Bakuchiol is the best natural vegan retinol alternative with very similar benefits to real retinol.
Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is also much gentler on the skin, has excellent stability, and a good safety profile. Bakuchiol can be also used during the day thanks to its photostability (1).
Derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant, this natural anti-aging ingredient fights wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation as well as loss of firmness and loss of elasticity.
Even though bakuchiol is vegan, bakuchiol skincare may not be. That is why we are happy to introduce you to our favorite vegan bakuchiol skincare for 2024.
See also: Best Vegan Retinol Alternatives
PS all products below are vegan and cruelty-free, meaning they are free of animal-derived ingredients and have not been tested on animals. 💚
Best Vegan Bakuchiol Skincare
Find the best vegan bakuchiol skincare products from our carefully crafted selection. From Herbivore to Alpyn Beauty, you will love these cruelty-free vegan bakuchiol products.
- Alpyn Beauty Melt Moisturizer With Bakuchiol And Squalane
- Herbivore Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Serum
- Olehenriksen Goodnight Glow Bakuchiol Sleeping Crème
- Acure Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum
Alpyn Beauty Melt Moisturizer With Bakuchiol And Squalane
Alpyn Beauty Melt Moisturizer is the best vegan bakuchiol moisturizer. It has everything the skin needs to replenish moisture – bakuchiol, squalane, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. This vegan moisturizer gives a beautiful hydrated glow. The cream’s texture is silky and lightweight.
- What we like: softens the skin, smoothens the overall complexion
- What we don’t like: might not be moisturizing enough for very dry skin
- What reviews say: works great with other skincare, reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Key ingredients: bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, squalane, ceramides | Main benefits: moisturizing, brightening, plumping | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, artificial colors-free, mineral oil-free, gluten-free, artificial fragrance-free, made in the USA
Herbivore Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Serum
Herbivore is a vegan skincare brand famous for its vegan bakuchiol skincare. Our favorite is the vegan bakuchiol serum with peptides. It’s excellent for softening and smoothing the skin. We also love their vegan bakuchiol eye cream from the same line.
- What we like: makes the skin glow, it’s thick but leaves no greasy feeling
- What we don’t like: it’s expensive
- What reviews say: works great for anti-aging skin, very hydrating
Key ingredients: bakuchiol 1%, plant peptides, schisandra berry extract | Main benefits: firming, smoothening, tightening | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, artificial fragrance-free, artificial colors-free, made in the USA
Olehenriksen Goodnight Glow Bakuchiol Sleeping Crème
We also love this vegan bakuchiol night cream from Olehenriksen. Made with bakuchiol and AHAs, it gently exfoliates the skin while hydrating and firming it overnight. When used consistently, this vegan night cream visibly reduces fine lines and brightens skin tone.
- What we like: reduces fine lines and wrinkles, makes the skin glow
- What we don’t like: takes time to absorb
- What reviews say: smoothens out skin texture, works great for all skin types
Key ingredients: bakuchiol, edelweiss stem cell, glycolic acid, lactic acid, shea butter | Main benefits: hydrating, exfoliating, brightening | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, mineral oil-free, artificial fragrance-free
Acure Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum
Acure’s vegan bakuchiol serum is great value for money. The serum pairs bakuchiol with natural ingredients like turmeric to brighten and smoothen the skin. This serum also has eggplant – an underrated ingredient that boosts hydration and protects the skin with antioxidants.
- What we like: fast absorbing, feels very calming on the skin
- What we don’t like: specific smell
- What reviews say: works great even for sensitive skin, makes the skin glow
Key ingredients: bakuchiol 2%, eggplant, turmeric | Main benefits: soothing, moisturizing | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, mineral oil-free, artificial fragrance-free, made in the USA
Paula’s Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment
Paula’s Choice has made the best anti-aging vegan serum with bakuchiol and retinol. Bakuchiol really boosts the effect of retinol to increase the skin’s collagen production and reduce wrinkles. This potent serum also has skin-brightening vitamin C and hydrating peptides.
- What we like: works great with other skincare, improves skin texture
- What we don’t like: it’s expensive
- What reviews say: reduces fine lines and wrinkles, very hydrating
Key ingredients: bakuchiol 2%, retinol, peptides | Main benefits: smoothening, softening, firming | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, mineral oil-free, made in the USA
Purito Bakuchiol Timeless Bloom Revitalizing Serum
Purito Bakuchiol Timeless Bloom Revitalizing Serum is a fantastic vegan bakuchiol serum for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Featuring 1% bakuchiol, peptides, and betaine, it plumps fine lines, firms, and softens the skin beautifully. It’s free of artificial fragrances and essential oils.
- What we like: makes the overall complexion glow, reduces fine lines
- What we don’t like: takes time to see results
- What reviews say: works great under makeup, brightens up the dull areas
Key ingredients: bakuchiol 1%, peptide, betaine, allantoin | Main benefits: firming, smoothening, soothing | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, artificial fragrance-free, essential oil-free
The Inkey List 1% Bakuchiol Moisturizer
This vegan bakuchiol face cream is simple yet effective. Made with bakuchiol, sacha inchi oil, and squalene, it gives your skin lots of healthy moisture and fatty acids. It doesn’t have a fantastic smell but it does relieve dryness well, especially if you pair it with a hydrating serum.
- What we like: it’s affordable, very moisturizing
- What we don’t like: the formula is very liquidy
- What reviews say: reduces signs of anti-aging, makes the skin softer
Key ingredients: bakuchiol 1%, squalane, sascha inchi oil | Main benefits: hydrating, brightening, tightening | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, artificial fragrance-free, mineral oil-free, made in the UK
Shop on: Sephora, Official site
Is Bakuchiol Vegan?
Bakuchiol is a vegan ingredient derived from the leaves and seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. Bakuchiol is often also known as vegan retinol or bio-retinol.
While bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient, bakuchiol skincare products often include other animal-based ingredients such as beeswax, lanolin, silk, or animal collagen.
To ensure you are buying 100% vegan bakuchiol skincare, prefer products with a clear vegan label or even better, an official vegan certification from an external organization.
What To Look For In Vegan Bakuchiol Skincare?
The most important thing in vegan bakuchiol skincare is the concentration of bakuchiol in the formulas. Make sure it’s at least 0.5% to be able to see visible anti-aging benefits.
To fight wrinkles and lines, we recommend pairing bakuchiol with retinol. According to dermatologists, bakuchiol can help stabilize retinol and therefore, boost its effectiveness.
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, choose vegan bakuchiol skincare that is not too rich to avoid clogged pores. As bakuchiol itself is an oil, opt for more lightweight formulas.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, bakuchiol will be a great gentle alternative to real retinol. Simply choose vegan bakuchiol skincare that is free of harsh additives and fragrance.
FAQ About Vegan Bakuchiol Skincare
Yes. Bakuchiol is vegan and derived from a plant.
The best vegan bakuchiol skincare product is the Herbivore Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Serum.
You will find the best selection of vegan bakuchiol skincare online, especially on Amazon, Ulta, and Sephora.
Summary
Bakuchiol is here to stay. This potent plant-based ingredient offers many amazing skincare benefits, especially for dry and mature skin.
Our favorite vegan bakuchiol skincare is made by Herbivore Botanicals, Alpyn Beauty, Acure, Purito, and other cruelty-free vegan skincare brands.
We will make sure to try out all the new vegan bakuchiol skincare products and add our favorite ones to this list.
See also: Best Vegan Retinols
Update on May 04 (2023): Fact checked and medically reviewed by MD Shimona Garg
Update on February 19 (2023): Added more benefits and a reference
