The 13 Best Bakuchiol Serums That Work Just as Well as Traditional Retinol

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Ask any dermatologist, and they'll tell you no nighttime skincare routine is complete without a bit of retinol, a vitamin A derivative that helps combat fine lines and wrinkles, unevenness, textured skin, and other signs of aging. Sometimes though—especially for those with more sensitive skin types—the powerhouse ingredient can be too strong and do more harm than good by exacerbating dryness, redness, and acne. If that appears to be the case for you, it might be time to educate yourself on the next best thing: bakuchiol.

"Bakuchiol is derived from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia, also known as the babchi plant and has been found in Ayurveda and Eastern Medicine for centuries," explains Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., FAAD. "It has become popular as a plant-based alternative to retinol as it is thought to have similar benefits and to be less irritating."

The anti-aging alternative can be found in a number of different makeup and anti-aging skincare products, ranging from moisturizers to face oils to cream blushes, but our favorite way of applying it is with a serum. Ahead, we asked Dr. Garshick, Dr. Carmen Castilla, M.D., and Dr. Erum Ilyas, M.D., MBE, FAAD, for their thoughts on the best bakuchiol serums that deserve a spot in skincare regimen.

Bakuchiol Peptides

Dr. Garshick loves this Medik8 elixir because it's "great for all skin types." It uses 1.25% pure bakuchiol in combination with peptide precursors and Cica extract to improve overall texture and tone while also being gentle on the skin.

"Is a great alternative for sensitive skin," writes a reviewer. "It leaves my skin perfectly hydrated. My lines are less visible."

Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum

For an overnight option, both Dr. Garshick and Dr. Castilla recommend Isdin's 3-in-1 serum that uses bakuchiol, as well as melatonin and vitamin C, to protect the skin from environmental aggressors while also helping to improve skin elasticity, firmness, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

"I immediately noticed that my skin was more even toned and more translucent," raves a reviewer. "I am in my early 50s and have dry skin in some areas and normal in others. I noticed a difference in how it lessons brown pigmentation and redness. My coworkers commented on my skin after only a few days of using it."

Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum

While experts often recommend using retinol at night due to the adverse reaction it can cause when skin is exposed to sun, the coolest thing about bakuchiol is that it can be used both a.m. and p.m. And for the best product that can be used day and night, look no further than this Herbivore serum. Not only does it smooth signs of aging, but the jelly-like serum also gently exfoliates thanks to polyhydroxy acid and packs in moisture with tremella mushroom. Dr. Castilla is a fan.

"I do love this product a lot," writes a reviewer. "Made a huge difference in my skin. Right after I wash my face and gentle tap it with a towel, I put just three drops on my face and couple of drops on my neck. My skin texture is definitely smoother and healthier looking."

RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum

If it's hydration that you're after, than Avène's retinol alternative serum won't disappoint. Bakuchiol teams up with fellow anti-agers niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to smooth away wrinkles, brighten and plump the skin, and pump up the hydration. Dr. Garshick is a fan, and likes how weightless it feels on skin.

"I am so pleased with Retrin AL," reports a reviewer. "I use this product every night. With repeated use, am on my second bottle, I see the clarity in my skin. Using vitamin C in the morning and adding Avene in the evening has proven to be a great combination. No harsh peeling with this product but cell turnover occurs which gives my skin its glow."

Retinol Reset

Not only does Tru Alchemy's serum contain bakuchiol, but it also harnesses the anti-aging powers of retinol—so right off the bat you can get an idea of how potent and effective this product is. Dr. Ilyas considers it among the best on the market and says its gentle enough for the most of sensitive skins. She recommends starting to use it 2-3 nights a week before trying nightly usage.

And for those who aren't able to use retinol, Dr. Ilya also likes the brand's Glow Serum, which also contains bakuchiol as well as vitamin C and niacinamide.

Multipotent Serum

Formulated with a blend of bakuchiol, mevalonic acid (another anti-ager), and lactic acid, this serum boosts skin's radiance, helps eliminate dead skin cells, and diminishes the overall look of fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Garshick says it's also great option for those dealing with skin dullness.

"I have used this product for a month now and I can see visible changes!" reports a reviewer. "I have noticed my pores appear smaller and my skin looks brighter. Fine lines also seem diminished! I really like how this is enough and I do not need any added moisturizer! It works perfectly for my combination skin. I see a clear brightening and fading of spots around my forehead and nose and cheeks!"

Age Defying Rejuvenating Plant-Based Retinol Alternative Serum

Dr. Garshick also approves of Andalou's retinol alternative serum, which is formulated with a combination of fruit stem cell complex, antioxidants, and bakuchiol. "It works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also smoothing the skin," says the pro. "Because it is gentle on the skin, it can be used 1-2 times per day and by all skin types."

