If you’re looking for a gentler, natural, plant-based alternative to retinol, the best bakuchiol serums can help turn back the hands of time without turning your skin into the Sahara desert. As a mom of three and a beauty writer in my mid-30s, I’m always on the hunt for low-maintenance, antiaging products I can incorporate into my daily skin-care routine without having to worry if they’re too harsh or won’t play well with other products.
“The appeal of bakuchiol lies in its ability to deliver similar benefits to retinol, including a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles, better skin elasticity, and improved skin tone without the common side effects associated with retinoids such as dryness, redness, irritation, and photosensitivity,” says Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, a celebrity skin-care guru and family nurse practitioner certified in dermatology. “This is why bakuchiol is an appealing option for those with sensitive skin.”
Ahead, dermatologist-approved bakuchiol serums, with top-rated options for every skin type and concern.
The best bakuchiol serums, at a glance
- Best for Oily Skin: Dr. Jart+ Prejuvenation Firming Bakuchiol Serum, $66
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Beekman 1802 Dream Booster Bakuchiol Face Serum, $29
- Best for Dry Skin and Sensitive Skin: DIME Beauty TBT Serum, $38
- Best with Retinol: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment, $65
- Best for Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides, $58
Your bakuchiol serum questions, answered
What is bakuchiol serum good for?
“Bakuchiol serum is recommended so much because it’s very similar to retinol, minus the potential skin irritation,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology. “It’s used to help boost collagen production and improve fine lines, wrinkles, skin elasticity, firmness, and tone. It’s also been shown to help reduce hyperpigmentation and includes antioxidant properties.”
What are the downsides of bakuchiol?
While bakuchiol is generally considered a safe and gentle retinol alternative, some folks with particularly sensitive skin may experience a negative reaction resulting in dryness, redness, or irritation. “Regrettably, the long-term effects of bakuchiol are still not so clear, unlike retinol, which has been well-studied and has a proven safety profile and well-documented side effects,” says LoGerfo. “This ambiguity can make it challenging to foresee who and how someone will react, and if their skin will respond favorably.”
She also points out that bakuchiol products may “under-deliver” compared to retinol, which is more potent. “Although there are studies that suggest bakuchiol may offer similar benefits to retinol, the findings are not concrete or universally accepted, and further investigation and study is needed,” she says.
What percentage of bakuchiol is most effective?
LoGerfo and Dr. Ibrahim agree that a bakuchiol concentration of 0.5% to 1% is most effective, a number also backed and supported by current studies. “A clinical trial showed that a formulation containing 0.5% bakuchiol produced improvements in skin elasticity and firmness comparable to those who used a retinol formulation at 0.5%,” notes LoGerfo. “In this study the subjects reported fewer adverse effects, which could underline bakuchiol’s gentler profile.”
While a higher concentration may be more effective, LoGerfo warns of the heightened risk of irritation and sensitivity. “I think it’s helpful to err on the side of caution and stick to lower concentrations, particularly if you have dry or sensitive skin.”
Which bakuchiol serum is best?
Look for a serum with a bakuchiol concentration of 0.5% to 1%, and be sure to check the other ingredients too. “Although bakuchiol is a powerful ingredient, its effectiveness can be enhanced when combined with other complementary ingredients or compounds,” says LoGerfo. “Peptides, for instance, can help to further kindle collagen production, which could improve skin texture, elasticity, and firmness.” For folks with dry skin, she recommends looking for an option with hyaluronic acid, which has “moisture-loving properties” that can “help alleviate any potential dryness associated with bakuchiol.” Also, because bakuchiol is oil-soluble, Dr. Ibrahim says it’s most effective in an oil-based serum or cream.
Best Bakuchiol Serum for Oily Skin: Dr.Jart+ Prejuvenation Firming Bakuchiol Serum
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I’ve been using this firming bakuchiol serum for a few weeks now, and it’s quickly become an integral part of my morning and nighttime beauty routine. It has a lightweight and creamy gel-type consistency, which is easy to apply and not greasy at all, so it’s great for those with oily skin. I also find the smell pleasant and subtle, though it quickly disappears once it absorbs, which also happens fast. Even after just a few weeks of testing the serum, my skin appears brighter, feels firmer, and just generally looks more youthful.
“If you’re super sensitive to retinol, this is the perfect alternative,” says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, New Jersey. It’s extremely gentle and clinically shown to improve skin elasticity and visibly reduce wrinkles in the forehead area. This serum is also formulated with collagen peptide to help firm and strengthen the skin’s support structure, as well as glycerin to deliver a boost of hydration. “Because this is a plant-based retinol alternative, it’s safe enough to use twice a day and not have to worry about sun sensitivity,” says Dr. Lolis.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, collagen peptide, glycerin
- Pros: Lightweight, nongreasy, hydrating, instantly makes skin radiant
- Cons: Expensive
Best Bakuchiol Serum for Acne-Prone Skin: Beekman 1802 Dream Booster Bakuchiol Face Serum
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Whether you’re dealing with old acne scars, large pores, or pimples and redness, it’s worth giving Beekman’s 1802 Dream Booster Bakuchiol Face Serum a try. The formula is designed to help minimize and clear pores and soothe irritation—plus, it’s extra gentle on even the most sensitive skin types. “Not only does it contain the main star of the show, bakuchiol, but it also contains jojoba oil and squalane to help prevent visible signs of aging and deeply hydrate the skin,” adds Dr. Lolis. “The addition of hydrators is perfect for first-time users.”
