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I love retinol. It’s the one ingredient that actually made a visible difference in my skin. But getting there was rough.
The peeling. The redness. The three weeks where my face looked worse than when I started.
So when bakuchiol started showing up everywhere as the “gentle retinol alternative,” I was curious. Could something plant-based really do what retinol does without all the drama? I spent months trying both and reading the research. Here’s what I found about bakuchiol vs retinol.
Short answer: they’re both good, but for different reasons. And for different people. I’ll break down exactly who should use what.
The bakuchiol vs retinol debate isn’t really about which one is better. It’s about which one is better for you right now. evrygal recommends bakuchiol for sensitive skin beginners and retinol for those who’ve built tolerance. And if you want the best of both worlds, use them together. Your skin will thank you either way.
Key Takeaways
- A 2019 British Journal of Dermatology study found bakuchiol matched retinol for reducing wrinkles and pigmentation (both fit into a skin longevity routine) over 12 weeks
- Bakuchiol causes less irritation, is pregnancy-safe, and can be used morning and night without sun sensitivity
- Retinol has 50+ years of clinical research and is stronger for acne treatment and severe photoaging
- You can use bakuchiol and retinol together: bakuchiol in the morning, retinol at night
- evrygal recommends bakuchiol for sensitive skin beginners and retinol for those who’ve built tolerance
Last updated: March 30, 2026
FAQ
Is bakuchiol really as effective as retinol?
For wrinkles and pigmentation, yes. The best direct comparison study (2019, British Journal of Dermatology) found no significant difference after 12 weeks. For acne specifically, retinol is still stronger. And retinol has far more research overall. But if anti-aging is your main goal, bakuchiol delivers. You can also layer it with a peptide serum for extra collagen support.
Can I use bakuchiol if I’m pregnant?
Yes. Bakuchiol is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s a plant-derived compound with no known risks to fetal development. Retinol and all vitamin A derivatives should be avoided during pregnancy. Bakuchiol is the recommended alternative.
How long does bakuchiol take to show results?
Most people see noticeable improvement in 4 to 8 weeks. That’s about the same timeline as retinol. The difference is that you won’t go through a peeling or purging phase with bakuchiol. Your skin just gradually gets smoother and more even.
Can I use bakuchiol and retinol in the same routine?
Yes. The simplest approach is bakuchiol in the morning and retinol at night. Bakuchiol’s anti-inflammatory properties can actually help reduce retinol irritation. Some products also combine both ingredients in one formula for a gentler retinol experience.
Does bakuchiol cause purging like retinol?
No. Bakuchiol doesn’t speed up cell turnover aggressively enough to cause purging. Purging happens when retinol pushes existing clogs to the surface faster than normal. Since bakuchiol works through a different pathway, this temporary breakout phase doesn’t happen.
