Bakuchiol Vs. Retinol – 100% PURE

We love the benefits of reviving retinol – but are we using the best of the best in anti-aging skin care? Enter bakuchiol: a trendy ingredient that’s been central to the recent beauty scene.

We’re putting these two through a little friendly competition, to determine if bakuchiol or retinol is better at addressing signs of aging. Let’s review what they are, how they work, and what benefits they provide for our skin. Let’s get ready to (retinol) rumble!

All About Bakuchiol

So, what is bakuchiol? This ingredient (pronounced bah-koo-chee-all) may have an intimidating name, but bakuchiol is just a plant-based alternative to the wildly popular skin care ingredient, retinol.

So what is bakuchiol made from? It’s an oil harvested from the native Indian plant babchi, and provides many of the same benefits as retinol. While we use vegan forms of retinol at 100% PURE, many retinol products aren’t vegan –making bakuchiol a worthy vegan alternative.

Bakuchiol promotes collagen, one of the most vital components of smooth, youthful looking skin. Bakuchiol triggers skin cell repair for a rejuvenated result – think fewer fine lines and wrinkles, and a smoother, more even skin tone.

Bakuchiol works well for the skin because although it’s considered an active ingredient, it doesn’t present the sun exposure risk that retinol does. Rather than leaving skin more sensitive to the sun, studies suggest that bakuchiol provides a level of sun protection not found in retinol. This means while retinol is only recommended for nighttime, bakuchiol can be applied day and night. Therefore, you might spot bakuchiol in daytime products like our Bakuchiol Moisturizer. Furthermore, regular use doesn’t cause the dryness or skin irritation that we sometimes see with retinol.

Quick Bakuchiol Stats:

• Vegan
• Good for all skin types
• Gentler alternative to retinol
• Encourages collagen production for fewer fine lines
• Boosts skin cell turnover rate for a more even, brighter complexion

So what are the downsides of bakuchiol? Because it’s a fairly new ingredient on the skin care scene, there’s not enough conclusive research about how well it compares to retinol, or the potential risks of bakuchiol vs. retinol. Available testing suggests bakuchiol may be a gentler experience compared to retinol, especially for those with sensitive skin or for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Meet our NEW Bakuchiol Cleanser and Moisturizer!

We created this gentle, but powerful duo to provide a safe and natural alternative to retinol. Our rejuvenating Bakuchiol Face Wash washes away impurities to stimulate cellular turnover for a smoother complexion while our antioxidant rich Bakuchiol Moisturizer provides intense hydration to boost collagen production and lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

This duo is ideal for you if your skin is too sensitive to retinol. Ingredients like Lactic Acid, Kojic Acid and CoQ10 powerfully combine to give you smooth, soft and supple skin!

Retinol Refresher

Retinol, or retinoids, are a derivative of vitamin A that address aging, complexion concerns, and smoother skin. It helps to clear clogged pores, improve skin clarity, and promote a more youthful texture by triggering the skin to produce collagen. This helps to naturally diminish fine lines and wrinkles, while achieving a more even complexion.

Before bakuchiol became popular, there was only retinol. It supports heightened collagen production, and is an effective way to promote more youthful looking skin – with results that only get better with continued use. Retinoids address large pores, fine lines, age spots and blemishes, but that’s not without downsides.

Retinoids are potent and powerful. We’re able to source even stronger options with a prescription, for a topical or oral approach. Because of their strength, they can be incompatible with sensitive skin types. Though retinoids are often delivered via skin creams and serums, lower quality formulas can cause dryness, irritation, or result in increased skin sun sensitivity with improper use.

Retinol Stats:

• Offered in various strengths and potencies
• Anti-aging for smoother skin with fewer lines
• Brightens the skin and evens complexion tone
• Potent, showing strong results with continued use
• Boosts skin cell turnover rate for youthful looking skin
• Has a long track record of efficacy in clinical and public use

While it’s accurate to say that we love retinoids, we know they aren’t for everyone. Firstly, some retinoids (never ours) are sourced from animal products – meaning they aren’t always vegan friendly.

