17 Bakuchiol Skin-Care Products for Those Seeking a Natural Retinol Alternative

The InnBeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush is a hydrating formula that is loaded with hyaluronic acid to plump skin. Plus, there's yuzu in it too which is high in vitamin C to brighten skin from within.

David Kim, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, often recommends The Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum to his patients because of its affordable pairing of retinol and bakuchiol, which he says is well-tolerated by all skin types. Although it doesn't list the exact percentages of each ingredient, the serum is even gentle and effective enough for sensitive skin.

Layer the Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturizer over your favorite serums and toners for an added boost of not just hydration but also smoothing and clarifying. Its lightweight consistency makes it a great fit for oily skin types or those living in hotter climates. "Unlike a retinol, which can be harsh and should only be used at night, bakuchiol can be used in the a.m. and p.m.," says Dr. Engelman. So reach for this whenever you want.

Unlike most products, the Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment reveals just how much bakuchiol it's formulated with, making Dr. Kim a fan of it. "Studies have shown that the concentration should be 0.5 percent or above," he explains.

Dr. Marchbein took the numbers one step further, adding, "In a 12-week study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, 0.5 percent bakuchiol cream twice daily was as effective as 0.5 percent retinol at nighttime in that both reduced pigmentation of the skin and wrinkles."

The Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 1.0 is a personal favorite of Dr. Marchbein and Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson's, MD. Reason being: It's spiked with not only retinol and bakuchiol but also vitamin C, squalane, and isosorbide dicaprylate, which improves hydration and epidermal barrier function. "This combo helps improve texture and quality of the skin, improving fine lines and hyperpigmentation as well," Dr. Marchbein explains.

The sold-out Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Serum is finally back by popular demand — and counts New York City-based dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD as a devotee. Its water-based, Jell-O-like texture instantly melts into skin to give it a glassier glow over time. You'll notice the serum has a dreamy lilac tint, which naturally occurs with the addition of healing eggplant and holy basil extracts.

Even the thin skin around your eyes can benefit from bakuchiol. The Peach & Lily Pure Peach Retinoic Eye Cream features it with soothing rosehip seed oil, firming niacinamide, and moisture-retaining ceramides to iron out lines on and around your lids and defeat dryness. 

Just as its name suggests, the Kinship Pimple Potion Retinal + Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment targets breakouts and blackheads with retinal, a vitamin A derivative, and good ol' salicylic acid alongside bakuchiol. Dab it onto your problem areas to reduce inflammation overnight without any annoying flaking.

Melatonin — yes, as in the sleep supplement — is bakuchiol's costar in the ISDIN Melatonik. When added to skin-care products, melatonin protects skin from the sun and helps heal UV damage. Robinson often recommends this serum as "its ingredients work together to repair damaged skin cells and encourage collagen rejuvenation while you sleep," she tells Allure.

Dr. Marchbein is also a fan, noting it packs a "powerful antioxidant punch overnight."

Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and linoleic acid (plus olive, coconut, and apricot kernel oils) figure heavily in skin-care brand Alpyn Beauty's Plantgenius Melt Moisturizer, which plumps and revitalizes your complexion with continued use. Dry skin, who?

Yes, you can even cleanse with bakuchiol. Allure editors are into the Dr. Zenovia Bakuchiol Hydrating Cleanser, in particular. The pH-balanced face wash banishes breakouts without stripping and irritation. You can use it every day without worrying about drying your skin out. 

Instead of slathering on a serum with only hyaluronic acid in it, try the Biossance Squalane + Phyto Renewal Serum. The oil-based elixir brightens your complexion and diminishes the appearance of fine lines over time, making it a favorite in our book. If you're into green beauty, you'll love this serum as much as we do. 

We've never met a facial oil we didn't like, and Omorovicza's Miracle Facial Oil is no exception with its fast-absorbing medley sea buckthorn berry, rosehip, and sweet almond oils. The supercharged elixir shields skin against environmental stressors in addition to strengthening your skin's barrier.

Hormonal acne, plus the PCA Skin Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5% Pure Retinol Night, equals clear skin. It's just simple math when bakuchiol, retinol, and salicylic are involved. Spread a pea-sized amount all over your skin, and your deepest, most painful pimples are sure to disappear in no time.

Spray the Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift + Retinol Advanced Resurfacing Treatment into your hand and watch it foam up. But that's only half the fun. As the cream promotes cell turnover and collagen production, you love how it makes your skin beam.