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Bakuchiol

✅ solid choice Tier 2 Evidence

what it does

A plant-derived compound from Psoralea corylifolia seed that mimics retinol's effects through different receptor pathways. Clinical trials show comparable results to retinol with significantly less irritation.

dermai take

Skincare's plant-based alternative that actually works. It's not retinol and doesn't hit the same receptors — but somehow gets similar anti-aging results without the red face and peeling. Perfect for pregnancy or if retinoids wreck your skin.

targets these concerns

the studies

"Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing."
The British journal of dermatology (2019) · Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR et al.
"Clinical Evaluation of a Nature-Based Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin."
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD (2020) · Draelos ZD, Gunt H, Zeichner J et al.