A little goes a long way with this serum, as you only need one or two drops nightly to reap the benefits. Many acne-prone reviewers praise its ability to lighten acne scars and calm any redness for a more radiant, smooth, soft, even, and glowing complexion. It is quite oily, though, and may take a few minutes to absorb. To combat any greasiness, you may want to mix it with your favorite moisturizer.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, jojoba oil, sunflower, squalane
- Pros: Minimizes pores, hydrates, evens skin tone, reduces fine lines
- Cons: Oily and can take some time to absorb
Best Bakuchiol Serum with Retinol: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
If you’re searching for a powerhouse, triple-action bakuchiol serum to fight deep wrinkles and fine lines, combat sagging, and deliver results fast, LoGerfo recommends checking out Paula’s Choice. Research shows bakuchiol and retinol are quite the dynamic duo, with each ingredient working to boost the other’s effectiveness. Bakuchiol stabilizes retinol so it can work longer and harder, even at a lower concentration, which is what makes this bakuchiol serum so great for those who want to ease into retinoids.
“This serum contains retinol, bakuchiol, and peptides to support aging skin,” says LoGerfo. “It makes skin look renewed, refreshed, and hydrated and it’s also soothing, giving skin a radiant glow.” Because it contains moderate-strength retinol and a high concentration of bakuchiol, it’s definitely better suited for mature skin that isn’t sensitive. Like with any retinol product, it’s best to start slow: Apply it three times a week and then work your way up to using it nightly. Always follow up with a good face moisturizer to combat any dryness, and apply an SPF 30 (or greater) face sunscreen during the day.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, retinol, firming peptides
- Pros: Potent, contains retinol
- Cons: Expensive and may be too harsh/strong for younger skin or sensitive skin types
Best Bakuchiol Serum for Dry Skin and Sensitive Skin: Dime Beauty TBT Serum
“This bakuchiol serum is effective and great for sensitive skin, as it also contains mandelic acid, a very gentle AHA that works in tandem with bakuchiol to improve overall skin texture,” says Dr. Ibrahim. As a beauty writer with extra-dry skin (thanks, SoCal!) who’s tested tons of products over the years, I’ve really enjoyed using Dime Beauty’s hydrating TBT Serum. My skin immediately feels tighter, brighter, and softer directly after use, so I know it’s working. It does have a very runny, watery texture, which can make it tough to apply without dripping down your face—but my skin drinks the serum right up every time, and it feels so nice and nourishing.
This lightweight, natural retinol alternative more or less functions as a hydrating, leave-on exfoliant, increasing cell turnover and reducing dark spots and sun damage. Other key ingredients include niacinamide to boost hydration and help prevent water loss, as well as resveratrol to calm skin and soothe any irritation or redness. It’s gentle enough to use morning and night, but you should always pair it with a good moisturizer.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, niacinamide, resveratrol
- Pros: Gently hydrates, brightens, and tightens, increases cell turnover
- Cons: Watery texture can be tough to apply
Best Bakuchiol Serum for Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides
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With a slightly higher concentration of 1.25% pure bakuchiol, this natural alternative to retinol is powerful enough to plump up fine lines and wrinkles. “I like this serum because it's lightweight, quick-absorbing, and easy to layer with other products,” says Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dermy Doc Box in Michigan. “In addition to helping smooth fine lines, this serum is formulated with brightening peptides and soothing centella asiatica, so you don’t have to worry about irritation!”
Plenty of reviewers notice similar results to retinoids, sans the irritation, so it could be a great option for individuals with sensitive skin. Pro tip: This oil is super light, so apply drops directly to the face and pat it in quickly to avoid wasting product.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, centella asiatica, inka omega oil
- Pros: Potent formula for visible antiaging results, gentle and nonirritating, brightens uneven skin tone, supports the skin’s natural barrier
- Cons: Runny/watery texture can make it difficult to apply
Best Overnight Bakuchiol Serum: Isdin Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum
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Get your beauty rest with this potent overnight bakuchiol and vitamin C serum. “ISDIN Melatonik is one of my favorite multitasking skin serums to support skin recovery while you sleep,” says board-certified dermatologist Deanne Mraz, MD, president and cofounder of Modern Dermatology in Connecticut. “The hero ingredient, bakuchiol, sits beside antioxidants melatonin and vitamin C to reverse free radical damage and brighten the skin while improving texture and tone. Overall, this serum addresses fine lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity, hydration, and sun damage/hyperpigmentation.”
It’s lightweight, oil-based, and effective for all skin types, adds Corey L. Hartman, MD, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. It’s also formulated without parabens, sulfates, or mineral oil and is noncomedogenic so it won’t clog your pores. Though expensive, a little bit goes a long way, and you can expect a bottle to last a good six months.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, vitamin C, melatonin
- Pros: Repairs, restores, and brightens while you sleep, clinically proven results
- Cons: Very expensive
Best Retinol Alternative Bakuchiol Serum: Herbivore Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retino
For retinol-like results without the harsh side effects, David Li, MD, board-certified dermatologist of Boston Derm Advocate, recommends Herbivore’s Moon Fruit with 1% bakuchiol. “It’s a lightweight serum that contains a mild but pleasant fragrance,” he says, and it works to improve fine lines and wrinkles over time without wreaking havoc on your skin in the process. Combined with schisandra berry extract and plant peptides, this bakuchiol serum leaves skin looking noticeably smoother, softer, firmer, tighter, and more lifted with just one to two pumps nightly. It absorbs instantly without leaving any sticky residue or greasiness either. Reviewers also love how the purple color adds a fun touch to their beauty routine.
- Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, schisandra berry extract, plant peptides
- Pros: Tightens, firms, lifts
- Cons: Smell can be off-putting to some
