Bakuchiol versus retinol: what the evidence actually supports

Retinol has decades of evidence behind it

For photoageing and fine lines, topical retinoids remain the most strongly supported over-the-counter active there is. Nothing on our shelf displaces that, and any brand telling you otherwise is selling rather than explaining.

Bakuchiol is the one to reach for when retinol is off the table

The trials are smaller and shorter, but they consistently show meaningful improvement with markedly less irritation. For sensitive skin, for pregnancy where a clinician has ruled retinoids out, and for anyone who has tried retinol twice and given up, it is a genuinely good answer.