6 Bakuchiol Serums That Are Just as Effective as Retinol

ProsAddresses multiple skin concernsPotent formula contains several actives yet won't irritate skinConsVery expensive for a small bottle Why we love it: You might think a serum loaded with several actives would cause a reaction. Yet somehow, this potent overnight blend of bakuchiol, vitamin C, and melatonin revs up your complexion’s ability to repair itself. The lightweight serum-in-oil restores elasticity and boosts collagen while also combating free-radical damage (which leads to signs of aging) and enhancing glow. It gives “beauty sleep” a whole new definition, because you always wake up looking like you got a full eight hours when using this.One Cosmo editor says: "This luxe serum is the epitome of a multitasker. Vitamin C helps address dark spots and promotes an even skin tone, and when combined with melatonin, they aid the skin in recovering overnight. Then, backuchiol stimulates collagen production, so you don’t need to apply a multitude of different skincare steps. And I don’t typically love a face oil, but this one doesn’t irritate my acne-prone skin, and I even use it alongside a gua sha for optimal sculpting."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITORFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsBakuchiol, vitamin C, vitamin ESkin typeAllSize1 oz. ProsSeamlessly evens out textureUtilizes two types of bakuchiolConsThere was recently a price increase that upset loyal buyersWhy we love it: Housed inside this ~aesthetic~ purple bottle is a double dose of bakuchiol that works overtime to even out your skin tone and texture—without the harsh effects typically associated with retinol. Two forms of bakuchiol smooth rough, uneven texture while Chios mastic tree resin (which is harvested from Aegean trees in Greece) floods skin with moisture and subtly boosts firmness.One Cosmo editor says: “I got this because it looked so good in my vanity, but it’s the results that make it a staple. While powerful, this bakuchiol serum doesn’t cause any irritation, and my complexion is pretty much smooth as glass now.” —MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITORFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsTwo forms of bakuchiol, chios mastic tree resinSkin typeAllSize1 oz.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsVery affordable compared to other bakuchiol serumsGreat for those who want to ease into using retinolConsHas a rather oily consistencyWhy we love it: Let’s get one thing straight: There’s absolutely nothing wrong with having large pores. That said, if you want to refine the look of them, this bakuchiol serum can help. Smooth a few drops of the purple-tinged booster onto your skin before bed to allow the bakuchiol to smooth texture overnight. Skin also gets a burst of hydration courtesy of lightweight oils, including sunflower and jojoba, for a glass-like finish.One Cosmo editor says: “Beekman 1802 is completely slept on! Every time I try a product I’m always pleasantly surprised by how well it works. This serums feels lightweight yet extra nourishing, and I can see it working for all skin types.”—MHFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsBakuchiol, sunflower, jojobaSkin typeAllSize0.5 oz.ProsCombines retinol + bakuchiol for more efficacy thicker cream deeply hydratesConsNot suitable for pregnant womenShouldn't be used if you're a retinol newbieWhy we love it: Bakuchiol is often touted as a retinol alternative, but what happens when you combine the two? Well, you get this triple-action, potent serum that increases collagen production, minimizes wrinkles, and enhances firmness. Keep in mind that this is moderate strength and not suitable for retinol first-timers—it’s one of those formulas you’ll need to work up to.One Cosmo editor says: “Despite being so powerful, this lotion feels cushiony soft and beautifully evens out my skin tone. I started using it two years after I first introduced retinol into my routine and have had zero issues.” —MHFeatures at a glanceKey ingredientsBakuchiol, ceramides, hyaluronic acidSkin typeCombination, normal, dry, oilySize1 oz.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsPlumps the skin to restore volumeConsNot extremely moisturizingWhy we love it: Along with bakuchiol, peptides are also fantastic at stimulating collagen production. This serum pairs the two to really tackle uneven skin texture and tone. Plus, it’s pregnancy-friendly to boot.Features at a glanceKey ingredientsBakuchiol, peptide precursors, inka omega oilSkin typeAllSize1 oz.ProsMost affordable serum on our listMade for those with dry skinConsThe smell can be overpowering Why we love it: Just like retinol, bakuchiol can sometimes cause dryness and flakes, making it more difficult for dry skin types to find a formula that works for them. Luckily, this one from Good Molecules exists. Not only is it ridiculously inexpensive (just $10!), it also contains just three ingredients: Bakuchiol, along with deeply hydrating chia seed and rosehip oils that bind moisture to your complexion. Features at a glanceKey ingredientsBakuchiol, chia seed oil, rosehip seed oilSkin typeDry skinSize0.4 oz. Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com.