Retinol vs. Bakuchiol: Which Aussie gem is better for Sensitive Skin?

What is retinol, and why do dermatologists highly recommend it for your skin?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A, and in skincare, it’s basically the overachiever of the class. It helps your skin cells turn over more quickly, encourages collagen production, and, over time, can help improve fine lines, uneven texture, and pigmentation. This is why dermatologists get slightly starry‑eyed when they talk about it – and there’s a lot of research backing it up, not just marketing fluff. Retinol is a major ingredient in your Day Moisturiser https://gracefullillybodyscrubs.com/day-moisturiser.

Of course, like most overachievers, retinol has a distinct personality. Use too much, too fast, or on already sensitive skin, and it can leave you dry, flaky, and with a red complexion, all while quietly regretting your life choices. That doesn’t make it a bad ingredient; it just means it needs to be used with some respect, especially if your skin barrier is more “delicate flower” than “tough old boot.”

Used correctly, retinol can be a brilliant long‑term ingredient for Millennial skin that’s dealing with the joyful combo of “first signs of ageing” and “occasional breakouts that were supposed to disappear at 20.” The key is choosing a gentle formula, introducing it slowly, and listening when your skin says, “That’s enough for now, thanks.”

What is bakuchiol (and why does everyone call it “plant retinol”?)

Bakuchiol is an ingredient derived from the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), and the internet has decided to nickname it “plant retinol” – mostly because it can give some similar benefits without behaving quite as aggressively. Some studies suggest it can help with fine lines, uneven tone, and texture, with less irritation than traditional retinol for many people. That doesn’t make it a magical dupe, but it does make it interesting, especially for sensitive or easily annoyed skin.

Now, important honesty moment: I don’t currently use bakuchiol in my products. I’m not going to pretend it’s hiding in a bottle somewhere just to sound on‑trend. At this stage, I’m watching the research, looking at how it performs in real skin, and considering it as a future option for those of you whose skin takes one look at retinol and files a formal complaint.

Think of bakuchiol as the gentler, potentially more forgiving option that might suit very reactive skin, extremely cautious people, or those who simply don’t want to go down the retinol route. It’s not “better” for everyone, but it might be “better for you” if your skin is the type to overreact to almost everything.

Retinol vs bakuchiol for sensitive skin: the pros and cons

If you have sensitive skin, retinol is a bit like a strong coffee: effective, but sometimes your system has notes. It can absolutely help with fine lines, texture and pigmentation, but push it too hard, and you’ll get dryness, redness, flaking, or just that tight, “my face feels smaller than my skull” feeling. The upside is decades of research and very real results; the downside is that your barrier has to be in a reasonably good mood to tolerate it.

Bakuchiol, on the other hand, is more like a herbal tea with ambition. It doesn’t have the same mountain of long-term data as retinol, but early studies and real-world use suggest it can improve signs of ageing and uneven tone with fewer tantrums from sensitive skin. The trade-off is that it may be a little gentler in both irritation and intensity of results, so it’s better suited to people who prioritise comfort and calm over fast, dramatic change.

For truly sensitive, reactive skin, bakuchiol may turn out to be the more realistic everyday option, while retinol remains the “stronger medicine” for those who can handle it. Neither is universally better; it’s more about which one your skin is willing to live with long term, without feeling like you’re in a never-ending tiebreak.

So, in conclusion, who should choose what?

If your skin is fairly robust, you’re already comfortable with actives, and you’re happy to introduce things slowly and sensibly, retinol can be a great option. It’s especially worth considering if you’re noticing fine lines, uneven texture, or pigmentation, and you’re prepared to accept a bit of mild, temporary irritation while your skin adjusts.

If your skin is sensitive, easily inflamed, or you’ve had adverse experiences with strong actives in the past, bakuchiol may be a more realistic long-term option. It might not give quite the same “power lift” as a stronger retinol, but for many reactive skins, the ability to use something consistently without constant flare-ups is far more valuable.

And if your skin barrier is currently angry, compromised, or just not behaving, the answer might honestly be: neither, for now. In that case, focusing on gentle cleansing, barrier-repairing moisturisers, and soothing ingredients is the smartest move. You can revisit retinol or bakuchiol once your skin has calmed down.