Bakuchiol vs Retinol: Which One Is Better for Anti Aging & Acne?

Explore the battle between Bakuchiol and Retinol. Our in-depth analysis reveals which ingredient is more effective and gentle on your skin.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. These are products I’ve personally used, as well as are recommended by other skincare experts.

Retinoids, also known as vitamin A derivatives, have been long-touted by both dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts as the holy grail for treating acne and signs of aging. However, these potent ingredients can be harsh and irritating, often leading to dryness and peeling.

Enter Bakuchiol, the newest player in the game, and its oil counterpart Babchi oil. There’s a lot of buzz around bakuchoil, but is it really a viable alternative to retinoids? Or is it just marketing hype?

I did the research, and I’m here to break it all down for you. Let’s look at the science to see if Bakuchoil stands up against the type. I’ll also share top factors to consider when choosing between bakuchoil vs. retinol to help you make an informed decision for your skin.

Retinol: What is it and why is it such a big deal for your skin?

Retinol is a form of Vitamin A, and it’s the only thing that’s been proven to reduce wrinkles, not just their appearance. But, did you know that retinol is not the only form of Vitamin A out there?

Other forms include Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinaldehyde, Retinoic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Retinoate, and Tretinoin.

Tretinoin is the strongest form, which is prescription-only. But, Retinol is the strongest over-the-counter form of Vitamin A.

Retinol Benefits

• It speeds up skin cell turnover: Retinol accelerates your skin’s natural exfoliation process, which can slow down as you age. By removing dead skin cells, it makes your skin softer and smoother.
  
• It brightens skin: Thanks to its exfoliating effect, retinol can also help reduce hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone.
  
• It boosts collagen production: Collagen is key to keeping your skin firm and elastic, but it decreases over time. Retinol helps stimulate collagen production, which helps prevent signs of skin aging like wrinkles and sagging skin.
  
• It improves fine lines and wrinkles: Retinol is the only ingredient scientifically proven to reduce wrinkles, not just their appearance, thanks to its exfoliating and collagen-boosting properties.
  
• It helps treat acne: By clearing out dead skin cells, retinol can prevent clogged pores and breakouts, making it a great option for acne-prone skin.

And research shows that in just 12 weeks, retinol can improve your skin’s texture and tone, making it look smoother and brighter.

While retinol can’t completely eliminate wrinkles and dark spots in 12 weeks, it’s still pretty impressive how much it can do. That’s why retinol is often called the gold standard for anti-aging.

But before you rush out to buy a bottle of retinol, there’s a catch. Retinol can increase skin sensitivity and skin irritation causing dryness, redness, and flaking when you first start using it.

Which bring us to why folks are so psyched about Bakuchoil.

What is Bakuchoil?

Bakuchiol (pronounced buh-KOO-chee-all), the natural alternative that promises to do everything retinol does, without the nasty side effects.

Bakuchiol is an antioxidant derived from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant, which has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine.

But now, it’s making its debut in skincare products, and beauty editors and influencers are already raving about its benefits.

And the best part? It’s suitable for all skin types, even those who can’t use retinol.

Claimed bakuchoil benefits:

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  
• Improves skin texture and elasticity
  
• Helps to fade dark spots and pigmentation
  
• Provides antioxidant protection
  
• Suitable for sensitive skin: Unlike retinol, which can cause irritation and dryness, Bakuchiol is generally well-tolerated by all skin types, including those with sensitive skin.
  
• Can help with acne: Bakuchiol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help to reduce the redness and inflammation associated with acne.

Bakuchoil, it works through the same receptors that retinol uses, which is why many refer to it as a natural retinol alternative.

But, what does the science say? Let’s take a deeper look.

The Science Behind Bakuchiol

But does it really work as well as retinol?

Let’s take a look at the science. Bakuchiol was first identified from the babchi plant in the 1960s, and in vitro studies have since shown that it may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

In 2014, a study using substitute skin showed that bakuchiol seemed to have similar gene expression as retinol – a promising sign!

Bakuchiol vs retinol: Anti-aging skincare

One of the most notable studies on bakuchiol compared it directly with retinol.

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared bakuchiol to retinol. Basically, they got 44 people (~20 people per group) to use either a bakuchiol cream twice a day, or a retinol cream once a day, for 12 weeks.

The people using the bakuchiol cream had similar results to those using the retinol cream in terms of reducing wrinkles and dark spots. However, the retinol cream did perform slightly better.

The people using the bakuchiol cream also had less irritation and flaking, but still experienced redness like the retinol group.

Bakuchiol vs retinol: Acne

Retinol helps to speed up cellular turnover, which can help to prevent breakouts. Question is – can Bukuchoil do the same?

