Which one is right for YU?
In our endless pursuit of healthy, youthful-looking skin, retinol has become the crowning glory ingredient. But, bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol, has become a rising star in the skincare community. And, what is a retinoid?
Which one is worth the hype?
Which one is safer for my skin-type?
Are they safe during pregnancy?
Over the Counter Skincare Products
Retinols moisturize and plump skin. Retinol is a lower concentrate of retinoid and thus gentler on your skin. It is sometimes referred to as Vitamin A or Retinol-A. It is not safe for use during pregnancy.
Usually prescription only, some are sold over the counter.
Retinoids are synthetically derived from Vitamin A. They can be a prescription from a dermatologist or sold over the counter, (primarily for acne treatment). Retinoids are higher concentrations and can work wonders for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. But, they can also cause irritation, dry skin and make you more sensitive to the sun. They are also not safe for use during pregnancy.
Over the counter, plant-based retinol alternative.
Bakuchiol has ben gaining popularity as a plant-based alternative to retinol. It’s especially great for people with sensitive skin! (but always do a patch test first!) It is a photo-retinol, but not all photo-retinols contain bakuchiol. Bakuchiol has been shown in some studies to be comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photoaging or sun damage, without as many side effects![1] And, it is safe to use during pregnancy.
All three will help with fine lines and wrinkles, regenerate cell turnover, help with hyperpigmentation and clogged pores. For a deeper dive, we’ve prepared this comparison chart.
