Bakuchiol is a popular and natural alternative to retinol in Korean skincare, which has gained a lot of momentum in the global beauty industry quite recently. As a skincare expert, while I do love retinol for all that it offers to the skin, I couldn’t help but pick out some of the best bakuchiol products myself (which, as you may have already guessed, passed my scrutiny with flying colors!). Not just me, several global users deeply adore these products, and their testimonials gave me a lot of insights that I’ve incorporated in the product reviews below. 

Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient, extracted from the babchi herb, and is a powerhouse of antioxidants in addition to soothing, and healing properties (more on that below). Dermatologists worldwide recommend it to synthesize collagen in the skin, thereby smoothing its texture, tone, and balance. Another perk — this godsend ingredient works pretty well with all skin types. The cherry on the top — this ingredient is extremely versatile in its usage, and you can find it across formulations such as face washes, toners, moisturizers, serums, oils, eye creams, patches, etc. Now, without further ado, let’s go through the following product recommendations.

• 1
  Best for Quick Results

  Botanic Tree Bakuchiol + Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Face Cleanser

  Buy on Amazon

This invigorating herb wash is a multi-tasking gem as it works as a cleanser, toner, as well as an exfoliant. Featuring the exfoliation holy grails — glycolic acid and salicylic acid, this effective formula helps dissolve surface dead skin cells to brighten the skin and also helps maintain its oil balance (research published on NCBI).

Besides, in addition to bakuchiol, this formula is brimming with botanical extracts that help soothe and cool the skin down, especially if it is prone to frequent flare-ups and irritation. I used this product just twice, in the same week, and observed a significant reduction in acne and an improvement in my skin’s homeostasis, for which I highly recommend it!

Other Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, aloe vera, bamboo, green tea, cucumber, sage, peppermint, and chamomile

Cruelty-free: Yes

Skin Type: Works for almost all. Ideal for acne-prone, teenage, and early-adult skin

Quantity: 6 fl. oz.

Quick Tip:

For best results, use this product no more than twice a week, especially if you’re allowing your skin to get used to it. Lather it well for a few seconds on your face and neck, and leave it that way for about a minute or so before rinsing. This way, the exfoliation results would be more optimal.

2

Best Brightening Eye Cream

Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream

Buy on Amazon

If there’s an ideal example of gentle meets powerful, it is this bakuchiol eye cream from Burt’ Bees! It contains a rich blend of botanical goodness that caters to hydrate, replenish, and pamper the delicate skin around the eyes. Those skeptical about eye creams in general need not worry about this one as it is tested ophthalmologically as well as dermatologically, so, it’s a safe investment.

As someone who is exposed to a lot of screen time and gets less sleep, I find this formula to be quite a relief for my under-eyes, and I absolutely love how it feels on my skin. One caveat — some customers find its hydration a bit unsatisfactory, but it should be good if you layer it with a moisturizer.

Other Ingredients: Lactic acid, as well as extracts of beet, watermelon, lentil fruit, apple, clover leaf, plankton, and other botanical ingredients

Cruelty-free: Yes

Skin Type: Aging

Quantity: 0.5 oz.

3

Best for Dry Skin

Handmade Heroes The Ultimate Bakuchiol Booster Oil

Buy on Amazon

In addition to our hero retinol substitute — bakuchiol — this booster oil for sensitive skin contains other plant extracts that help smooth out the skin texture so that it feels like butter. Hence, whether you’re dealing with fine lines or scars, this little gem has got you covered. 

Personally, I’m really impressed with the addition of squalene in this formulation, as that lubricates potent active ingredients to offer their best to your skin, while also moisturizing it generously and offering it some much-needed TLC (research by the Journal of Cosmetic Science). Another perk — this beautiful formulation is free of nasties such as fragrances, mineral oil, phthalates, etc., and quite safe to use.

Other Ingredients: Plant-based squalene, chinaberry, false daisy, ivy gourd extract, olive oil, jojoba oil, etc.

