Bakuchiol vs Retinol: The Skincare Showdown You Didn't See Coming

Retinol has ruled skincare for decades. It smooths wrinkles, speeds up cell turnover, and keeps skin glowing. But now, there's a new contender: bakuchiol. It's being hailed as "the natural alternative to retinol"—but does it actually work?

If you're wondering whether to ditch retinol and switch to bakuchiol, hold tight. We’re breaking down everything you need to know, from how they compare, whether bakuchiol is effective during pregnancy, and where to find the best bakuchiol serums, oils, and eye creams in Canada and beyond.

What Is Bakuchiol? Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived skincare ingredient sourced from the Psoralea corylifolia plant (a.k.a. the babchi plant). Unlike retinol, which comes from Vitamin A, bakuchiol is completely natural and praised for its gentler approach to anti-aging and acne treatment.

So, why the hype? Because bakuchiol delivers many of retinol’s benefits—without the irritation. No redness. No peeling. No sensitivity. It sounds almost too good to be true, right? Let’s break it down.

Bakuchiol vs Retinol: How Do They Stack Up?

Before you toss your retinol serum in the trash, let’s compare these two powerhouses on the things that matter most.

1. Anti-Aging Benefits

Retinol is legendary for reducing wrinkles, boosting collagen, and fading dark spots. It speeds up cell turnover, literally revealing fresher skin faster.

But here’s the exciting part—bakuchiol has been shown to have similar collagen-boosting and anti-aging effects without the harsh side effects. A 2018 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that bakuchiol and retinol delivered comparable results after 12 weeks, but bakuchiol users had way less irritation.

2. Sensitivity & Side Effects

If you’ve ever experienced the infamous “retinol burn”—flaking, stinging, redness—you know it's not always fun. Retinol can be tough on sensitive skin, often leading to dryness and irritation.

Bakuchiol, on the other hand, is much gentler. It doesn’t cause peeling or dryness, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin types.

3. Pregnancy & Safety

Retinol is a no-go during pregnancy. Doctors advise against its use due to potential risks to fetal development.

Bakuchiol, however, is considered safe during pregnancy—a huge win for expecting mothers who want an effective anti-aging routine. (Of course, always consult your dermatologist first!)

4. Acne-Fighting Power

Retinol clears pores, reduces acne breakouts, and smooths rough skin by increasing cell turnover.

Bakuchiol is surprisingly effective for acne as well! It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce breakouts without over-drying. If traditional acne treatments leave your skin irritated, a bakuchiol serum might be a game-changer.

The Best Bakuchiol Products to Try

If you’re ready to give bakuchiol a shot, these are some of the best options you can easily find in Canada and beyond.

Best Bakuchiol Serum

A good bakuchiol serum is the easiest way to incorporate this skincare ingredient into your routine. Look for high-concentration formulas that provide visible results without being too heavy.

Best Bakuchiol Eye Cream

The under-eye area is the most sensitive part of your face, which makes bakuchiol an amazing option for an eye cream. It smooths fine lines without the risk of irritation like retinol-based products.

Best Bakuchiol Oil

If you love facial oils, try a bakuchiol oil. It’s often combined with nourishing ingredients like jojoba, rosehip, or squalane to enhance hydration while delivering anti-aging benefits.

Best Bakuchiol & Retinol Serum Combo

Who says you have to choose between bakuchiol and retinol? Some brands now combine them in one serum—giving you the best of both worlds.

Bakuchiol vs Retinol: Which One Should You Choose?

Go for retinol if:

• You want the strongest anti-aging effects
• You don’t mind some irritation as your skin adjusts
• You’re not pregnant or breastfeeding

Choose bakuchiol if:

• You have sensitive skin prone to redness
• You need pregnancy-safe skincare
• You want similar benefits to retinol but with a gentler touch

At the end of the day, both ingredients work. The real question is: How well does your skin tolerate retinol? If you’ve struggled with irritation, bakuchiol is worth trying.

Final Thoughts: Is Bakuchiol Worth the Hype?

Bakuchiol isn’t some marketing gimmick—it’s a real, science-backed alternative to retinol. Whether you’re looking for a gentler anti-aging solution, pregnancy-safe skincare, or an effective acne fighter, bakuchiol might just be your new go-to.

So, will you stick to traditional retinol, or are you ready to join the bakuchiol revolution?