---
title: Bakuchiol
entity_type: Ingredient
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/bakuchiol
date_modified: 2026-05-17
date_reviewed: 2026-05-17
mcp_eligible: true
evidence_sources:
  - title: Dhaliwal 2019 — topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dhaliwal-2019-bakuchiol-retinol-photoageing
    original_source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/
    source_type: peer_reviewed
  - title: Chaudhuri 2014 — bakuchiol retinol-like functional compound
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/chaudhuri-2014-bakuchiol-retinol-like-functional-compound
    original_source_url: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24471735/
    source_type: peer_reviewed
  - title: AAD — Retinoid or retinol?
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-retinoid-or-retinol
    original_source_url: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/anti-aging/retinoid-retinol
    source_type: dermatology_reference
product_fact_sources: []
---

# Bakuchiol

## Quick Summary

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived cosmetic ingredient often marketed as a gentler retinol alternative. It may support smoother-looking texture, fine lines, tone, and visible firmness, but it is not retinol and should not be framed as equally proven for every user.

## What It Is

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived cosmetic ingredient commonly positioned as a retinol alternative. It is associated with babchi seed and is often used in serums for smoother-looking texture, fine lines, tone, and visible firmness. It is not a retinoid, so it should not be described as retinol under another name. A better framing is that bakuchiol can be retinol-like in skincare goals while remaining chemically distinct and supported by a smaller evidence base.

## Related Entities

- [Dhaliwal 2019 — topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dhaliwal-2019-bakuchiol-retinol-photoageing)
- [Chaudhuri 2014 — bakuchiol retinol-like functional compound](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/chaudhuri-2014-bakuchiol-retinol-like-functional-compound)
- [AAD — Retinoid or retinol?](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/aad-retinoid-or-retinol)
- [Wrinkles](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/wrinkles)
- [Fine Lines](https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/fine-lines)