The 13 Best Bakuchiol Serums in 2024: Paula's Choice, Isdin, More

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Herbivore Botanicals

Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum

Pros

• Unscented

You'll get bakuchiol and then some, with this popular serum from Herbivore Botanicals. It also features turmeric, holy basil, and more to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. "This serum contains bakuchiol as well as polyhydroxy acid, which serves as a gentle exfoliant," Garshick says.

Olehenriksen

Goodnight Glow Bakuchiol Sleeping Crème

Pros

• Works while you sleep

Penzi counts Ole Henriksen's overnight moisturizer as one of her favorite bakuchiol essentials. While it's often recommended not to combine the ingredient with exfoliating acids, like glycolic acid, this concentrated cream offers the perfect balance of each to improve skin's texture and tone.

One satisfied customer writes:

"So, I very rarely write reviews, but as I navigated back to this product tonight to repurchase for the billionth time...I figured I should. I have been using this religiously for years and honestly can't imagine my skincare routine without it. I have incredibly dry skin, and this product provides the perfect amount of moisture. I apply right before bed and wake up dewy and glowing. Not to mention it smells so good, almost like Fruit Loops? I would be devastated if this is ever discontinued!" —laurenxeli

Allies of Skin

CE15 Bakuchiol Firming Oil

Pros

• Hydrating

If you're looking for a hydrator that firms while keeping skin supremely supple and smooth, look no further. This facial oil uses bakuchiol, vitamin C to brighten, plus a blend of nine oils and vitamin E to deeply moisturize. It's even ideal to use with your Gua sha for an express massage, or blended into foundation for extra glow.

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Paula's Choice

0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

Pros

• Helps stimulate collagen

Cons

• Contains retinol

Penzi says, "this is a great option for those whose skin isn’t overly sensitive, as it contains both retinol and bakuchiol, along with peptides to stimulate collagen and reduce photoaging."

Isdin

Melatonik Night Serum

Pros

• Lightweight

"This three-in-one serum combines melatonin, bakuchiol, and vitamin C to help protect the skin from free radical damage," Garshick adds. "It also helps improve skin elasticity, firmness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles." According to professionals, the hard-working serum is best used at night to help your skin repair and recover.

Medik8

Bakuchiol Peptides

Pros

• Great for sensitive skin

Medik8's retinol-alternative serum is gentle on skin, and combines bakuchiol with peptides and cica extract to improve skin's texture and tone without irritation.

One satisfied customer writes:

"This is a great product. Ordering my second bottle now. Gave me glowing skin and did not break me out like most oils and moisturizers." —Sherc

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The Inkey List

Bakuchiol Moisturizer

Pros

• Under $20

For an option that's budget-friendly and easy to fold into your regular routine, consider The Inkey List's Bakuchiol Moisturizer, which features a lightweight formula that's safe to use morning and night.

One satisfied customer writes:

"Excellent moisturizerI really enjoyed the smooth sensation this moisturizer leaves on my skin when I apply it. It doesn't sting nor get too greasy, it provides for me just the right level of moisture. Bonus of course the anti-aging activity of the bakuchiol. I am overall satisfied with this product and will buy it again." —Linda L.

Kora Organics

Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum

Pros

• Great for sensitive skin
• Features cosmos certified-organic formula

Use a few drops of this milky, plant-based serum morning and night before your moisturizer to treat signs of aging while firming skin overtime.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I have only been using for a few days now and my skin is radiant. I couldn't feel more confident and beautiful. Wonderful texture and smell." —Sarah Y.

Omorovicza

Miracle Facial Oil

Now 78% Off

Pros

• Hydrating

"This facial oil combines sea buckthorn oil with rosehip oil and bakuchiol, making it a great option for someone looking to improve the signs of aging," Garshick notes. "Sea buckthorn works to reduce dryness and hydrate the skin, while rosehip oil and bakuchiol together help to regulate skin cell turnover, improving the overall appearance of fine lines while minimizing irritation."

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Andalou Naturals

Age-Defying Rejuvenating Plant-Based Retinol Alternative Serum

Pros

• Can be used twice daily

Experts say this retinol-alternative serum is so gentle, it can be used up to twice per day to minimize wrinkles and smooth skin. "This serum combines fruit stem cell complex, antioxidants with bakuchiol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while smoothing the skin," Garshick adds.

Innbeauty Project

Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush

Pros

• Versatile

Don't mistake this skincare hybrid for a famous drink with the same name: Innbeauty Project's Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush can be used as a serum, moisturizer or both. Its bakuchiol extract is spun at high speeds to create a potent hyaluronic acid serum, which gives the formula its unique, slushy texture.

One satisfied customer writes:

"I love this stuff. It feels so cooling when I put it on my face, and when I run out I defintely feel a difference in terms of how hydrated my face feels. I love the texture of it. Wish there was more product in the bottle because I run through it so quickly!" —Jamie

Sephora Collection

Targeted Anti-Aging Bakuchiol Serum

Pros

• Fragrance-free

Cons

• Suggested for morning use only

Sephora customers are giving this bakuchiol serum close to a five-star rating, since it's not only effective at improving skin's texture, but also uses nearly 100 percent natural-origin ingredients.

One satisfied customer writes:

"Very pleasantly surprised by the results. Skin is smoother and brighter and my forehead and eye wrinkles have definitely diminished. No irritation whatsoever. Would recommend to anyone looking for a retinol alternative." —NryInl

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Beekman 1802

Dream Booster Bakuchiol Beta-Retinol Better Aging Serum

Pros

• Can be used as a serum or booster

All you need are one to two drops of this popular serum alone on dry skin to let the bakuchiol work its magic. And to use it as a booster to amp up your favorite moisturizer, mix in a few drops to take any hydrator to the next level.

One satisfied customer writes:

"Honestly I am obsessed. I struggle with hormonal acne and I heard using a retinoid would help with it—considering I'm only 24, I can't speak on the wrinkles just yet (and with this, hopefully never!) but it truly helped with the acne! A little goes a long way, I mix this with their moisturizer and my skin has never looked better!" —Jade

Meet the Experts

• Lauren Penzi, M.D., F.A.A.D, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in Long Island, New York.
• Marisa Garshick M.D., F.A.A.D, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell.

How does bakuchiol differ from retinol?

While bakuchiol is derived from seeds of the psoralea corylifolia plant, retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, which also includes retinal (or retinaldehyde), along with over-the-counter or prescription retinoids, like tretinoin.

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Are there any ingredients bakuchiol shouldn't be combined with?

Penzi advises that glycolic acid can breakdown bakuchiol whether it's in the form of a serum or gel, and to steer clear of using the two actives together in your skincare routine.

Can I use bakuchiol if I'm pregnant?

"Bakuchiol is thought to be safe in those with sensitive skin and may be considered in those who are pregnant or nursing given it is not a retinol, though it is important to note that studies in pregnancy and nursing have not been performed, so more conclusive data is needed," Garshick adds. "When considering use in pregnancy, it is always best to first speak with your doctor."

Why trust Harper's BAZAAR?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

Tiffany Dodson is currently the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar, where she specializes in trend forecasting, building relationships with major and emerging brands, and crafting shopping stories—from holiday gift guides to product road tests. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in outlets like SELF, Bustle, and Teen Vogue, and she's been quoted as a commerce and beauty expert in publications and platforms like The Business of Fashion and NPR’s Life Kit podcast.

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