Retinol can also increase sun sensitivity, which means adhering to a strict SPF routine while using retinol is non-negotiable. Speaking of sensitivity, because of how strong and powerful retinol is, it can be inflammatory for sensitive skin types.

Bakuchiol Vs. Retinol

To get the full picture (and help you decide which ingredient to use), let’s review the differences between bakuchiol vs. retinol.

One major difference is that while bakuchiol is always vegan and plant-based, the same can’t be said for all retinoids. Some retinol products are harvested from produce, such as squash, carrots, and cantaloupe. Unfortunately, other retinoids can be made from animal byproducts, which means that bakuchiol may be more appealing to vegans and vegetarians.

The reason we can even compare these two is because the function of bakuchiol to retinol is quite similar. They’re both great ingredients for addressing signs of aging in the skin – this includes enlarged pores, fine lines, age spots and blemishes, and of course, wrinkles. Tried, tested, and true, retinol has always been a top tier product to maintain or achieve a glowing, ageless complexion.

We also want to look at potency, effectiveness, and skin sensitivity. We touched on this earlier, but bakuchiol is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin, though it’s definitely less powerful than retinol. Retinol has more research in its corner, which proves both its effectiveness and associated risks.

In terms of benefits, these two compare pretty well – however, retinol edges bakuchiol out if we’re purely going off of performance. Yet the argument can be made that since bakuchiol can be used by a wider range of skin types, it’s the better option overall.

Choosing the Best Night Cream for Maximum Anti-Aging Benefits

When it comes to fighting fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness, your night cream plays a crucial role in delivering results. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the best one for your skin? The secret lies in understanding why nighttime is the best time for skin renewal and which ingredients provide the biggest anti-aging benefits.

Why Nighttime is the Best Time for Skin Renewal

Your skin is constantly exposed to stressors like UV rays, pollution, and free radicals throughout the day. At night, however, it shifts into repair mode—making it the perfect time to apply potent, active ingredients.

• The skin’s natural repair process happens overnight – While you sleep, your body increases cell turnover and collagen production, which helps repair damage and maintain a youthful glow.
• Higher absorption rate – Active ingredients like bakuchiol, retinol, and peptides penetrate deeper at night when the skin’s protective barrier is more permeable.
• Less exposure to environmental stressors – Without UV exposure or pollution, your skin can fully focus on absorbing and utilizing the anti-aging ingredients in your night cream.

Best Night Cream Ingredients for Anti-Aging

The right night cream should include powerhouse ingredients that work with your skin’s natural nighttime renewal process. Look for:

• Bakuchiol – A plant-based alternative to retinol, it stimulates collagen production and reduces fine lines without irritation, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
• Retinol – The gold standard for anti-aging, retinol accelerates cell turnover, smooths fine lines, and improves skin texture. Retinol is combined with nutrient-rich rosehip oil in our Retinol Rosehip Face Cream.
• Peptides – These amino acid chains support collagen and elastin production, strengthening the skin’s structure and boosting elasticity.
• Hyaluronic Acid – A hydration powerhouse, it replenishes moisture, plumps skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines overnight.
• Niacinamide – This multitasking vitamin brightens the skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and calms redness for a more even-toned complexion.

How to Incorporate the Best Night Cream into Your Routine

To maximize the anti-aging benefits of your night cream, follow these simple steps:

1. Apply after cleansing and toning – A clean slate ensures that active ingredients penetrate effectively. It’s ideal to use something that gently cleanses while encouraging skin renewal like our Bakuchiol Face Wash.
2. Use retinol-based formulas 2-3 times a week – To avoid irritation, introduce retinol slowly and increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
3. Pair with a hydrating serum – If using potent ingredients like retinol, layering a hydrating serum underneath can prevent dryness and enhance results.
4. Finish with a Bakuchiol Face Oil – if you’re looking for some extra nourishment, a face oil can lock everything in while delivering antioxidants.

