Bakuchiol is an alternative to retinol, an ingredient found in anti-aging serums and creams.
A U.C. Davis-backed study published in the Feb. 2019 edition of the British Journal of Dermatology concludes "Bakuchiol is promising as a more tolerable alternative to retinol," but "this would need to be confirmed in larger studies." Nevertheless, Bakuchiol already has some high-profile supporters.
Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, “is a big fan of the Burt’s Bee Renewal Refining Cleanser” according to an interview published in DermatologyTimes. "Burt’s Bees products are affordable, natural and well-studied." Zeichner concludes, “In an environment where people are wearing facemasks on a daily basis, an ingredient like Bakuchiol will become a staple ingredient in skincare routines.”
How Does Bakuchiol Work?
A 2014 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science suggests that Bakuchiol reduces fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production. "Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says Dr. Ohara Aivaz, a dermatologist at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.
Retinol vs. Bakuchiol vs. Babchi Oil
Retinol, like all kinds of retinoids, are chemically-related to Vitamin A. However, the Bakuchiol compound is derived from Psoralea corylifolia, a plant that is used in traditional medicines in China, India, Japan and Korea. On the other hand, Babchi oil (aka, bakuchi oil) is an essential oil that is derived from those same seeds. Babchi oil is related to Bakuchiol, but it is not the same thing. (Beware marketers who say it is.)
Here are the best inexpensive Bakuchiol products (cleansers, creams, serums and masks) for the money:
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Cleansers
1. Burt's Bees Renewal Refining Cleanser, Firming Face Wash
Good Value: $8 | Great Deal: $4
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart | Target
This facial cleaner leaves skin looking vibrant and healthy, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say the exfoliating beads are harsh on sensitive skin; others say the cleanser has a funky smell.
2. Indeed Labs Bakuchiol Reface Pads
Good Value: $20 | Great Deal: $15
Check Current Price on: Ulta
Indeed Labs' Reface Pads minimize pores and diminish the appearance of fine lines, according to several online customers. Many reviewers caution that these single-use pads don't last long if used twice a day (and wish this product was sold as a toner); some customers say these pads caused breakouts or irritation.
Creams
1. Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Eye Cream with Bakuchiol
Good Value: $15 | Great Deal: $12
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Rite Aid | Kohl's
Burt's Bees' eye cream applies easily and absorbs quickly, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say this eye cream is overpriced; others aren't confident that it reduces puffiness or dark circles.
2. THE INKEY LIST Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer
Good Value: $10 | Great Deal: $5
Check Current Price on: Sephora
This Sephora-exclusive bakuchiol moisturizer hydrates and firms skin, according to several online customers. Many reviewers say this cream is thin, runny and earthy smelling; others warn that the tube is tiny.
Serums
1. Acure Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum
Good Value: $18 | Great Deal: $12
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Ulta | iHerb
Acure's inexpensive bakuchiol serum leaves skin feeling soft and smooth without any redness or irritation, according to several online customers. Some reviewers advise that the product must be shaken well.
2. Burt's Bees Renewal Dark Spot Corrector with Bakuchiol
Good Value: $14 | Great Deal: $8
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Walmart | Kohl's
This dark spot corrector minimizes the appearance of age spots and acne scars, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say this product irritated their skin; others didn't like the smell.
3. Phytobiol Bakuchiol All-in-One Skin Serum
Good Value: $35 | Great Deal: $25
Check Current Price on: Amazon
This Bakuchiol-based serum is gentle on sensitive skin, effective at reducing fine lines and it minimizes the appearance of rosacea and hyperpigmentation, according to several online customers. Some reviewers complain that this serum has too strong of a scent; others wish that it had a more noticeable benefit.
4. Burt's Bees Renewal Intensive Firming Serum with Bakuchiol
Good Value: $19 | Great Deal: $14
Check Current Price on: Amazon | Kohl's | Target
Burt's Bees' firming serum minimizes the appearance of pores and is gentle on sensitive skin, according to several online customers. Some reviewers wish the bottle was larger, or, that the price was lower.
5. Bakuchiol (Retinol Alternative) Anti-Aging, Anti-Wrinkle Serum
Good Value: $20 | Great Deal: $15
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Imagine Dermatology's Bakuchiol serum is non-irritating, pleasant smelling and spreads quickly, according to several online customers. Some reviewers say their skin looks brighter and more youthful after use, but many others say that they haven't noticed much impact, even after using this product for several weeks.
6. Wildland Botanicals Bakuchiol Facial Serum, 2 oz.
Good Value: $35 | Great Deal: $30
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Made in USA
This retinol alternative is gentle and effective, according to customers on Etsy and Amazon Handmade. Some reviewers complain that this product made them break out; others haven't noticed much of an impact.
Sleep and Sheet Masks
1. Cocokind Resurfacing Sleep Mask
Good Value: $22 | Great Deal: $15
Check Current Price on: Ulta | Target
Cocokind's bakuchiol-infused sleep mask leaves skin feeling smooth, moisturized and refreshed, according to several online customers. Some reviewers complain that this mask triggered an allergic reaction.
2. Miss Spa Bakuchiol Regenerating Facial Sheet Mask
Good Value: $4 | Great Deal: $3
Check Current Price on: Amazon
Miss Spa's bakuchiol mask works like a Retinol-based moisturizer, but without dryness or irritation, according to several online customers. One reviewer complains that this product caused a breakout on her forehead.