How to Use Bakuchiol (and Can You Use It With Retinol?)
Bakuchiol is one of the easiest actives to use: apply it after toner and before moisturizer, morning and/or night, and — unlike retinol — you don’t have to worry about sun sensitivity or a strict “don’t mix” list. You can even use it with retinol to soften the irritation. Here’s exactly where it goes, what to pair it with, whether to combine it with retinol, and how long to wait for results.
Last verified: July 2026.
Where bakuchiol goes in your routine
Bakuchiol serums are treatment-weight, so they go after prep and before creams. A reliable order:
- Cleanse
- Toner / essence (optional)
- Bakuchiol serum
- Other serums (hydrating, etc.)
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen (morning, always)
If you layer several serums, apply the more watery ones first. Bakuchiol is flexible and rarely fussy about exact order.
Morning, night, or both?
Both is fine — and a real advantage over retinol. Because bakuchiol doesn’t increase photosensitivity, it’s suitable for AM and PM. Many people use it twice daily for best results. Whenever you apply it, wear SPF in the morning: sun protection guards the collagen bakuchiol is helping build.
What to pair bakuchiol with
Bakuchiol is famously easygoing. It layers well with:
- Vitamin C — fine to combine (some routines use both AM).
- Niacinamide — a friendly, barrier-supporting partner.
- Hyaluronic acid and peptides — great for hydration and added anti-aging support.
- Exfoliating acids — generally tolerated, though introduce gradually.
- Moisturizers and SPF — always.
Unlike retinol (photosensitizing, purge period) or copper peptides (avoid direct vitamin C/acids), bakuchiol doesn’t come with strict conflicts — which is a big part of why it’s beginner-friendly.
Can you use bakuchiol with retinol?
Yes — and it’s a popular, effective combination. Bakuchiol’s soothing nature can buffer retinol’s irritation, letting you get retinoid results more comfortably. Options: use them together at night, layer bakuchiol to calm, or choose a product that already blends them (like the Some By Mi serum below). Two rules: introduce retinol slowly (2–3 nights a week to start), and if you’re pregnant or avoiding retinol, use bakuchiol alone and read labels — many “bakuchiol” serums also contain retinol.
How long until results
Bakuchiol is a slow burn: give it about 8–12 weeks of consistent use before judging, and longer for firmness. Results are cumulative — smoother fine lines, more even tone, better texture — and a touch slower than retinol, but without the peeling and redness. Consistency and daily SPF matter far more than chasing a high concentration.
Easy bakuchiol picks to start
Whether you want pure bakuchiol or a gentle retinol combo:
The Ordinary Bakuchiol 0.5%
Some By Mi Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Serum
For the full line-up, see best bakuchiol serums.
FAQ
How do you use bakuchiol in your routine?
Apply bakuchiol after cleansing and toner, before moisturizer. It can be used morning and/or night since it doesn’t cause photosensitivity. A simple order: cleanse, tone, bakuchiol serum, other serums, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning. Start daily if tolerated — bakuchiol is gentle enough for it.
Can you use bakuchiol with retinol?
Yes — they pair well, and bakuchiol can help buffer retinol’s irritation. Use them together at night or layer bakuchiol to soothe. Some products already combine them. If you’re pregnant or avoiding retinol, use bakuchiol alone and check labels, since many bakuchiol serums also contain retinol.
Can you use bakuchiol with vitamin C, niacinamide or acids?
Yes. Bakuchiol is easygoing and layers well with vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and even exfoliating acids for most people — it doesn’t have retinol’s strict conflicts. Introduce one new active at a time and patch-test, especially if you’re combining several actives.
Should you use bakuchiol morning or night?
Either or both. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol doesn’t increase sun sensitivity, so it’s fine in the morning as well as at night. Many people use it twice daily for best results. Whenever you use it, apply SPF in the morning — sun protection guards the collagen you’re supporting.
How long does bakuchiol take to work?
Expect gradual results over about 8–12 weeks of consistent use — slightly slower than retinol. Bakuchiol works cumulatively on fine lines, tone and firmness, so patience and daily use matter more than a high concentration. Keep going and pair with SPF.
The bottom line
Bakuchiol is refreshingly low-maintenance: after toner, before moisturizer, morning and/or night, with no photosensitivity and no strict conflicts. Pair it freely with vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides or hyaluronic acid, combine it with retinol to soften irritation (unless you’re avoiding retinol — read labels), and give it a couple of months. Ready to start? See best bakuchiol serums.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For persistent concerns, pregnancy-safe routines, or before starting retinoids, see a dermatologist. Sources: Bakuchiol vs retinol comparison (Byra), Retinol vs bakuchiol — dermatologists compare (SkinOptimizer), and Is bakuchiol safe during pregnancy? (Typology).