Retinol vs. Bakuchiol: What’s the Difference & Which Is Right for You?

The skincare world is always buzzing with hot topics, and this showdown is always a big one: Retinol or Bakuchiol - who gets the gold medal for glow? But do you really have to pick a side? If you’re on the hunt for an ingredient to keep your skin looking fresh, bouncy, and radiant, chances are you’ve come across these two skincare powerhouses. But what exactly do they do, and which one is your perfect match? Let’s break it down.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is the A-lister of the skincare world (literally - it’s a form of Vitamin A!). It works its magic by boosting collagen production, speeding up cell turnover, and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, texture, and uneven skin tone.

Basically, it tells sluggish skin cells to wake up and get moving, revealing a smoother, fresher, and more youthful-looking complexion underneath.

Sounds like skincare sorcery, right? But there’s a catch: Retinol can be a little tough on certain skin types. Some people experience redness, dryness, or even a temporary purge (cue the mini breakout panic) as their skin adjusts. That’s why it’s best to take it slow - start with one to two nights a week before working up to every second or third night.

If you’re under 18, expecting, breastfeeding, or on skin medications, hit pause on this one. Your skin is already working overtime - no need to throw in an extra challenge!

What Is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol (pronounced bah-koo-chee-ol) is the gentler new kid on the block, but don’t let that fool you. Derived from the Babchi plant, Bakuchiol has been making waves as a plant-based alternative to Retinol.

It offers many of the same perks: boosting collagen, speeding up cell turnover, smoothing fine lines, brightening skin, and improving texture - minus the irritation that regular Retinols can sometimes bring.

Another added bonus? Bakuchiol is a powerful antioxidant, so it helps protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage. And unlike Retinol, which can make your skin more sun-sensitive, Bakuchiol plays well with daylight, meaning you can use it morning and night without a second thought. 

The Showdown: Retinol vs. Bakuchiol

So, how do these two stack up against each other?

• Efficacy: Retinol has decades of research backing its ability to visibly reduce signs of ageing. Bakuchiol is newer but studies show seriously promising results. As Retinol is a more advanced, potent ingredient, it may offer quicker benefits when compared to Retinol.

• Skin Type Compatibility: Our new 0.2% Slow-Release Retinol is designed to be gentle yet effective, making it suitable for all skin types—including sensitive skin! Its slow-release formula means less irritation while still delivering the benefits of Retinol. However, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or not quite ready for Retinol, Bakuchiol is a great alternative. It’s even gentler and completely pregnancy-safe!

• Usage: Retinol is a powerful PM-only ingredient, as it breaks down in sunlight and increases sun sensitivity, making your skin more vulnerable to burning and damage. That's why it's essential to pair it with SPF every single day! On the other hand, Bakuchiol can be used both morning and night, so you can enjoy its glowing benefits around the clock - without the worry of sun sensitivity.

Can You Use Both?

Absolutely! Retinol and Bakuchiol aren’t rivals - they’re actually a dream team. While Bakuchiol helps to soothe and protect, Retinol brings its collagen-boosting A-game. Using them together (or alternating between them) can give you the best of both worlds: effective anti-ageing without excessive irritation (so long as you're not pregnant, breastfeeding or a tween).

The Verdict

Whether you’re Team Retinol or Team Bakuchiol, your skin wins either way! If you’re after visible, time-tested results, a good Retinol serum (like MooGoo's NEW 0.2% Slow-Release formula) is a great place to start.

If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, not ready for Retinol, or prefer a gentler, plant-based approach, Bakuchiol might be your new bestie. 

Or, why not mix and match for a skincare routine that does it all? After all, glowing skin isn’t about choosing sides, it’s about finding what works best for you!