Let’s take a look at the science:

Key takeaway: Bakuchiol can be helpful in reducing acne, according to a 2021 study. It can reduce the number of pimples and improve the appearance of dark spots.

When used with a topical retinoid, it can work even better. However, it’s best to use it as an addition to your anti-acne routine and not alone.

Bakuchiol Considerations: What You Need to Know

Thinking about trying bakuchiol instead of retinol? Here are a few things to keep in mind before jumping on the bakuchiol bandwagon.

While it’s been touted as a gentler alternative to retinol, bakuchiol isn’t a certified cure-all that can replace your trusty retinoid. So if you’re already using and loving tretinoin, retinol, or retinal, you might want to stick with them.

Also, even though it’s supposed to be gentle, studies have shown that bakuchiol can still cause some irritation, itching, and redness. So go slow and be cautious, especially if you have sensitive skin.

If you’re still interested, selecting a bakuchoil product can be a little difficult. You’ll see a lot of some bakuchiol + retinol combos and some products with super-high concentrations.

Ironically, most studies use bakuchiol at 0.5%, but many products on the market are either much lower or much higher than that.

So where should you start? Based on the research I suggest trying a simple formula with 0.5% – 1% bakuchiol to see if it works for your skin. Then, if you want to try something stronger, you can work your way up.

Best Bakuchoil Serums & Oils

Here are a few of my recommended Bakuchoil Serums & Oils:

• Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment: Uses retinol, vitamin C, and bakuchiol, this treatment aims to refresh sagging, dry skin, and delay evidence of aging.
  
• Revision Skincare Retinol Complete 1.0: It’s spiked with not only retinol and bakuchiol but also vitamin C, and squalane to improve hydration, skin texture, fine lines & hyperpigmentation.
  
• Biossance Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum: Oil-based elixir brightens your complexion and diminishes the appearance of fine lines over time, 
  
• Herbivore Botanicals Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum: Clinically-effective serum dramatically improves fine lines + wrinkles, delivering results on-par with traditional retinol without causing irritation, dryness, or redness.

FAQ

Does Bakuchiol work?

Yep! If you use it twice a day for 12 weeks, bakuchiol can help reduce wrinkles and pigmentation. It’s not a magical cure-all, but it can definitely help.

Does Bakchoil help with acne?

Bakuchiol might help with breakouts when used alongside adapalene and salicylic acid, but we don’t recommend it as the only thing you use to treat acne.

Can you use bakuchiol instead of retinol?

Bakuchoil is often touted as a gentler alternative to retinol, but it’s not recommended as a replacement. If you’re already using and loving tretinoin, retinol, or retinal, then stick to your routine.

How irritating is Bakchoil to skin?

Good news! A study showed that bakuchiol caused less irritation than retinol, but users still experienced some redness. So while it’s gentler than retinol, it’s not totally irritation-free.

How similar is it to retinol?

Bakuchiol isn’t really related to retinol or the other retinoids. It’s just a plant extract that might interact with the retinoid receptor in your skin. So it’s an alternative to retinoids, but not the same thing.

Is it safe for pregnant women?

We don’t know yet. It’s always best to talk to your doctor before trying new skincare products if you’re pregnant.

Can you use retinol and bakuchiol at the same time?

Yep! Just be careful, as the combination might cause more irritation. Start with a patch test and take it slow to make sure your skin is happy with the combination.

What’s the ideal concentration?

Aim for a concentration of 0.5%, but it’s hard to find products with that amount. Some products have too little or too much bakuchiol, so keep an eye out for that.

Do you need sunscreen?

It’s not clear whether bakuchiol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, but it’s always important to wear sunscreen anyway. So make sure to keep up your good sunscreen habits!

What are the disadvantages of bakuchiol?

Even though it’s marketed as the “gentler version,” it still can cause some irritation, redness, or itching for those with super sensitive skin. It’s also hard to find a bakuchiol serum with the ideal concentration of 0.5%, as they often have too little or too much bakuchiol. So you have to be careful when selecting your product.

Wrap Up

If you’re looking for a natural way to get the same skin benefits as retinol, bakuchiol might just be the answer you’re looking for! This natural antioxidant, derived from the babchi plant, is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, and can help reduce acne and inflammation.

Although it may not be as powerful as retinol, bakuchiol is still a great alternative for those who can’t tolerate the harsh side effects of retinol. Just be aware that it can still cause irritation, so take it slow and steady when introducing it to your routine.

When searching for a bakuchiol product, look for one with a concentration of 0.5% to 1% to start and gradually increase as needed. Ultimately, the key is to find skincare practices that work best for you and make you feel confident in your own skin, whether it’s retinol, bakuchiol, or something else entirely.