Bakuchiol Oil vs. Retinol: Which One's Better? Our Guide To Finding The Right One For You

For so long retinol reigned as the champion skin care item for dermatologists everywhere. The vitamin A derivative was hailed as the "gold standard" for acne and aging skin concerns. Experts cited its ability to encourage skin cell turnover, enhance collagen production, and repair damaged skin cells via regeneration.

But then a botanical active called bakuchiol became "trendy"—the ingredient has been around for a long time, actually—and soon natural-leaning and clean brands were purporting its retinol-like properties.

Bakuchiol is a type of antioxidant compound called a meroterpene phenol1, and it's most abundantly found in the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), which is native to India and has a long history of use in the area.

For topical use, the benefits include smoother skin texture, reduced oxidative stress markers, fewer fine lines, and less discoloration or fewer dark spots. 

The short answer is this: There's absolutely credence to its moniker as the "natural alternative to retinol"—but more comparative studies need to be done, as well as larger studies on bakuchiol's optimal concentration, usage, and mechanisms. 

"Between bakuchiol and retinol, what is better for hyperpigmentation and wrinkles? There is one study—and it's a good study—that shows if you use bakuchiol once a day and use retinol once a day for three months, you can actually see comparable results between the two groups," says Bowe. "But that's only one study." 

In fact, the study she's referencing said this: In one 12-week, double-blind study, half of the participants were assigned to use a topical treatment containing 0.5% retinol at night, and the other half were assigned to use one containing 0.5% bakuchiol twice daily. Researchers found that both groups experienced significant but equal improvements in lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and skin firmness with an overall reduction in photo-aging. The bakuchiol group, however, experienced less dryness, scaling, and irritation—and most notably didn't have photosensitivity, which made the twice-daily use appropriate. 

Finally, don't feel the pressure to use either! I know so many people who feel they need to get on the retinol or bakuchiol train or else they're missing out on the Fountain of Youth. But rest assured there are plenty of great skin care ingredients out there that can support collagen production, smooth skin, decrease pigmentation, help with acne—the list goes on.