, but oil serums are just as powerful—if not more so when it comes to delivering active ingredients like bakuchiol. Unlike traditional serums that rely on water and fillers like xanthan gum, oil-based serums provide a purer, more concentrated formula.

Bakuchiol-infused face oils don’t just sit on the skin; they penetrate deeply into the epidermis, helping to deliver active ingredients more effectively. So while all face oils provide moisture, an oil serum is designed to actively treat the skin—just like a traditional serum, but without unnecessary additives.

Absolutely. We recommend twice a day, but you'll still see real results with less frequent use.

The best thing about bakuchiol is that it is so much better for sensitive skin types than retinol.

Bakuchiol is a powerful skincare ingredient—learn how to maximize its benefits in our Ultimate Guide to Bakuchiol.

Having eczema or rosacea are common reasons why people quit retinoids. If your skin condition is under good control and you want to try a retinol alternative, bakuchiol is a good option.

🔹 Things to keep in mind:

✔ Patch test first to check for any reaction.
✔ Start slow and monitor your skin’s response.
✔ If irritation occurs, stop and reassess.
✔ Consult your dermatologist if you’re unsure.

Unlike retinoids, which are not recommended during pregnancy, bakuchiol is often considered a safer alternative. It provides many of the same anti-aging and skin-renewing benefits without the risks associated with Vitamin A derivatives.

That said, while bakuchiol is generally well-tolerated, every pregnancy is unique. We always recommend checking with your doctor or dermatologist before introducing any new skincare ingredient during pregnancy.

🔗 Want a deep dive into the science? Read our full guide: Is Bakuchiol Safe During Pregnancy?

No. Purging is  caused by retinol and other chemical exfoliants during initial use as the skin cells adjust to increased cell turnover.

Bakuchiol isn’t a chemical exfoliant, that’s likely one reason it is so much more tolerable than retinol.

The mechanism by which bakuchiol works is thought to be on genes in the skin responsible for things like pigmentation and collagen. 

Yes.

Although bakuchiol is a retinol alternative, some people use them together. In fact, bakuchiol isn't known to be incompatible with any other ingredients - turmeric, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, collagen peptides, etc.

Layer away!

Yes. We source this ingredient through Sytheon® to ensure purity. They use a complex method of extraction to obtain the ingredient. Bakuchiol produced in this manner is >99% pure but still a natural, plant-based, vegan ingredient.

Unlike some brands that use babchi seed oil or Psoralea corylifolia extracts, we avoid these ingredients due to their psoralen content.

Psoralen can make a big difference in product safety. Find out why we avoid it here: The Truth About Psoralen.

It starts with our CoreComplex™ Age Support oil blend - a proprietary mixture of carrier oils designed to target smoother skin, moisturization, fine lines and wrinkles.

We don't stop there.

Elevating a simple face oil into a powerful oil serum requires active ingredients that are proven by science. That's how our oil serums distinguish themselves.

This product is designed to be a retinol substitute for people with skin sensitivity or those who prefer natural ingredients.

Plus, our products are all vegan, cruelty-free, and we give back a significant amount of our profits to fund environmental initiatives.