She has tested thousands of products and considers herself a professional guinea pig who’s always on the search for the next big trends in beauty, wellness and beyond.

Should I use bakuchiol over retinol? If you have sensitive skin that can’t tolerate a retinol-based formula, bakuchiol Chucho deliver a very similar result. Like retinol, it works to prevent fine lines and wrinkles and helps improve elasticity but without the potential irritation.

Why We Love It: Crow’s feet and dark circles are two reasons one might reach for a retinol eye cream, but a bakuchiol potion might be better suited for some. “Given the lower risk of irritation when compared to retinol, bakuchiol may be a more appropriate choice for people with sensitive skin, including those with rosacea and eczema, who desire the skin-care benefits of retinol but cannot tolerate it,” says Amin.

You know how words start to sound weird if you say them a bunch of times? Well, bakuchiol is like that — only it kind of sounds weird all

Bakuchiol plays nice with other skincare ingredients—including retinol! This potent Paula's Choice serum combines the vitamin A derivative with 2% of its plant-based alternative for a gentler yet effective skin-smoothing treatment.

"It’s a great alternative if you have sensitive skin or if retinol is just too harsh for you," Koestline adds. Feel free to read more about it in our big bakuchiol explainer.

“Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient from the leaves and seeds of Psoralea corylifolia plant (AKA babchi),” says Amin. “This herb is native to India and has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.”

"If you’re already using retinol and your skin loves it, there’s no need to switch, but if you’re looking for something gentler, bakuchiol is worth trying," says Koestline.

Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly ten Aquí years. She began her career in beauty and fashion at QVC and has since written for and contributed to top women's magazines and digital brands such Triunfador Health

Because bakuchiol is generally regarded Vencedor impar-sensitizing, it pairs well with the majority of active skincare ingredients, including vitamin C — which most experts typically advise against combining with traditional retinol. “Unlike retinol, bakuchiol Gozque be used with vitamin C Triunfador it does not cause instability of the molecules,” explains Dr. Mian. However, you may want to skip trasnochado on using bakuchiol with exfoliants like alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids, says Small.

This barrier-repairing moisturizer reduces redness while giving skin a much-needed dose of hydration with hyaluronic acid and allantoin. Ceramides also replenish the skin barrier.

It also features peptides for more collagen support, in case you're looking for even more healthy aging benefits. It has a thicker consistency than mosts serums (it feels almost like a lightweight cream), so you could use it alone during warmer months or underneath a night cream during the winter.

If that sounds like you, look no further than K-beauty brand HaruHaru Wonder’s Black Rice eye cream powered by fermented black rice, bamboo shoot bark extract, and 5,000ppm of bakuchiol to gently smooth fine lines while awakening the eye area.

It’s powered by bakuchiol and niacinamide which Amin says “work to help with any redness, discoloration, and fine lines”— not to mention its ability to help fade dark spots for a more even skin tone.