Retinol and bakuchiol are two of the most buzzy anti-aging skincare ingredients around. Both are known for serious multitasking—from reducing the look of fine lines, to minimizing clogged pores and breakouts, to making your skin bouncy and bright. They’re the MVPs of your skincare routine, always stepping in to get the job done no matter what your main skin goals are.
At Haruharu Wonder, we’re fans of both ingredients and have been hard at work in the lab to figure out the best way to give them a K-beauty spin. That’s when we figured out how to combine both retinol and bakuchiol into a single serum. The result is our Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum, which we formulated to be so gentle, even retinol beginners and sensitive skin types can still get in on all the benefits.
Our two-in-one serum has been getting so much love, we wanted to spotlight its hero ingredients. So consider this your ultimate guide to retinol and bakuchiol, plus tips on how to use them together in your Korean skincare routine.
Retinol vs. Bakuchiol: Which is better for me?
Retinol and bakuchiol deliver similar benefits, which is why you’ll often hear them mentioned together. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that comes in varying concentrations, some so strong that they’ll require a dermatologist’s or doctor’s prescription. It’s been clinically proven to increase cell turnover and collagen production, soften wrinkles, increase skin firmness and elasticity, and minimize clogged pores and breakouts.
Because it’s such a potent ingredient, retinol can be sensitizing on some skin types. It’s also known to make your skin more sensitive to UV damage, which is why it should only be applied as part of your evening skincare routine.
Bakuchiol works similarly to retinol, so you’ll also see benefits like increased collagen production and bouncier, smoother-looking skin when you incorporate it into your skincare routine. However, this plant-derived ingredient is non-irritating, making it the perfect pick for those with especially sensitive skin.
In the past, this distinction meant that anyone with sensitive or reactive skin might reach for bakuchiol over retinol because of its gentler effects. But is it still possible for sensitive skin types to use retinol? Well, we think we cracked the code on that one.
Can you use both retinol and bakuchiol together?
When we were developing our Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum, we found that combining both retinol and bakuchiol gave us a gentle but potent formula that was highly effective on wrinkle and fine-line reduction—while still being well-tolerated by all skin types. We wouldn’t recommend combining any form of retinol and bakuchiol together, since a high concentration of retinol mixed with bakuchiol can easily overwhelm your skin. However, if you choose a formula that’s been specifically developed to balance both, you can definitely use these ingredients together.
Our serum combines a gentle concentration of microencapsulated retinol (0.08%) with bakuchiol (1%) to help your skin achieve its healthiest state without irritation, redness, or peeling. Plus, we added moisturizing and soothing ingredients including ceramides, sunflower seed oil, and antioxidant-rich fermented black rice to ensure that your skin is kept soft, hydrated and soothed.
Like all of our launches, we tested this serum extensively to make sure the final result was absolutely perfect. So take it from our team members and read their real reviews of how this combination of retinol and bakuchiol can benefit your skin.
Retinol and Bakuchiol: 4 Key Benefits
1. Smoother Skin
We love both retinol and bakuchiol for their ability to help target fine lines and wrinkles, making them appear smoother and less visible with continued use. Both ingredients can also help with roughness and making skin look smoother overall, since they work by speeding up your cellular turnover. And the effects get better over time: Our Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum is clinically proven to improve wrinkles by 12% after two weeks of use.*
Our team member Madjiguene says that her skin “feels smoother and fine lines have started to fade” since she started incorporating this formula. “The results are really visible already,” she says. “It’s become a crucial part of my nighttime routine.” Eunjeong, our team member whose sensitive skin is prone to irritation and redness, also loves how the smoothing effect doesn’t cause any flare ups. “I really like the texture and its effectiveness,” she says. “It’s gentle yet effective!”
2. Bouncier Texture
More collagen = more bounce, and this serum delivers a double punch of elasticity. If you have mature skin, this formula is perfect for you—and clinically proven to improve skin elasticity by 8.9%. Our team member Tamara was searching for a serum “that would help my skin gain its elasticity back” and loves the firming results of this serum. “I started integrating it in my nighttime routine a few weeks ago and I can already see results,” she says. Team member Annalisa also says her skin feels significantly “more elastic and tight” with regular use.
