Bakuchiol vs Retinol: Is Bakuchiol Better Than Retinol?

There are countless natural remedies you can turn to for managing fine lines, dullness, and other frustrating signs of aging in your skin. Two of the most popular, though, are Bakuchiol vs Retinol. 

You’re probably well aware of the role Retinol can play in your skincare regimen. This ingredient has been a staple forever as one of the top anti-wrinkle products on the market. It speeds up cell turnover, stimulates collagen, and regulates oil production.

But, Bakuchiol is stealing a bit of the spotlight - and it’s not hard to see why. It has Retinol-like effects, stimulating collagen itself and helping improve skin texture. It may even be able to improve skin tone with its brightening properties.

This begs the question, can you use Bakuchiol with Retinol - or is Bakuchiol better than Retinol across the board? We’re here to help you round out your skincare regimen with this deep dive into the differences between Retinol vs Bakuchiol.

Just know that your search for the best selection of Retinol and Bakuchiol products online ends here at Naturopathica. From eye serums to wrinkle creams, explore our collection and bring out the full potential of your skin today. 

	Bakuchiol	Retinol
Source	Plant-derived (Psoralea corylifolia seed)	Vitamin A derivative, synthetic or animal-derived
Primary Benefits	Smooths fine lines, brightens tone, firms skin, calms irritation	Reduces wrinkles, improves texture, fades dark spots, stimulates collagen
Tolerability	Gentle, well-suited for sensitive and reactive skin	Can cause dryness, redness, and flaking, especially when starting
Day/Night Use	Safe for morning and evening use	Best for evening use only; increases sun sensitivity
Speed of Results	Gradual, steady improvement over time	Faster, more noticeable changes over time

 

What is Bakuchiol?

This plant-derived skincare ingredient comes from the Psoralea corylifolia plant’s seeds and leaves, which is native to India. It has been used there for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Today, though, it has a greater role in skincare than ever before.

The benefits of Bakuchiol can be traced back to its Retinol-like characteristics, but with a much lower risk of irritating the skin. Even though it’s chemically distinct from Retinol, it works similarly within the skin to encourage healthy cell turnover and support collagen production.

So if you’re asking yourself, why is my skin so sensitive all of a sudden? You might want to look into bringing the benefits of Bakuchiol into your daily routine!

This ingredient also has the ability to stimulate certain genes and pathways involved in skin renewal while calming inflammation. This smooths out the skin over time and balances an uneven complexion. It’s non-photosensitizing as well, so you can use it day or night. 

Here are all the reasons we love Bakuchiol:

• Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves skin firmness and elasticity
• Brightens uneven skin tone and fades dark spots
• Calms redness and soothes irritation
• Safe for use during pregnancy and on sensitive skin
• Can be used morning and evening without increasing sun sensitivity

But, how does the other side of our Bakuchiol vs Retinol stack up?

What is Retinol?

This Vitamin A derivative is among the most researched and widely used active ingredients in skincare today. As part of the retinoid family it has been clinically shown to accelerate cell turnover and enhance collagen synthesis, effectively addressing a variety of skin concerns.

Retinol works its way deep into the skin. There, it converts to retinoic acid. This is the active form your skin can actually use to repair and regenerate itself. 

Regularly applying Retinol helps shed away dull, dead skin cells to make way for fresh ones. This smooths, brightens, and firms up the skin to help you appear more rejuvenated. 

This comes with a trade-off, though: Retinol may cause dryness, redness, flaking, and increased sensitivity to sunlight, especially when first added to your skincare routine or when applied improperly. Nevertheless, there are quite a few reasons to consider adding it to your ritual:

• Reduces the depth and visibility of fine lines and wrinkles
• Refines skin texture and minimizes rough patches
• Helps fade hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and dark spots
• Unclogs pores and helps prevent breakouts
• Boosts collagen production for firmer skin
• Addresses more advanced signs of aging over time

No, you’re not seeing double - a lot of these benefits overlap with those of Bakuchiol. So, is Bakuchiol better than Retinol since it offers many of the same benefits in a more gentle nature? Let’s take a closer look at Bakuchiol vs Retinol below.

Retinol vs Bakuchiol: Which is the Right Ingredient for Your Skincare Regimen?

We want to be clear in saying one isn’t inherently better than the other when it comes to Retinol vs Bakuchiol. They have quite a few similarities and each could fit nicely into your skincare routine if you’re trying to address the signs of aging and improve skin health overall.

That said, understanding their more nuanced differences makes it easier to decide which one best suits your needs. Remember, you can find formulations containing either of these ingredients in our lineup at Naturopathica!

Anti-Aging and Texture Benefits

Both ingredients help refine skin texture and soften the look of fine lines, and that’s the main draw each brings to the table. 

