- Retinol is a powerful skin-care ingredient that can treat a whole host of skin-care issues from fine lines to dark acne spots and uneven skin tone.
- But it can also cause irritation, redness, dryness, peeling, and sensitivity to the sun.
- Bakuchiol is a plant-based retinol alternative that promises the same effects without the irritation. Here are five skin-care products with the hero ingredient, including serums from Herbivore, Pacifica, and Biossance, and creams from Olehenriksen and Inkey.
For a long time, retinol has been hailed a skin-care superhero. This vitamin A derivative helps soften the appearance of fine lines and dark spots, while also boosting collagen. But with great power can come great irritation like redness, dryness, tightening, peeling, and stinging.
Bakuchiol, a plant-derived alternative to retinol, promises the same effects but without the irritation. It comes from the babchi plant which NY-based dermatologist Dr. Sejal Shah tells Allure "functions similar to a retinol, increasing cell turnover thereby stimulating collagen production and diminishing signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and overall photodamage."
A study from the British Board of Dermatology also found that bakuchiol worked just as well at increasing cell turnover as retinol, while also being less irritating to your skin.
Here are five bakuchiol-infused serums and creams to try:
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