If you've spent any time exploring anti-ageing skincare, you've almost certainly come across two names: retinol and bakuchiol. Both are praised for helping skin look smoother and firmer, but they work differently and suit different people. So how do you choose? Let's break it down.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A and one of the most studied ingredients in skincare. It's long been a go-to for people wanting to soften the look of fine lines, even out skin tone, and refine texture. It works by encouraging skin cell turnover.
The trade-off is tolerance. Retinol is well known for causing dryness, redness, flaking, and stinging, especially when you first start using it. It can also make skin more sensitive to sunlight, which is why daytime SPF is essential when using it.
What Is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol (pronounced "buh-KOO-chee-ol") is a plant-derived compound extracted from the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia). Although it isn't related to vitamin A, research suggests it appears to work along similar pathways in the skin, supporting a smoother, firmer-looking complexion.
Its biggest draw is gentleness. Bakuchiol is generally far less likely to cause the irritation associated with retinol, which makes it popular with people who have sensitive or reactive skin.
How They Compare
Both ingredients are associated with smoothing the look of fine lines and supporting firmer-looking skin. The key differences come down to how they feel and who they suit.
Retinol has decades of research behind it and is often considered a benchmark for anti-ageing ingredients, but it can be harsh, frequently causing dryness and peeling, and it increases sun sensitivity. Bakuchiol, by contrast, is plant-derived and tends to be much gentler, making it a comfortable option for sensitive skin and for those who want a more natural-feeling routine. It also isn't known to increase photosensitivity the way retinol is, though daily sunscreen is always a smart habit regardless.
A frequently cited 2019 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology compared the two and found they produced comparable improvements in the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation, with bakuchiol users reporting less stinging and scaling.
Which Should You Choose?
There's no single right answer, it depends on your skin and your preferences.
Retinol may suit you if you have resilient skin that tolerates actives well and you want an ingredient with a long research history. Bakuchiol may be the better fit if you have sensitive skin, have found retinol too harsh in the past, prefer plant-derived ingredients, or want something gentle enough for everyday use morning and night.
Some people who can't use retinol also look to bakuchiol as an alternative, but if that applies to you for any medical reason, it's always best to check with a healthcare professional first, since individual circumstances vary.
The Bottom Line
Retinol is the long-established option with a strong research base, while bakuchiol offers a gentler, plant-based route toward similar-looking results, with far less of the irritation that leads many people to give up on retinol. If your skin is sensitive or you simply prefer a kinder daily routine, bakuchiol is well worth considering.
Curious to try it? Explore our SanusMedi Bakuchiol Anti-Wrinkle Repair Stick, designed to smooth and firm the look of skin, gently.