By choosing a night cream packed with the right ingredients and applying it consistently, you’re giving your skin the best possible chance to repair, restore, and wake up looking radiant.

The Verdict

We now know that bakuchiol is essentially a plant-based alternative to animal-derived retinol. It’s also gentler, meaning it applies to a wider variety of skin types – but overall, it’s likely less effective.

Let’s determine which options are best for each skin type and concern.

Sensitive Skin – Acneic Skin – Reactive Skin
If your skin falls into the category of sensitive or reactive, it’s better to be safe and start off with the gentler option. Not only does this provide anti-aging benefits in an inclusive way for sensitive skin types, but bakuchiol will help address the enlarged pores that can sometimes contribute to acne and breakouts.

Vegans
Bakuchiol makes for the better vegan option because it’s always plant-based. Though there are plant-based retinol options, bakuchiol is a fully natural plant-based option that anyone can use.

Post-Acneic Skin
The feeling of finally getting to the bottom of our blemishes and breakouts is priceless, but this discovery often results in a skin care product revamp. If removing acne scars is a huge goal, a retinol option will be more effective. Because retinol helps to diminish pores, regular use can also help with continuous acne control.

First Time Testers
For those of us that are open to either product, why not start with the gentler option and work up to retinol? When we aren’t sure how our skin may react with the product, by starting with bakuchiol we’re able to test out how impactful these products can be for our skin type. After some months of consistency, swapping out bakuchiol for a potent retinol treatment can help revive the skin, and effectively target remaining signs of premature aging or hyperpigmentation.

Seasonal Skin Care
Much like our need for toastier complexion products in the summer, our summer skin care should adjust to suit our summer lifestyle. With that in mind, as retinol does result in sun sensitivity when used during the day, it may be better used in fall/winter seasons when we’re spending less time outdoors and exposed to UV rays – that is, unless you can keep up with a strict sunscreen routine!

FAQs

What are the key differences between bakuchiol and retinol in terms of anti-aging benefits?

Bakuchiol and retinol both promote collagen production, smooth fine lines, and improve skin texture, but they work differently:

• Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative that delivers similar anti-aging benefits without the irritation or dryness commonly associated with retinol. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
• Retinol accelerates cell turnover and is clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and hyperpigmentation faster. However, it can cause redness, peeling, and sensitivity, especially for first-time users.

Can bakuchiol and retinol be used together in a skincare routine?

Yes! Bakuchiol and retinol can be combined to enhance anti-aging benefits while reducing potential irritation. Bakuchiol helps stabilize retinol and can mitigate some of its harsher side effects. To use them together:

• Apply bakuchiol in the morning and retinol at night for a balanced approach.
• If using them in the same routine, start with a bakuchiol-based serum and follow with a retinol night cream.
• Always pair with a hydrating moisturizer and SPF during the day to protect your skin.

What is the best night cream for sensitive skin: bakuchiol or retinol?

For sensitive skin, bakuchiol is the better choice. It offers similar anti-aging results as retinol but without the risk of irritation, dryness, or peeling. If you still want to try retinol, opt for a lower concentration and buffer it with a hydrating moisturizer.

How do peptides enhance the effectiveness of anti-aging treatments?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for collagen and elastin.

They enhance anti-aging treatments by:

• Strengthening the skin barrier, making it more resilient to environmental damage.
• Boosting collagen production to improve firmness and elasticity.
• Helping reduce inflammation and supporting skin repair when used alongside ingredients like retinol or bakuchiol.

Are there any side effects of using bakuchiol or retinol, and how can they be minimized?

Both ingredients are generally safe, but they can have side effects:

• Retinol: Common side effects include dryness, peeling, redness, and increased sun sensitivity. Minimize irritation by using it 2-3 times a week, applying a moisturizer after, and wearing sunscreen daily.
• Bakuchiol: Rarely causes irritation, but patch-testing before use is always recommended.

If you experience discomfort, try applying your night cream over a hydrating serum or using a lower concentration of retinol to allow your skin to adjust gradually.