The Best Natural Retinol Alternative for Anti-Aging (Derm & Chemist Approved)

Today on Chemistry Cachet, I want to share with you more information on the best natural retinol alternative for anti-aging. It is dermatologist and chemist approved, and it works!

I can’t tell you the number of times friends and readers are blown away when I say I don’t use a retinol.

Now that I am close to 40 years old, people assume retinol is the way to go. But it is too harsh for my skin causing so much dryness and irritation, it makes me look older.

Instead, I love this gentle retinol swap your skin will love (35% off code alexisroch), Bakuchiol. Be sure to read the cost breakdown towards the end of the article. This is very affordable to use daily as it lasts two months.

Plant-Based Alternative to Retinol You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner: Bakuchiol

Before we dive into some chemistry, I want to remind you that not all skincare is created equal. If you have tried a “bakuchiol” product without success, it might not have the right formulation. I recommend this science baked and chemist approved option (don’t forget to use discount code alexisroch at checkout which takes 35% off the total, do not check subscription! this only takes 20% off) that is proven to give you results.

What Is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived skincare ingredient extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant (often called the babchi plant). It has become one of the most researched and trusted natural alternatives to retinol, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Even though bakuchiol is structurally different from retinol, it delivers many of the same benefits without causing the irritation, dryness, or sun sensitivity retinol is known for.

How Bakuchiol Works Like Retinol

Even though bakuchiol isn’t a vitamin A compound, clinical studies show that it activates many of the same cellular pathways that retinol does:

1. It increases collagen production

Bakuchiol stimulates collagen-producing genes in the skin, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and improving firmness like how a retinol works.

2. It improves skin cell turnover

Like retinol, bakuchiol encourages faster cell renewal, which leads to a smoother texture, more even tone, and better overall radiance. It improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles like retinol.

3. It reduces hyperpigmentation

Studies show that bakuchiol helps interrupt pathways that lead to dark spots, offering a brightening effect comparable to retinol. This is good for anyone with age spots or sun spots that have popped up as they have gotten older.

4. It’s more gentle on the skin

Unlike retinol, bakuchiol does not increase photosensitivity and is far less likely to cause redness, peeling, or irritation. This makes it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types!

How Much Does It Cost?

Bakuchiol CAN cost a little more than a retinol because it is naturally extracted and produced while retinols are usually synthetically formulated. With that being said, it is more affordable than many high end retinol brands. The one I use is $79 a bottle, but I always apply my discount code alexisroch which takes 35% off (always use my code for this brand to save money). Do not check subscription which only takes 20% off… This makes the total $51.35. I use it every evening with my firming serum, so the bottle lasts almost two months. So for a little over $25 a month, you are transforming your skin!

This makes it a very affordable addition to your routine that actually works.

How to Add Bakuchiol Into Your Evening Skincare Routine

Bakuchiol is incredibly easy to work into your nighttime routine because it layers well with most products and doesn’t come with the same irritation or restrictions as retinol. It has been an addition to my routine since 2022 when they first launched this serum. I was pregnant with Tucker at this time, and I was looking for a safe option to use while pregnant! But I loved it so much, I continued to use it even after he was born.

Here’s the step-by-step order I recommend for getting the best results:

Step 1: Wash Your Face

Start with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and buildup from the day. Clean skin helps your serums absorb better and work more effectively overnight. I use the micellar foaming face wash also from FRÉ (discount code alexisroch works on this too).

Step 2: Apply Serums

Next, apply your serums. Always apply it while your skin is still slightly damp.

Step 3: Apply Your Bakuchiol Serum

Next comes this retinol alternative. Bakuchiol also pairs well with other ingredients, so you don’t need to worry about irritation or avoiding certain combinations like you would with retinol.

Step 4: Apply Your Face Cream

Seal everything in with a nourishing moisturizer. If you’re using the Bud Nectar face cream and eye cream, this is the perfect time to apply them. They help lock in the bakuchiol and keep your skin hydrated and calm overnight.

Step 5: Optional Step, Add a Night Facial Treatment

If your skin is feeling extra dry or you want a boost of glow, finish with a night facial treatment, mask, or sleeping cream. This step is totally optional, but it can enhance hydration and radiance while you sleep. My two favorites are the FRÉ plumping facial which uses sea buckthorn oil (use code alexisroch at checkout for this as well!!) or I also biodance collagen masks shown in the picture above.

I use bakuchiol in the evening. In the morning, I use vitamin C serum (VC-IP is the best option for that).

Enjoy healthier, more youthful, and deeply hydrated skin switching to my recommendations. This is good for older, aging skin, but younger skin can enjoy more hydration using these products too.

**Don’t forget to ALWAYS speak to your dermatologist regarding new skincare products especially if you are under their care for a certain skin condition.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Alexis! I’m an investigative chemist, mom, and the founder of Chemistry Cachet. For over a decade, I’ve been sharing practical, science-backed tips to help women achieve healthier skin, maintain a cleaner home, and simplify everyday life.

As a busy mom, I love finding products, ingredients, and routines that actually work—without wasting time or money. Whether I’m testing skincare, breaking down ingredient labels, or sharing simple beauty tips, my goal is to make science approachable and useful for real life.

Join me on Instagram and Facebook for daily skincare tips, home hacks, behind-the-scenes chemist insights, and a little bit of mom life.