"I love this serum! It dries and absorbs so nicely, smells nice, and makes my skin feel fantastic," raves a reviewer. "I have large pores, and noticed an improvement within the first week! It’s strong, I did get a little pinkness from it the following day, but I read that’s normal & my skin will adjust. Make sure you pair with a sunblock in the AM since this can increase sensitivity."

Daily Dose Bioretinol + Mineral SPF 40

Sunscreen is equally as important as retinol in the anti-aging department. This serum contains both plant-based bakuchiol and SPF 40 to visibly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while protecting skin from harsh rays and further damage. And perhaps the best part of all? It has a natural tint that delivers an oh-so-healthy glow sans the white cast.

"I absolutely love this serum," raves a fan. "It gives my skin an instant glow and allows me the confidence to go makeup less. I have also noticed my skins elasticity and texture has improved. I’ve also had someone compliment me on how my skin was glowing. I am obsessed with this product!"

Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum

Retinol—but without the irritation? Sign us up! Infused with a blend of plant-based bakuchiol, sugar-derived squalane, and niacinamide, this cult-favorite formula goes above and beyond at delivering a firmer, brighter, and plumper complexion. It's super lightweight and applies to skin seamlessly, too.

"It doesn't feel harsh, my skin absorbs this pretty quickly," reports an Amazon reviewer. "It didn't leave my skin with any uncomfortable greasy, oily, or heavy feeling. The serum has a light fragrance to it but nothing overwhelming. I just had a facial recently and she said I have very good skin and barely had to do much, so I want to keep it up with a serum like this."

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum

The secret to a youthful-looking, smooth complexion lies in the powerhouse product. Retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, and ferulic acid all work together to fight signs of aging, gently retexture skin, reduce hyperpigmentation, and up the glow factor, but it's also the texture that seals the deal for us. Utterly lightweight and applies like a dream.

"This stuff works. For spots. Texture. It does it all," reports a user. "It works even better with the peel version. It doesn’t dry me out either, which is common with acids. If you have bumpy texture, try this with the matching peel or the 2 step peel also by DG."

Active Renewal Face Treatment

Powered by bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, green echinacea, and ceramides, this ultra-luxurious serum made of 100% natural ingredients is like no other. It repairs and targets fine lines and wrinkles while simultaneously deeply nourishes without leaving behind a greasy film on skin. The results: An unbelievably smooth and bouncy complexion with an exquisitely luminous glow.

"This face treatment is my new favorite step in my skin care routine!" says a user. "After cleansing, it's the first step in my regimen and my skin looks and feels so much better because of it. I also love how it's a natural retinol alternative! especially since I've found retinols to be a bit too abrasive for my skin in the past. Overall, the active renewal face treatment is a win and I can't imagine my routine without it!"

Dream Booster Bakuchiol Beta-Retinol Better Aging Serum

Priced at less than $25, this is a no-frills serum that you can depend on for minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, improving the look of pores, and smoothing skin's texture.

"I love this product," reports a reviewer. "It makes my skin feel great-smooth and really helps with my pores. I would recommend this for sure."

Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum

Miranda Kerr's bakuchiol-enriched serum will give your favorite retinol product a run for its money simply because its quick-acting and gets the job done (without harsh side effects), but it also protects against future aging caused by environmental aggressors and leaves the a gorgeous glow. Oh, and that milky texture? Exquisite.

"I have only been using for a few days now and my skin is radiant," reports a user. "I couldn't feel more confident and beautiful. Wonderful texture and smell."

Is bakuchiol as effective as retinol?

"Bakuchiol functions very similarly to a retinoid, so it has many of the same benefits," says Dr. Castilla. "It can increase collagen production which will help smooth fine lines and wrinkles. It can help even skin tone. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help redness and antioxidant properties which can help neutralize free radicals that can cause collagen damage.

Dr. Ilyas seconds that, noting that "bakuchiol serum actually has the same effect as retinol topically in studies with one huge advantage: it’s far less irritating because it also has anti-inflammatory properties."

What is the most effective percentage of bakuchiol?

Most serums are generally formulated with 0.5% bakuchiol, but there are also many products on the market that contain 2%.

What ingredients should you not use with bakuchiol?

"Bakuchiol is considered gentle and pairs well with most anti-aging products," explains Dr Castilla. "Even though it is generally tolerated even in sensitive skin types, it is best to introduce it slowly into your skin care routine."

If you're using a bakuchiol serum that also contains retinol, Dr. Ilyas advises patients to try to stay away from other anti-aging ingredients such as AHAs or BHAs. "Because there is the potential for dryness or irritation," says the pro, "it is important to avoid aggravating this effect."

Meet the experts

• Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC.

• Dr. Carmen Castilla, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC.

• Dr. Erum Ilyas, M.D., MBE, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in the Philadelphia area and Boston, and a Tru Alchemy Brand Partner.

You Might Also Like

• 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion

• 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game