Retinol vs Bakuchiol: Which Is Better?

People often pit Retinol and bakuchiol against each other, as if they’re in direct competition. One is the established gold standard, backed by decades of dermatological research. The other is the gentler, plant-derived alternative for people who want smoother, firmer-looking skin without any irritation. But is one really better than the other? Read on to find out…

What is retinol?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that encourages faster, more efficient skin cell turnover. Basically, it helps sluggish skin behave more like younger, better-functioning skin. It’s widely used for fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, pigmentation, congestion and loss of firmness, as it speeds up cell turnover and it supports collagen and elastin production. 

Who is retinol best for?

Retinol is best for skin that needs a significant amount of help with the likes of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, enlarged pores, congestion and loss of firmness. So, anyone looking to treat these skin concerns should see a marked improvement in their complexions.

Retinol does need careful introduction though. “A perceived downside to retinoids is the ability to cause peeling and skin sensitivity which some people may mistake for a reaction, however this is actually a sign of repair within the skin. As your skin becomes more tolerant to retinol the reactions subside,” shares Zoe Myers, Lead Aesthetician at Authentic Aesthetics. Those with sensitive, rosacea-prone or eczema-prone skin may find retinol to potent for their skin, and those who are pregnant are advised to avoid this active.

The pros and cons of retinol

Retinol visibly improve lines, texture, tone, pores and firmness. The main drawback is tolerability, and the adjustment phase of flaking, redness and dryness puts some people off, while stronger formulas can be too much for reactive skin types.

Our retinol picks

AGELESS+ retinol repair crème 0.3% retinol complex

The ideal starting point for new retinol users. A 0.3% retinol complex (0.1% retinoid plus 0.2% bakuchiol) paired with a brightening system of antioxidants, AHAs and niacinamide. It addresses fine lines, wrinkles, pores, pigmentation and firmness, with hyaluronic acid and squalane keeping hydration steady.

AGELESS+ retinol overnight masque 0.5% retinol complex

Built for anyone who finds retinol drying. A 0.5% retinol complex is combined with hyaluronic filling spheres and standard hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate while the retinol works overnight. Expect to wake-up to visibly smoother, plumper skin.

AGELESS+ retinol treatment crème 1.2% retinol complex

For skin already acclimated to retinol and ready for more. This is a 1.2% retinol complex with glycolic and lactic acids for accelerated correction of deep lines and wrinkles. Bisabololand ginger soothe visible redness, making it more comfortable than the strength suggests.

AGELESS+ pure liquid retinol 0.75%

An extra-strength serum for experienced users or oily and acneic skin types. At 0.75%, it delivers significant visible improvement across fine lines, wrinkles, pores, pigmentation and firmness. Lightweight, quickly absorbed, soothing and barrier-friendly.

What is bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. And while it isn’t derived from vitamin A like retinol, it speeds up cell turnover and boosts collagen and elastin production to address texture, lines, and laxity. The difference is how the skin responds to this active - there’s no adjustment phase, and no sun sensitivity.

Who is bakuchiol best for?

Bakuchiol suits skin that’s sensitive, dry, reactive or has a compromised barrier, as well as anyone who has found retinol too irritating. It’s also great for those new to active skincare, and anyone who is pregnant.

The pros and cons of bakuchiol

The main advantage has to be how well the skin tolerates this active. The limitation is that it may not deliver the same corrective change as retinol for advanced signs of ageing, stubborn pigmentation or acne-related congestion. Think of this as a supportive and restorative ingredient rather than one that will offer intensive resurfacing (which frankly not everyone wants or needs).

Our bakuchiol pick

The VOL.U.LIFT GLP-1 4D Skin Rebound Complex, was developed by plastic surgeon and IMAGE Skincare co-owner Marc Ronert. This twice-daily cream targets the deflation, dehydration, deep wrinkles and density loss associated with GLP-1-induced weight loss, though it works equally well for general age-related wrinkles and laxity.

Bakuchiol is a key active here, and its inclusion makes sense. This isn’t a resurfacing treatment; it’s a rebound formula for skin that may already feel compromised. Bakuchiol delivers retinoid-like improvements in firmness and texture without the barrier disruption retinol can cause. Alongside bakuchiol you’ll find next-generation hyaluronic acid and L-ornithine to re-inflate areas that have lost volume; plant collagen fragments to support the skin’s own collagen matrix; kangaroo paw flower - rich in ferulic and linoleic acid - for elasticity and antioxidant support; and biomimetic collagen to strengthen the skin’s internal structure.

Patent-pending XOSM technology encapsulates vitamin C and astaxanthin-rich micro-algae for deeper delivery and enhanced barrier protection. The clinical results are impressive, with participants seeing a 20.1% boost in skin volume, 22.5% firmer skin and a 21.8% increasing hydration after only 12 weeks.

Retinol vs bakuchiol: which should you choose?

If you had to pick between these two impressive actives, choose retinol if your skin is resilient, already used to actives, and you want more intensive correction. But be sure to start low and slow, using your chosen retinol at night, gradually building up to daily use. Choose bakuchiol if your skin is sensitive, dry, reactive, or if you’re pregnant.

However, the smartest choice may well be to combine both, either separately day and night or together as demonstrated in the Image skincare AGELESS+ range.