8 Anti-aging Bakuchiol Products Your Sensitive Skin Will Love

Retinol may be at the top of every skin-care guru’s list for gorgeous—and seemingly ageless—skin, but the past couple of years have seen bakuchiol—a natural alternative—take the beauty world by storm. A solid option for those of us who find traditional retinol products too irritating but still crave its potent anti-aging benefits, bakuchiol is the answer to our sensitive-skinned prayers. This plant-derived vegan compound has technically been around for decades and has roots in Ayurveda, but only until recent studies yielded promising results have we seen it in mainstream beauty products. And now? It’s everywhere!

Found in the Psoralea corylifoli (babchi) plant, bakuchiol isn’t at all related to retinol—a derivative of vitamin A—on a chemical level, but it boasts similar benefits. “It’s a meroterpene phenol, which doesn’t look like retinol from a chemical structure standpoint, but functions in the skin similarly,” says Sandy Skotnicki, board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor. “Essentially, it binds to retinol receptors in the skin and has similar effects to retinol.”

Those effects? Boosting the skin’s collagen production, thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots—plus providing an overall otherworldly glow.

Bakuchiol isn’t as powerful as retinoids, which are stronger versions of retinol that can only be prescribed by a doctor (such as tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene), but if you’re seeking an over-the-counter product, you can expect to experience none of the not-so-fun effects of retinol, such as redness, flakiness, and irritation. This holds true for all skin types, even those with more sensitive skin or those dealing with eczema or psoriasis. “Since bakuchiol is gentler than a retinoid, most people can tolerate it,” says Dr. Elyse Love, board-certified dermatologist. “It’s particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin who have not been able to tolerate retinol.” In fact, it’s so gentle that it can be used twice a day.

There’s also some good news for those trying to squeeze in a few more beach days before summer officially ends. Retinol is believed to increase sensitivity to sunlight (due to cell turnover) and is also deactivated by UV rays; however, this isn’t the case with bakuchiol. According to Love, it won’t cause sun sensitivity and sunlight won’t render it ineffective, so you can happily slather it on before a day spent outdoors. Just make sure you still apply plenty of SPF before hitting the sand.

Since its initial boom, plenty of new and innovative (and, again, non-irritating!) bakuchiol products have entered the market, spanning luxury brands to budget-friendly favorites. We rounded up eight of the latest and greatest, below.