You’re probably familiar with the restorative and anti-aging benefits of retinol, but if you’re looking to firm and brighten skin without the harsh effects, check out the best bactiol serums. This ingredient is often recommended by dermatologists and estheticians as a plant-based “retinol alternative.” “The primary effect of bactiol is its ability to stimulate collagen production,” says board-certified dermatologist Mina Amin, MD. trend“In a 12-week clinical trial, bactiol produced significant improvements in the appearance of facial fine lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity, firmness, and pigmentation,” she says.
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With such impressive results in a world where promoting a more youthful appearance is a top priority for most people, it’s no wonder that bactiol is used by many major skin care brands and in high demand from customers. Below, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about bactiol, from the best bactiol serums to how to properly incorporate it into your routine.
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Ideal for opening pores: Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bactiol Treatment
- Why we love itAmin lists this treatment as her top recommendation, citing the combination of retinol and bactiol that “effectively targets acne and enlarged pores.” In typical Paula’s Choice style, this treatment is powerful yet gentle, lathering two powerful ingredients and peptides into a lightweight lotion suitable for all skin types. Simply lather and apply to your face and neck three times a week for smoother, softer, and brighter skin over time. The low concentration of retinol (0.3%) makes it a good choice for beginners, but we recommend this treatment for experienced retinoid users and those with non-sensitive skin.
- Main Ingredients: Retinol 0.3%, Bactiol 2%, Peptide
- Bactiol Concentration: 2%
- size: 30 mL / 1 fl oz
Great for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptide Serum
- Why we love itFrom our research and testing, Medic 8 stands out in two ways: retinol and peptides. Its Crystal Retinal 3 and Oxy R Peptide are trend It’s an editor’s favorite face serum, so we knew the Bakuchiol Peptide Serum would be something special. Not only does it boost skin firmness and luminosity to promote a youthful glow, it also uses Centella Asiatica, Inca Omega Oil, and Aloe Vera to soothe stressed skin while supporting the skin’s barrier function. Not to mention, it’s easy to apply without feeling harsh on the skin.
- Main Ingredients: Bactiol, peptides, centella, Inca omega oil, sunflower seed oil, aloe vera
- Bactiol Concentration: 1.25%
- size: 30 mL / 1 fl oz
Great for dry skin: Arise of Skin CE15 Bakuchiol Firming Oil
- Why we love it: As a face oil, locking in moisture is the main purpose of Allies of Skin’s CE15 Bactiol Elixir. With a base of 11 oils (including rosehip, sea buckthorn, argan, and pumpkin seed) plus added Vitamin E, it provides antioxidant protection and hydrates dry skin. Plus, bactiol and teprenone increase skin elasticity, helping to firm and smooth skin over time.
- Main Ingredients: Vitamin C 10%, Vitamin E 5%, Bactiol 1%, Teprenone 3%, Coenzyme Q10
- Bactiol Concentration: 1%
- size: 30 mL / 1 fl oz
Best eye cream: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
- Why we love it: Crow’s feet and dark circles are two of the reasons some people opt for a retinol eye cream, but a bakuchiol potion might be a better fit for some. “Given the lower risk of irritation compared to retinol, bakuchiol may be a better choice for those with sensitive skin, such as those with rosacea or eczema, who want the skincare benefits of retinol but can’t tolerate it,” says Amin. If that’s you, try K-beauty brand HaruHaru Wonder’s Black Rice Eye Cream. Formulated with fermented black rice, bamboo shoot bark extract, and 5,000 ppm bakuchiol, it gently smoothes fine lines while awakening the eye area.
- Main Ingredients: Fermented black rice extract, bamboo bark extract, bakuchiol, ginseng root extract
- Bactiol Concentration: 5,000ppm (0.5%)
- size: 20mL / 0.67 fl oz
Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Renewing Cream
- Why we love itIf you’re looking to buy a bactiol product at your local drugstore, try Cetaphil’s Healthy Radiance Renewing Cream, which contains bactiol and niacinamide, which Amin says “helps with redness, discoloration, and fine lines.” It’s also said to help fade dark spots and even out skin tone.
