Which One’s Better? A Derm Explains

The short answer is: Its nickname as the "natural alternative to retinol" is completely believable – however, more comparative studies, as well as larger studies on the optimal concentration, use, and mechanisms of Bakuchiol, need to be conducted.

"What is better between bakuchiol and retinol against hyperpigmentation and wrinkles? There's a study – and it's a good study – that shows that if you used Bakuchiol once a day and once a day retinol for three months, you can actually see comparable results between the two groups, ”says Bowe. "But that's just a study."

In fact, the study to which it relates said the following: In a 12-week, double-blind study, half of the participants were assigned a topical treatment with 0.5% retinol at night and the other half were assigned one with 0.5% % Bakuchiol twice a day. The researchers found that both groups saw significant, but equal, improvements in lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and skin firmness, with an overall reduction in photoaging. The Bakuchiol group, however, experienced less dryness, flaking, and irritation – and most importantly, no sensitivity to light, which made twice-daily use appropriate.

And as Board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr, MD previously told us, "While it bears no structural resemblance to retinoids, Bakuchiol has shown that it acts similarly to traditional retinols by targeting similar cellular pathways – activating signals that A role in skin function is its ability to fight oxidative stress, fight free radicals and reduce dark spots, resulting in smoother skin texture, less hyperpigmentation, improved elasticity and fewer wrinkles.