The Best Bakuchiol Serums for Sensitive Skin: Gentle Retinol Alternatives That Deliver Real Results

By Dr. Mark Gray, Harvard-Trained Dermatologist and Ao Co-Founder

Bakuchiol is sourced from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant

If you've been searching for a way to smooth fine lines, boost collagen, and even out skin tone without the irritation of traditional retinol, bakuchiol might just be your new skincare hero.

This plant-derived powerhouse, sourced from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant, has taken the beauty world by storm as a gentler alternative to retinol. It promotes cell turnover, supports collagen production, and helps reduce signs of aging – all with a lower risk of redness, peeling, or dryness.

Bakuchiol vs Retinol

Unlike retinol, bakuchiol doesn't make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's safe for both day and night use. And for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, it's often a preferred option (though always consult your dermatologist first). As a Harvard-trained dermatologist with decades spent preventing and treating skin damage through my work at the Skin Institute and MoleMap, I've long championed ingredients like bakuchiol for their efficacy without compromise. In fact, Ao Skincare was among the first to harness bakuchiol in skincare formulations, incorporating it into our PM Treatment and PM Serum to deliver retinol-like benefits in a clean, non-toxic way.

Below, I've curated a list of standout bakuchiol serums, focusing on those that prioritize sensitive skin while delivering proven results. From soothing formulas to multi-tasking treatments, these picks stand out for their innovation and gentleness.

Best Overall Bakuchiol Innovation
Ao Skincare PM Treatment:

As the founder of Ao Skincare, I'm proud to say our PM Treatment was one of the pioneering products to introduce bakuchiol to the skincare scene, blending it with potent antioxidants and barrier-strengthening actives for nighttime repair. This lightweight serum features 1% bakuchiol to gently accelerate cell renewal, reducing fine lines and improving texture without any of retinol's common side effects. Paired with astaxanthin (6,000 times stronger than vitamin C) and niacinamide, it not only softens wrinkles but also combats oxidative stress from daily UV exposure.

Ao Skincare’s Raw Nurture PM Treatment

Priced at $72.95 for 1 oz, it's EWG Verified®, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free – perfect for sensitive skin. In our in-house studies, 92% of users reported softer, more hydrated skin after four weeks. "This serum transformed my evening routine; no irritation, just smoother skin by morning," shares one verified reviewer. Key ingredients: 1% Bakuchiol, astaxanthin, niacinamide, Mānuka honey. Shop now for that effortless glow.

Best for Calming Redness
Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Serum

Inspired by clean beauty principles similar to our own, Medik8's oil-based serum is a soothing option for reactive skin. Priced at $58, it harnesses 1.25% bakuchiol alongside peptides and Centella asiatica to reduce inflammation, boost firmness, and hydrate deeply. It's fragrance-free and layers beautifully under moisturizers. Dermatologists praise its ability to calm redness while delivering retinol-like smoothing. In clinical trials, users saw improved glow and balance. "This serum left my skin velvety and soothed," says a tester. Key ingredients: 1.25% bakuchiol, peptides, Centella asiatica, inka omega oil.

Best Beginner-Friendly Option
Eau Thermale Avène RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum

Avène's thermal spring water-infused serum offers a gentle entry into bakuchiol for sensitive types. At $78, it pairs bakuchiol with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for hydration and brightening, without the "RetrinAL" name implying harshness—it's bakuchiol-based for minimal irritation. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, it's a favorite for beginners. "It boosts brightness without stinging," reports a reviewer. Studies highlight its role in texture refinement. Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, pre-tocopheryl.

Best for Plumping and Hydration
Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Dual Retinol Alternative Serum

Herbivore's nourishing serum, at $58, uses bakuchiol with betaine and glycerin to plump and refine pores. Vegan and fragrance-free, it's great for dry or dehydrated skin. Testers love its seamless layering and immediate hydration. "It plumps without greasiness," one says. Backed by ingredient synergy for collagen support. Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, mastic tree resin, prince ginseng.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Typology Serum Imperfections Bakuchiol 1%

Typology's minimalist serum ($56) targets blemishes with 1% bakuchiol in a non-comedogenic base. Anti-inflammatory and oil-balancing, it's ideal for acne-prone sensitive skin. Fragrance-free, it reduces post-blemish marks. "It calms breakouts without drying," notes a dermatologist. Clinical data shows sebum regulation. Key ingredients: 1% bakuchiol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, hazelnut seed oil.

Best Hybrid for Advanced Users
Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

Paula’s Choice blends 0.3% retinol with 2% bakuchiol ($60) for enhanced efficacy, buffered by ceramides and peptides. Fragrance-free, it minimizes irritation while boosting collagen. A study confirms the combo's wrinkle-reduction power. "It smooths lines without purging," says a tester. Key ingredients: 0.3% retinol, 2% bakuchiol, ceramides, licorice root.

As we delve deeper into bakuchiol's science, it's clear why this ingredient has revolutionized gentle anti-aging. Derived from Psoralea corylifolia, bakuchiol mimics retinol's effects by modulating retinoic acid receptors, upregulating collagen genes (like COL1A1), and inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade extracellular matrix. In vitro studies show it reduces IL-6 and TNF-α, curbing inflammation, while human trials demonstrate improved elasticity via corneometer readings and cutometer assessments. For Ao, bakuchiol's stability and low irritation profile made it a cornerstone—our PM formulations leverage it for synergistic repair with astaxanthin, enhancing ROS scavenging and barrier integrity.

About the Author
Dr. Mark Gray is a Harvard-trained Dermatologist, Surgeon, and Founder of Ao Skincare. With MBChB, FRACP, FRCPC, FRCPA, ABPath, ABDermpath, and FRSpecialist credentials, he is a board-certified Specialist Dermatologist, Specialist Pathologist, Specialist Dermatopathologist, Cosmetic Surgeon, and Mohs Surgeon. Dr. Gray founded New Zealand’s largest skin cancer clinic network, the Skin Institute, and co-created MoleMap, a global leader in advanced skin cancer screening with over 100 clinics across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. His decades of clinical experience treating and preventing skin cancer, combined with rigorous scientific training, inform every article on this blog. When you read content authored by Dr. Gray, you’re receiving evidence-based insights from one of the world’s foremost experts in dermatology, skin cancer prevention, and clean skincare innovation.