Cruelty-free: Yes

Skin Type: All

Quantity: 0.3 fl. oz. and 0.75 fl. oz.

4

Reduces Dullness

HERBIVORE Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum

Buy on Amazon

To improve the skin’s texture and feel, this bakuchiol smoothing serum from Herbivore works on multiple levels to deliver maximum benefits. To begin with, the formula harnesses the power of poly-hydroxy acids to target pesky skin issues such as acne and dullness for healthier skin. 

Then, the powerful combination of bakuchiol and peptides work together to support skin repair, synthesize the production of collagen, and boost plumpness to exhibit retinol-like results (research by the British Journal of Dermatology and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences). When I used it, I didn’t know which ingredient to thank the most as the overall formulation worked pretty well in improving my skin's radiance, health, and appearance. 

Other Ingredients: Aloe vera, radish ferment, blueberry extracts, amethyst extracts, gluconolactone (PHA), and other natural ingredients

Cruelty-free: Yes

Skin Type: All, especially aging and sensitive skin

Quantity: 0.5 oz. and 1 oz.

5

Best for 40s And 50s Skincare

Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

Buy on Amazon

Ah! This little miracle cream-based treatment is a powerhouse of antioxidants that fight pollutants and other environmental aggressors with great bravado to protect your skin. In addition to that, its moisturization prowess is absolutely unparalleled as it provides the skin with all the care and pampering it needs. 

Due to the multi-faceted benefits of this product, it is an incredible choice for people who like to keep their skincare routine simple and don’t wish to layer up on serums and moisturizers. Most importantly, this formula is a treat for mature skin as it possesses a blend of a vitamin A-derivative and bakuchiol, to address those deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, age spots, and sagginess (study by the International Journal of Cosmetic Sciences).

Other Ingredients: Retinol, peptides, vitamin C, shea butter, plant-based proteins, and oat extracts

Cruelty-free: Yes

Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combination, and acne-prone skin

Quantity: 1 oz.

6

Best to Reverse Sun Damage

ISDIN Melatonik 3-in-1 Night Serum

Buy on Amazon

The anti-aging properties of bakuchiol have been bolstered with the addition of melatonin in this nourishing night serum, to replenish and protect the skin from external aggressors. This powerful ingredient reverses the impact of sun exposure and pollutants on the skin, while the restorative formulation further calms skin inflammations (research by Dermato Endocrinology ).

With frequent use, you can expect this bakuchiol serum to repair your skin, and increase elasticity, and firmness, which improves its appearance. Moreover, this anti-aging serum formulation imparts luminosity and feels rather luxurious on skin that felt tired and shriveled.  

Other Ingredients: Melatonin and vitamin C

Cruelty-free: Yes

Skin Type: All mature skin types. Not suitable for teenage or acne-prone skin.

Quantity: 1 fl. oz.

7

Richest Hydration

Cocokind Resurfacing Sleep Mask

Buy on Amazon

To make the best of my daily beauty sleep, I started using this nourishing bakuchiol overnight mask from Cocokind, and my skin thanked me for it. The formula acts as a catalyst to stimulate the natural repair and healing process of the skin overnight, entailing the goodness of squalene and beta glucan.

The hydration benefits of this product are a little too good! Hence, if you ever miss out on regular hydration and basic skincare due to a hectic schedule, then this mask would help make up for it. Addedly, it came as a surprise to me that this product actually helped my acne problem — it did not spot treat or dry out the pus but helped by bringing about an overall skin balance. 

Other Ingredients: Beta glucan and squalene

Cruelty-free: Yes

Skin Type: All, especially sensitive skin

Quantity: 1.7 fl. oz.

