How to Strengthen Your Skin Barrier
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Updated September 2026
Quick answer: Bakuchiol is a plant extract from the seeds of the babchi plant. It helps smooth the look of fine lines, uneven texture and tone the way retinol does, but it's much less likely to cause dryness, peeling or sun sensitivity. You can use it morning and night, and it's a good choice for sensitive skin or anyone who can't tolerate retinol.
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol (say it buh-koo-chee-all) comes from Psoralea corylifolia, a plant used for centuries in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine. It isn't related to vitamin A chemically. It gets called a retinol alternative because in studies it produced similar visible results on fine lines, firmness and tone.
Bakuchiol vs retinol: what's the difference?
| Question | Bakuchiol | Retinol |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Plant extract | Vitamin A derivative |
| Irritation | Low. Rarely causes peeling. | Common at first: dryness, flaking, redness |
| Sun sensitivity | Not photosensitizing | Increases sun sensitivity |
| When to use | AM and PM | PM only |
| Pregnancy | Often chosen as the gentler option. Check with your doctor. | Generally avoided |
| Speed | Gradual, 8 to 12 weeks | Gradual, 8 to 12 weeks |
Retinol is still the most studied option. If your skin handles it well, keep using it. Bakuchiol is for everyone else.
What does bakuchiol do for skin?
- Softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles
- Smooths rough texture and helps skin look firmer
- Evens out the look of dark spots and tone
- Helps calm blemish-prone skin, thanks to its soothing properties
Who should use bakuchiol?
It's a good fit if you have sensitive or reactive skin, if retinol has ever left you red and peeling, or if you want an anti-aging step you can also use in the morning. It also works for acne-prone skin, which is why we put it in our blemish serum.
How do you use bakuchiol?
- Cleanse and tone.
- Apply your bakuchiol serum or oil. A few drops or one pump is plenty.
- Follow with moisturizer. At night, a face oil can go last.
- Wear SPF in the morning. Bakuchiol doesn't make you sun sensitive, but sun damage undoes the progress.
It pairs well with hydrators like hyaluronic acid and squalane. Some formulators avoid mixing it with high-strength glycolic acid in the same step, so alternate those nights if you use both.
How long does bakuchiol take to work?
Expect smoother texture in about four to six weeks. Changes in fine lines and firmness usually take 12 weeks of consistent use.
Our bakuchiol products
Midnight Mend Bakuchiol Night Oil pairs bakuchiol with rock samphire, a second plant-based retinol alternative, plus phytoceramides for the barrier and upcycled plum oil. It's our pick for fine lines and firmness.
Clear Slate Pore Clearing Serum combines bakuchiol with aloe, centella asiatica and niacinamide for blemish-prone skin.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use bakuchiol and retinol together?
You can. Some people use bakuchiol in the morning and retinol at night. If your skin gets irritated, drop the retinol first.
Is bakuchiol safe during pregnancy?
Many people switch to bakuchiol during pregnancy because retinoids are generally avoided. Check with your doctor before starting anything new.
Does bakuchiol cause purging?
It's much less likely to than retinol because it's gentler on cell turnover. A few small breakouts in the first weeks can happen but usually settle.
Can you use bakuchiol in the morning?
Yes. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol doesn't break down in sunlight or make skin more sun sensitive.
