Retinol alternatives that actually work (and don’t irritate)

By Henry Baker 2025-05-30

If you’re looking for a “natural retinol” that’s gentler on your skin but has the same skin-boosting properties, look no further than bakuchiol. This plant-based antioxidant promotes healthy aging without causing skin irritation or sensitivity. Although still relatively unknown, this natural compound has begun to gain traction in the cosmetic and beauty world. If you have sensitive skin and experience redness or inflammation from other popular skin ingredients, it may be time to give bakuchiol a try.

Although still relatively unknown, this natural compound has begun to gain traction in the cosmetic and beauty world. If you have sensitive skin and experience redness or inflammation from other popular skin ingredients, it may be time to give bakuchiol a try.

What is bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol (pronounced buh-koo-chee-all) is an extract from the leaves and seeds of the Babchi plant. Babchi, or Psoralea corylifolia, is a purple-flowering herb commonly used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine.

This plant-derived compound has emerged as a new retinoid ingredient in skin care.

Bakuchiol is known to be a gentler alternative to retinol, but with many of the same benefits. It can also be used as an antioxidant to boost skin health and promote healthy aging.

This plant-based compound is used as an alternative to retinol for people with sensitive skin.

While retinol can sometimes cause redness, burning, and stinging, studies show that pure bakuchiol has gained attention for its ability to improve acne, melasma, photoaging, and hyperpigmentation without the side effects.

Potential Benefits

The main benefit of bakuchiol is that its effectiveness is comparable to retinol, but it is known to be a gentler, all-natural compound. Here is a breakdown of the antioxidant's main benefits for skin and beyond:

Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

A frequently cited 2014 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science evaluated the activity of bakuchiol extracts versus retinol on the skin. The researchers found that while bakuchiol does not share structural similarities with retinoids, they still function similarly, especially in terms of their gene expression profiles.

The results showed that after applying bakuchiol to the face twice daily for 12 weeks, participants experienced significant improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, as well as an overall reduction in skin elasticity, firmness, and photodamage. The positive results are comparable to those of retinol facial applications.

Enhances Skin Elasticity and Firmness

Several studies have shown that bakuchiol extracts can help improve skin elasticity and firmness. One clinical study found that a nighttime facial serum made with bakuchiol, melatonin, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (a derivative of vitamin C) was able to increase skin firmness after 12 weeks.

Stimulates Collagen

Studies have shown that bakuchiol serum is involved in the upregulation of type I and IV collagen in DNA and stimulates type III collagen. This means that the compound can boost collagen production and prevent collagen loss, just like retinol.

Since collagen, as a protein, helps form connective tissue in the skin and throughout the body, increasing its production can help with healthy aging and reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.

Soothes Rough and Damaged Skin

Bakuchiol is often used to soothe rough, dry, and damaged skin because of its nourishing and anti-inflammatory properties. It has moisturizing properties, including squalane, an antioxidant rich in fatty acids that supports skin health.

Research shows that plant-derived squalane acts as a quencher of singlet oxygen, protecting the skin surface from damage caused by exposure to UV rays and other sources of ionizing radiation. Its emollient, moisturizing effects soothe inflamed, damaged skin and relieve skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Fights acne

Another benefit of bakuchiol for the skin is its antimicrobial effects, which can fight acne. A study published in the Journal of Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigative Dermatology found that a complex containing bakuchiol, ginkgo biloba, and mannitol was able to enhance the effectiveness of the vitamin A derivative adapalene in treating acne.

A preliminary study noted that bakuchiol reduced acne by about 57%, while salicylic acid only reduced acne by 48%. When the two ingredients are used together, they can reduce acne lesions and inflammation by up to 70%.

Improves Pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a discoloration or darkening of the skin. It causes dark spots or streaks on the surface of the skin and may appear after prolonged sun exposure or acne.

Recent studies have found that bakuchiol products can improve hyperpigmentation and photoaging, and may have a better safety profile than retinoids.

As an Antioxidant and More

A recent study published in Pharmacological Research highlights bakuchiol as a newly discovered "fighter against organ damage." This is due to the compound's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and estrogen-like effects.

According to researchers, folic acid has been shown to have protective effects on the heart, liver, skin, and other organs. It can inhibit liver fibrosis, inhibit cancer cells — including those in the stomach, breast, and skin — lower blood sugar and triglycerides, prevent bone loss, and delay osteoporosis.

Risks and Side Effects

Bakuchiol is touted as a safer, gentler option than retinoids. It is a plant-based, all-natural compound that does not cause dryness or irritation in most cases.

Antioxidants are known to be gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin.

That said, if you experience any adverse side effects like redness, burning, or stinging after using a bakuchiol product, you may be sensitive to the compound or other ingredients in the formula, so you should stop using it.

Contrary to retinol, bakuchiol appears to be safe during pregnancy, but to be safe, seek the advice of your midwife or doctor before adding it to your pregnancy skincare regimen.

How to Use It

You’ll start to notice more and more beauty products containing this botanical ingredient. One of the most popular ways to use this compound is as a bakuchiol serum or oil, which you use on your face morning and night.

You can use bakuchiol just like you would retinol. It can be applied to a clean face or added to your favorite moisturizer.

Another benefit of using bakuchiol on your skin? It appears to be safe to mix with other skincare ingredients, so it’s safe to add it to serums and lotions.

Other bakuchiol products on the market include cleansers and creams.

Conclusion

Bakuchiol is an extract derived from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant. It is growing in popularity as a gentler retinol alternative for the skin.

Bakuchiol serums are used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, improve hyperpigmentation, reduce inflammation, fight acne, improve skin firmness, and boost collagen production.

Bakuchiol side effects are minimal to nonexistent. It is known to be gentle enough for sensitive skin and will not cause irritation or redness.