8

Best for Oily Skin

Beauty by Earth Youth Restoration Bakuchiol Face Toner

Buy on Amazon

I’ve always been skeptical of toners and mists for drying out my skin and disrupting its oil balance, but with this alcohol-free bakuchiol toner from Beauty by Earth, my fears vanished in a jiffy! As someone with combination and acne-prone skin, I observed that the witch hazel and niacinamide contents in the formula worked all too well for me in calming flare-ups.

And, unlike most toners that parch skin types on the oiler side, this formulation harnesses the hydrating goodness of aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to boost moisture in the skin. Just a few on-the-go spritzes of this toner gave me noticeable results, and made my skin feel a lot more rejuvenated than usual!

Other Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, and niacinamide

Cruelty-free: Yes

Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone, normal, and mature skin

Quantity: 4.5 fl. oz.

9

Best Eco-friendly Product

Alpyn Beauty PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer

Buy on Amazon

Having tested this product and reviewed customer feedback on it, I deem this product suitable for a preventative anti-aging skincare regime for your 20s. As a retinol substitute, the product boosts collagen and improves the skin texture, thereby making it soft and supple. 

And, as the name suggests, the smoothly emulsified water-drenched formula melts onto the skin, leaving it feeling its best. Despite being a moisturizer, this product contains a small quantity of glycolic acid, which is leveraged to reduce dullness and brighten the skin as well as enhance the penetration of the infused humectants. 

Other Ingredients: Sodium hyaluronate, apple extracts, glycolic acid, olive oil, ceramides, and vitamin C

Cruelty-free: Yes

Skin Type: Dry and mature skin

Quantity: 1.7 fl. oz.

10

Best Soothing Eye Treatment

Meebak Seoul Cica & Bakuchiol Eye Cream

Buy on Amazon

In a nutshell, this rejuvenating Korean eye cream has a two-fold function. To begin with, the infused cica (centella asiatica) soothes and hydrates the delicate under-eye skin, aiming to reverse oxidative damage and counter dullness (study by the Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences). 

Next, our hero ingredient bakuchiol provides all the benefits of retinol, without the harsh side effects. This is an incredible product to boost collagen in the skin and make it plump and healthy. Moreover, the way this product brightens the under-eyes is also noteworthy!

Other Ingredients: Cica, caffeine, and ginseng berry

Cruelty-free: Yes

Skin Type: All

Quantity: 1.01 fl. oz.

11

By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream

Buy on Amazon

By combining vitamin A and its best alternative, this night cream offers twice the anti-aging benefits of an average product. Hence, this product is very good for those who deal with deep wrinkles, age spots, crow’s feet, sagginess, etc. 

What gives this product an edge over the others is that it is hypoallergenic and unscented, which makes it safe and suitable for most skin types. The formulation helps counter the effects of oxidative stress and sun exposure, thereby strengthening the skin barrier and preparing it to face environmental aggressors. And of course, it is an amazing investment to make the skin tighter and firmer.

Other Ingredients: Retinylaldehyde, vitamin E, collagen, niacinamide, and cica

Cruelty-free:  Yes

Skin Type: All

Quantity: 1.05 oz.

12

Indeed Laboratories Bakuchiol Reface Pads

Buy on Amazon

The concept of infusing a retinol-alternative product in facial pads is groundbreaking, which this product from Indeed Laboratories has made possible and received positive feedback from users worldwide! In addition to bakuchiol, other wholesome skincare ingredients such as allantoin and niacinamide help in maintaining skin homeostasis without having a harsh impact on it (study by the International Wound Journal and published on ResearchGate).

You can count on this product to restore skin health by repairing damage and calming inflammation. Besides, having scrutinized the ingredients, and discovered that it is free of parabens and phthalates, I can recommend this for all skin types. 

Other Ingredients: Cloudberries, allantoin, and niacinamide

Cruelty-free:

Skin Type: Aging, acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin

Quantity: 30 Pads

13

Acure Radically Rejuvenating Bakuchiol Treatment Facial Cream

Buy on Amazon

Of all the products in the list, I find the supporting ingredients in this face cream the most suitable to bolster the properties of bakuchiol, which also results in efficient skin improvement. Not only is the formula richly and intensely moisturizing, but it soothes the skin splendidly — like a warm hug from grandma!

