How to use bakuchiol serum

Where does bakuchiol serum go in your routine?

1. 1Apply your bakuchiol serum before your morning or evening moisturizer.
2. 2Follow with moisturizer. If your bakuchiol product is a cream rather than a serum, apply the cream after your other serums instead.
3. 3Use sunscreen during the day, even though bakuchiol does not increase sun sensitivity.
4. 4Repeat daily. If you use bakuchiol twice a day, make those applications morning and evening.

What can you use with bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol pairs with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides and ceramides. Vitamin C can also be used alongside bakuchiol. These combinations are options, not a shopping list you need to complete before starting. If you already use several active products or a prescription skin treatment, ask your dermatologist about adding bakuchiol rather than assuming every combination will suit your routine.12

What does bakuchiol do for skin?

Bakuchiol is a plant derived ingredient used to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone and skin texture. It appears to support collagen, the protein that helps give skin firmness. Bakuchiol also has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. It is not a form of retinol or vitamin A, even though some of its visible effects overlap with retinol's.23

Expect gradual changes over about 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use rather than an immediate change in wrinkles or pigmentation. Bakuchiol's reputation has moved faster than its clinical research, which is a familiar career path in skincare. The evidence is promising but limited, with much smaller human studies than those behind retinoids.24

A serum containing several actives cannot give bakuchiol all the credit for better skin, however convenient that would be for the front of the bottle. Improvements from a formula combining bakuchiol, vitamin C and melatonin could come from the combination rather than bakuchiol alone.4

How do you use pure bakuchiol serum?

If you mean a finished serum containing bakuchiol, apply it before moisturizer using the sequence above. If you mean undiluted bakuchiol as a raw ingredient, there is no established home dilution recipe to give here. A commonly discussed clinical regimen used 0.5% bakuchiol twice daily for 12 weeks; that is not a direction to apply undiluted bakuchiol or make your own serum.15

How does bakuchiol serum compare with retinol?

Consider bakuchiol if sensitive skin makes retinol difficult to tolerate or you prefer an active you can use in the morning. Choose retinol if your priority is the better established option for fine lines, pigmentation and texture. Bakuchiol is not an established substitute for prescription retinoids.146

Who should be careful?

Bakuchiol can still cause irritation or an allergic reaction. As general safety guidance, stop using the serum if irritation develops and seek medical advice about persistent symptoms or a suspected allergy. If you have eczema, rosacea or another skin condition, discuss adding bakuchiol with your dermatologist.1

During pregnancy, do not treat bakuchiol as automatically safe: its pregnancy safety needs more research. Ask your healthcare provider before starting it. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, review all medications and prescription skincare with your obstetrician and dermatologist; they can also update your treatment plan for breastfeeding. Avoid retinoids during pregnancy, including retinol.167