The Gentle Serum That Took Over My Skincare Routine

I first tried bakuchiol through an eye cream (you can read about my experience here). Honestly, I didn’t expect much. My skin’s picky. And most “gentle” ingredients don’t do anything for me.

But this one surprised me.

Fast forward to now, and bakuchiol serums are officially part of my regular routine. They’re lightweight, non-irritating, and help keep my skin even, clear, and calm, especially on the days I skip actives like retinol or acids. If your skin hates being pushed too hard, this is worth a look.

Why Bakuchiol Might Be Your Skin’s New Favorite

I won’t rehash the science since we’ve already covered it in our article on bakuchiol eye creams, but here’s the short version: bakuchiol is often called a gentle alternative to retinol—but it’s more than just a copycat.

It works well for sensitive skin, helps with texture, and plays nicely with other ingredients. It’s beginner-friendly. And if your skin flakes or turns red from traditional retinol? Bakuchiol might be a better fit.

So if your goal is smoother skin without the drama, this ingredient’s worth exploring.

The Best Bakuchiol Serums You Can Try

There are a lot of bakuchiol serums out there, but some really stand out for their formulas, textures, and results. So, here’s a look at the best bakuchiol serums worth trying next!

FRE Renew Me Anti-Aging Serum

If you want a clean formula that actually feels luxe, this one’s worth checking out. FRE’s Renew Me blends bakuchiol and niacinamide to boost firmness and smooth fine lines. It’s designed for all skin types and has a fresh, clean scent. The texture is silky, and it layers well under moisturizer. 

It’s on the pricier side, but it’s cruelty-free, and the brand is committed to clean skincare that delivers visible results without overloading your skin.

Price: $71.10
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Vitali 2% Bakuchiol Facial Oil

Vitali is a brand partner we genuinely believe in. For their Bakuchiol Facial Oil, they use a 2% bakuchiol concentration (which is on the stronger side) plus organic squalane and vitamin E. The formula is designed specifically to tackle fine lines, uneven skin tone, and blemishes, all while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. Texture-wise, it feels rich but sinks in nicely.

So, if you’re into Ayurvedic-inspired skincare with science-backed ingredients, the Vitali Bakuchiol Facial Oil might be the best pick. It’s especially good for sensitive skin that can’t tolerate retinol.

Price: $74.95
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COSMEDIX Bakuchiol Complete Serum

This one’s for anyone who’s ever said, “retinol ruins my skin.” COSMEDIX made this serum for sensitive types, using bakuchiol plus nourishing oils like squalane, moringa seed, and jojoba. It’s fragrance-free, cruelty-free, and feels more like a facial oil than a traditional serum. A little goes a long way and it gives a nice dewy finish if you don’t mind a thicker texture.

Some love the glow. Others say it’s too greasy, especially for daytime. Personally, I’d only wear this at night, right before moisturizer. If you’ve tried other bakuchiol products and felt underwhelmed, then the COSMEDIX Bakuchiol Serum might surprise you.

Price: $85
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LYS by Misa Korean Retinol Serum

This one's got that K-beauty magic. The mix of retinol, bakuchiol, and tocopherol makes it a solid pick for smoothing texture and boosting firmness—without the usual irritation. We appreciate how it’s gentle but still brings visible results. Perfect if you’re looking for something effective but not aggressive.

Plus, the Korean formulation adds that soft-touch feel we love in our routines. It’s fragrance-free, beginner-friendly, and great for sensitive skin too.

Price: $34.96
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Beauty by Earth Bio Retinol Alternative Bakuchiol Serum

Beauty by Earth is a small, women-owned brand we love supporting. It’s made in the USA with clean, plant-based ingredients. The formula combines bakuchiol with niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and tremella mushroom to hydrate, brighten, and smooth skin over time. It’s lightweight, non-irritating, and perfect for sensitive skin routines.

And the berry scent? Subtle and refreshing. If you want a gentle glow-up without the usual side effects, this is a solid start.

Price: $22.94
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Thrive Natural Bakuchiol Serum

Thrive’s Natural Bakuchiol Serum checks a lot of boxes. It’s gentle, plant-based, and packed with good-for-you ingredients like hyaluronic acid and collagen-boosting goji and fierillo. Thrive grows its superplants through regenerative farming in Costa Rica, so it's not just about skincare, it’s about giving back too. The texture? Lightweight and non-oily. The vibe? Clean, earthy, and simple. We love that it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA.

It’s a solid option if you want visible results without the harsh stuff.

Price: $28.75
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TruSkin Longevity Bakuchiol Serum

TruSkin’s take on bakuchiol goes beyond your typical serum. This formula mixes bakuchiol with snow algae and lingonberry stem cells – ingredients you don’t often see together – to help smooth fine lines while protecting against blue light and daily stress.

It’s light, gentle, and made without added fragrance, which is great if you’re picky about scent. And like all TruSkin products, it’s cruelty-free and made in the USA.

Price: $26.99
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Each & Every Skin Goals Face Oil

Each & Every makes plant-based products that actually feel good on your skin, and this bakuchiol-packed face oil is no exception. It blends chia seed, turmeric, and watermelon seed oil for lightweight hydration without the heaviness. We love that it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and made with ethically sourced ingredients.

It’s a gentle option if you want to smooth fine lines and boost your glow without harsh stuff. Plus, no silicones, parabens, or artificial fragrances in sight.

Price: $65
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Who Should Use Bakuchiol Serums?

Here’s who might benefit from adding one to their routine:

• Sensitive skin types. If retinol breaks you out or causes flaking.
  
  
• Pregnant or breastfeeding moms. Bakuchiol is considered a safer alternative to retinoids.
  
  
• Beginners. It’s easy to use and doesn’t usually cause purging.
  
  
• People with uneven tone or rough texture. It helps smooth and brighten over time.
  
  
• Anyone layering multiple actives. Bakuchiol won’t clash with acids or niacinamide.
  
  

And if your skin is already doing well? It can still help maintain that glow without overwhelming your barrier.

How to Use a Bakuchiol Serum in Your Routine

You don’t need to overthink it. Just follow this general order:

• Cleanse. Start with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup or SPF.
  
  
• Apply toner or essence (optional). This helps with hydration if your skin needs it.
  
  
• Bakuchiol serum goes here. A few drops on clean skin. Press it in.
  
  
• Follow with moisturizer. Something hydrating to lock everything in.
  
  
• SPF in the morning. Always. Even on cloudy days.

You can use bakuchiol once or twice a day. I started at night, then added mornings later on. It plays well with other ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, but if you're using stronger actives (like acids or vitamin C), just space them out or alternate days.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Stick With It

If you’re curious about bakuchiol, try one serum. Use it consistently for a few weeks. It’s not flashy. But it works. Especially if you’re tired of retinol reactions or want something to keep your skin calm and balanced.

This ingredient made a noticeable difference in my skin’s texture and tone and without the side effects I used to get from harsher products.

So yes, I’d say it’s worth trying. Especially if your skin’s been begging for a break!