What sweetens up the deal even more? The clean formula is certified organic and vegan, meaning it is not just gentle for your skin but also for the environment. 

Other Ingredients: Safflower seed oil, calendula, chamomile, squalene, and evening primrose

Cruelty-free: Yes

Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, and aging skin

Quantity: 1.7 fluid ounces

Now that you’ve seen my product recommendations for the best bakuchiol products, scroll away to see the following buying guide and understand things to consider before investing in one.

1. See the Type of Formulation:

Like retinol products, bakuchiol is available in different types of formulations such as creams, serums, face washes, essences, toners, eye creams, lotions, masks, semi-viscose treatments, oils, etc. But that doesn’t mean that you can simply pick a formulation that attracts you and start using it right away. Before investing in a product, you must consider your existing skincare regime first and try to figure out how and at what time you can incorporate bakuchiol in your routine. Maybe you already have a good hydrating moisturizer; in that case, it’ll be a nice idea to incorporate bakuchiol in the form of a serum. 

You can also check whether the type of product suits the needs of your skin type. For example, a balancing toner or resurfacing pad may be a better choice for oily skin, whereas a rich cream or oil-based treatment may be suitable for dry skin. 

2. Check for Supporting Ingredients:

When looking for a product, you can scour through bakuchiol’s supporting ingredients in the formulation to get a better idea of what kind of product meets your needs the best. For balancing the skin and restoring its barrier, squalene, allantoin, niacinamide, and ceramides are good ingredients to look for. For exfoliating and brightening, you may look for AHAs and vitamin C are good additives. And, to fight oxidative stress or reverse the effects of UV exposure, chamomile, melatonin, turmeric extracts, etc. are excellent contents to look for. Evaluate the ingredients thoroughly based on your prior experience with them to get to a definite decision. 

3. Look for Important Labels:

Always prioritize products that are plant-based vegan and cruelty-free to ensure that you’re maintaining an ethical and guilt-free skincare regime. PETA and Leaping Bunny certifications are a good way to reassure you of the same. Addedly, products that are sustainably manufactured with certified organic and non-GMO ingredients get the upper hand. Speaking specifically of your skin needs, look for products that are labeled as non-comedogenic if you have acne-prone skin and hypoallergenic if you have sensitive and reaction-prone skin. For eye creams and serums, the added reassurance of an ophthalmologist-tested product is always good. Further, it also helps if the products are dermatologist-tested. 

1. Suitable for Sensitive Skin (Rosacea or eczema):

It is true that some skin types don’t react well to retinol. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t mature with time or deal with wrinkles, enlarged open pores, and sagginess. For such sensitive skin types, including severe cases such as rosacea or eczema, bakuchiol works fantastically and is well-tolerated. Moreover, it shows impressive results such as more smoothness, an even tone, better clarity in complexion, an increase in moisture, and an overall youthful touch to the skin (study by the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology).

2. More Versatile And Gentle Than Retinol:

If you’ve ever used retinol products, you may know that they have a very tricky usage, and cannot be layered with many active ingredients. However, bakuchiol is relatively gentle. Hence, you can safely layer it with other actives such as squalene, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, etc. Addedly, while should strictly be used on alternate nights only, bakuchiol is safe to be used daily, including both mornings and nights. 

4. Higher in Antioxidants:

A study by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science demonstrated that bakuchiol is significantly higher in antioxidants compared to retinol. This powerful ingredient not only protects the skin better from external aggressors but also accelerates wound healing and skin restoration better than its popular counterpart.

5. Has Anti-inflammatory And Anti-bacterial Properties:

Another study from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology proves that bakuchiol has impressive anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This helps cater to common skin problems such as acne, sun damage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and even severe conditions such as psoriasis.