Retinol has decades of research supporting its collagen-stimulating properties. It may improve skin firmness, fade hyperpigmentation, and smooth out rough areas. It’s our personal go-to for deeper wrinkles and more pronounced sun damage.

On the other hand, Bakuchiol delivers similar results through a more gentle mechanism. It could improve elasticity, brighten tone, and soften lines without the same risk of irritation Retinol is known for. 

Some people choose to start with Bakuchiol and see if it provides the lift they’re looking for before moving onto the more aggressive Retinol formulations for this reason.

Tolerability and Skin Type Suitability

It’s no secret that Retinol can be powerful - sometimes to a fault. Those struggling with skin sensitivity may find it difficult to tolerate at first, or at higher concentrations. It’s not uncommon to experience dryness, peeling, or redness when introducing it.

But this is where Bakuchiol shines - it suits almost every skin type! Its plant-based origin and soothing properties make it a natural fit for sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin. 

Day vs Night Use

This is another important distinction between Bakuchiol vs Retinol. The former can be used day or night, whereas the latter is best used in the evening.

Despite being really effective, Retinol can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. We typically recommend it as part of your bedtime ritual. You’ll need to pair with sunscreen during the day to protect your progress.

In contrast, Bakuchiol is stable in sunlight and doesn’t increase photosensitivity. Use it morning or night without worrying about stepping outside and getting burned. It’s the far more flexible option between Retinol vs Bakuchiol in this sense.

Long-Term Results

Both sides of our Bakuchiol vs Retinol comparison can deliver meaningful, long-term benefits when used consistently. Keyword being consistently. 

Retinol can certainly create dramatic change faster, but you still need to be patient. Bakuchiol works more slowly and steadily, but those who are willing to wait may find its gentle nature the better choice. 

We believe there’s a place for both at Naturopathica, whether you’re looking to start with something gentle, upgrade to a more intensive active, or even combine them strategically. On that note, can you use Bakuchiol with Retinol?

Can You Use Bakuchiol With Retinol?

While a lot of people look at Bakuchiol and Retinol as alternatives for one another, they can play pretty nicely together. Both ingredients support collagen production, improve texture, and address visible signs of aging, but they act on the skin slightly differently.

Bakuchiol's natural anti-inflammatory properties make it a useful companion to retinol. Remember, Retinol can cause redness and dryness even though it works wonders to accelerate cell turnover and help resurface the skin. So, you could follow up with Bakuchiol as one of your products to reduce redness on face. It creates a sense of calm.

This pairing could help you enjoy the visible firming, smoothing, and brightening benefits Retinol has to offer while keeping your skin comfortable and balanced. How you go about combining them matters, though.

Start with a low concentration of retinol if you’re new to it and make sure you apply it at night to clean, dry skin. Follow with a Bakuchiol serum or moisturizer once the Retinol has fully absorbed. This will soothe and hydrate the skin.

Or, you can alternate - Retinol one night, Bakuchiol the next. This helps you gradually build tolerance to the more aggressive ingredient in Retinol without delaying progress as much. Either way, make sure you always have SPF on during the day if Retinol is in your regimen.

Whether you choose between Bakuchiol vs Retinol or decide to combine the two for the best of both worlds, it’s important to source the best for your skin. Your search ends here at Naturopathica.

Shop Science-Backed Formulas Containing Bakuchiol and Retinol at Naturopathica

We create skincare that works in harmony with your skin by blending modern, evidence-based science with the wisdom of nature. Every formula is thoughtfully crafted to deliver results without sacrificing comfort. 

For instance, our Bakuchiol oil features Holy Basil as a gentle yet effective way to improve fine lines, firm skin, and brighten uneven tone. It’s dermatologist-tested and sure to restore balance while you sleep.

Pair it with our Retinol wrinkle cream, which brings Argan into the mix for a non-irritating, age-defying moisturizer that visibly lifts, smooths, and firms. 

There are plenty of other formulas worth exploring, and our customer service team is always here to steer you in the right direction if you’re unsure which remedies will work for your regimen. Shop now or get in touch as we wrap up our Retinol vs Bakuchiol comparison.

Bringing Our Bakuchiol vs Retinol Comparison to a Close

Hopefully this comparison of Bakuchiol vs Retinol has left you with clarity on what each has to offer. In closing, both ingredients offer impressive benefits, whether you want to ease into anti-aging with a gentle approach or go straight for proven intensity.

Our blog has more resources if you want to learn about the Manuka Honey benefits, the Calendula benefits, or any other skincare ingredients in our collection at Naturopathica. Or, take our skincare quiz and know for sure which products belong in your ritual.

Start improving your skin with one of our trusted formulas today. Build your ritual with botanically-powered skincare at Naturopathica.