- Main Ingredients: Bactiol, 2% niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, peppermint leaf extract
- Bactiol Concentration: not listed
- size: 50 mL / 1.7 fl oz
Best sunscreen: Supergoop! Daily Dose Bio Retinol + Mineral SPF 40
- Why we love it: Bactiol also turns out to be effective in facial sunscreens. And of course, Supergoop! has delivered a great formula that’s worthy of a spot on your vanity table. “I love that this option can be paired with a sunscreen, maximizing the benefits of your skincare regimen while skipping a step,” says Amin. And since you use an SPF in the morning, you can use a regular retinol at night. See what that means? With an optimized regimen, you can easily achieve your goals of fighting wrinkles and fading dark spots.
- Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide 16.5%, bactiol, peptide, olive ester, glycerin
- Bactiol Concentration: not listed
- size: 30 mL / 1 fl oz
Ideal for uneven skin tone: Avene Retrinial Advanced Correcting Serum
- Why we love it“Avene Retrinual Advanced Correcting Serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid, so it’s super hydrating,” Amin explains.[It also contains] “Niacinamide, in combination with bactiol, can help with redness, dark spots and fine lines.” A French pharmacy staple, it’s enriched with the brand’s thermal spring water, which is fast absorbing, helps strengthen the skin’s barrier and won’t cause irritation.
- Main Ingredients: Bactiol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, photostable vitamin E, Avene thermal spring water
- Bactiol Concentration:
- size: 30 mL / 1.0 fl oz
Best Plant-Based: Herbivor Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol + Peptide Retinol Alternative Serum
- Why we love it: Dermatologist Dr. Divya Shokeen recommends Herbivores serum, calling it a “gentle, all-natural formula suitable for all skin types.” It smooths fine lines and improves skin texture without causing irritation. Plus, it’s botanically derived and boasts a nutrient-rich serum texture that penetrates into the skin, pairing well with a follow-up facial moisturizer.
- Main Ingredients: Bakuchiol, plant peptides, schisandra berry extract, jojoba seed oil, glycerin
- Bactiol Concentration: 1%
- size: 30 mL / 1 fl oz
What is Bakuchiol?
“Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient extracted from the leaves and seeds of Psoralea corylifolia (also known as babchi),” Amin says. “This herb is native to India and has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.”
What is the best form of bakuchiol?
Amin explains that texture doesn’t interfere with bactiol’s effectiveness, so you can apply it as a serum or cream, depending on your preference. “Serum formulations offer a lighter way to deliver bactiol,” she says, “while creams and oils deliver it in a more moisturizing form.”
What percentage of bakuchiol is most effective?
Amin says the most effective percentage of bactiol is 0.5 to 2 percent. Beginners or those with sensitive skin may find a lower percentage works better, while more experienced users or those with deeper wrinkles may find a higher percentage works better for them.
Is bakuchiol a “retinol alternative”?
Bakuchiol is often referred to as a plant-based retinol alternative, but what does this actually mean? Amin explains that the comparison highlights that while the two ingredients work in a similar way, they are actually quite different. “Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is known to stimulate collagen production, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and increase skin elasticity,” she explains. “However, retinol generally comes with side effects of irritation and drying, which can be noticeable especially in people with dry skin. Recent research supports the idea that bakuchiol exerts these same benefits with less risk of irritation.” Amin continues that future studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of bakuchiol compared to prescription retinoids.
Another reason to compare bactiol to retinol is that bactiol is stable in sunlight and doesn’t increase sun sensitivity, although Amin says sunscreen use is still recommended.
How long does it take for Bakuchiol to take effect?
“As with most products, it will take a few months before you begin to see improvements,” says Shokine. “With consistent use, you should see visible improvement in four to 12 weeks.” She adds that the effects may last longer than with retinol.
Who should use Bakuchiol?
According to Shokeen, people who should use bakuchiol include:
- People with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate retinol.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (please consult your healthcare professional first).
- Those looking for a natural alternative to retinol.
- Those who have concerns about aging, pigmentation, uneven skin, etc.
Meet Our Experts
- Mina Amin, MD, is a dermatologist at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center based in Los Angeles.
- Divya Shokeen, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at California-based Ocean Skin and Vein Institute.
