Bakuchiol vs Retinol: Which is Better for You?

As we can't stop the clock from ticking, ageing naturally happens to everyone – but we can maintain a youthful complexion with targeted skincare for ageing gracefully! In the world of anti-ageing, two superheroes stand out: retinol and bakuchiol. Both are effective at reducing wrinkles and fine lines, but do you know which one is better for your skin? Let's dive into this blog and discover which ingredient will keep your skin glowing for the long haul!

What is Retinol?

Retinol is a synthetic derivative of Vitamin A, a potent ingredient that increases skin cell and collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The ingredient is also effective for fading dark spots and pigmentation, which is also known as a common sign of ageing. 

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is a plant-based compound derived from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea Corylifolia plant. It is emerging as a promising alternative to Retinol, with recent studies showing comparable benefits. While research is still growing, Bakuchiol already demonstrates significant potential for anti-ageing and skin health with fewer side effects by using twice a day.

Choose by Skin Type

As Retinol's popularity skyrockets in the beauty world, everyone seems to jump on the anti-ageing bandwagon. But wait a second, is it really for you? Those with combination to oily skin tend to enjoy Retinol's benefits, like oil control and reducing large pores by boosting skin cell turnover. If you're battling acne, Retinol is your friend, unclogging pores, preventing breakouts, and fading scars for a clearer complexion.

Choose by Skin Sensitivity

We need to think about if it’s safe for our skin, as it is actually a potent ingredient. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to rosacea and eczema, definitely go for Bakuchiol - Retinol can be too strong for your skin and can trigger flare-ups and irritation.

Choose by Lifestyle

Those who are pregnant and breast-feeding should go for Bakuchiol over Retinol too for safety reasons.

How to Use Retinol Safely

If Retinol is right for you, the next step is to check the safety guide for Retinol skincare. Beginners should start with a low percentage (around 0.01% to 0.03%) to build tolerance. Since Retinol increases photosensitivity, always use it at night and protect your skin from sun damage in the morning. Expect some initial purging like flaky skin or peeling—if irritation occurs, incorporate a soothing serum to calm the fire.

Check out more tips for relieving the skin during Retinol purging with our blog.

PURITO Wonder Releaf Centella Serum Unscented (60ml) - £19.90

PURITO's best-selling Centella Serum now comes in a fresh new packaging and a more effective formula! Featuring the brand's superstar ingredient, Centella Asiatica Extract, the serum offers potent soothing benefits and calms inflammation and redness, relieving skin sensitivity and discomfort. Upon application, you will feel a slight cooling sensation!

SOME BY MI Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum (30ml) - £29.00

K-beauty's staple anti-ageing serum with 3 effective ingredients: Retinol, Retinal, and Bakuchiol for maximum results! The serum is perfect for beginners due to its lower concentration of actives, but it still effectively promotes skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, leading to a smoother, youthful complexion

Getting the Most Out of Bakuchiol

Unlike Retinol, Bakuchiol is safe to be used both in the morning and at night without irritation. A study showed that using Bakuchiol twice daily leads to a similar effect in anti-ageing benefits to Retinol. 

PURITO Bakuchiol Timeless Bloom Revitalising Serum (30ml) - £24.00

Perfect for sensitive skin and those looking for pregnancy-safe skincare, this mild yet effective serum tackles signs of ageing and promotes firmer, youthful skin. The formula features Bakuchiol and Peptides to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines while strengthening the skin barrier and improving elasticity.