3. Refined Pores
Bakuchiol and retinol can also help keep your pores clear, make them look more refined, and hold breakouts at bay. In our sensitive skin-friendly formulation, they do it all without drying your skin out, too. In just one use, this serum has been clinically proven to temporarily improve the pore area by 39.6%.
“My skin is sensitive, so I was a bit scared of starting to use retinol more consistently,” says Annalisa. “I found the perfect balance with something effective that still respects my skin. I see my pores and overall skin tone improving a lot since I started using this.” Tamara also noticed a significant reduction in the appearance of her pores without any downsides from harsh ingredients. “It’s extremely gentle and doesn’t upset my skin at all,” she says.
4. Brightening Boost
Whether you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, sun spots, or overall dullness, this serum can help. “As I get older, I've been noticing more fine lines and hyperpigmentation appearing,” says our team member Claire. “I've been gradually noticing a difference to both my fine lines and my overall skin tone and glow.” Haruharu Wonder contributor Sarah Y. Wu is also a fan. “Sometimes brightening skincare can be too harsh and leave my skin red and overheated,” she says. “I love how gentle this formula is. I apply a few drops at night and wake up glowing.”
Whether you want plump, firm, or glowing skin, consider retinol and bakuchiol your ultimate skin support. And if you want all of that without any irritation, give our Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum a try.
*According to a clinical trial conducted on 20 subjects over two weeks.
Meet the Author
Haruharu Wonder contributor Sarah Y. Wu has a decade of experience in the industry as a beauty editor, copy director, and brand consultant. Her bylines have appeared in outlets including Teen Vogue, Forbes, Allure, Marie Claire, Glamour, NYLON, Bustle, The Zoe Report, Vogue, WWD, and Byrdie. She’s also the copywriter and copy director for some of your favorite skincare, fragrance, and makeup brands. While she’s tried thousands of products over the course of her career, she’ll always save a spot in her beauty routine for Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream and Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm. Connect with her on Instagram @say.wu.
Retinol vs. Bakuchiol: How to Use Them in Your Korean Skincare Routine
Retinol and bakuchiol are two of the most buzzy anti-aging skincare ingredients around. Both are known for serious multitasking—from reducing the look of fine lines, to minimizing clogged pores and breakouts, to making your skin bouncy and bright. They’re the MVPs of your skincare routine, always stepping in to get the job done no matter what your main skin goals are.
At Haruharu Wonder, we’re fans of both ingredients and have been hard at work in the lab to figure out the best way to give them a K-beauty spin. That’s when we figured out how to combine both retinol and bakuchiol into a single serum. The result is our Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum, which we formulated to be so gentle, even retinol beginners and sensitive skin types can still get in on all the benefits.
Our two-in-one serum has been getting so much love, we wanted to spotlight its hero ingredients. So consider this your ultimate guide to retinol and bakuchiol, plus tips on how to use them together in your Korean skincare routine.
Retinol vs. Bakuchiol: Which is better for me?
Retinol and bakuchiol deliver similar benefits, which is why you’ll often hear them mentioned together. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that comes in varying concentrations, some so strong that they’ll require a dermatologist’s or doctor’s prescription. It’s been clinically proven to increase cell turnover and collagen production, soften wrinkles, increase skin firmness and elasticity, and minimize clogged pores and breakouts.
Because it’s such a potent ingredient, retinol can be sensitizing on some skin types. It’s also known to make your skin more sensitive to UV damage, which is why it should only be applied as part of your evening skincare routine.
Bakuchiol works similarly to retinol, so you’ll also see benefits like increased collagen production and bouncier, smoother-looking skin when you incorporate it into your skincare routine. However, this plant-derived ingredient is non-irritating, making it the perfect pick for those with especially sensitive skin.
In the past, this distinction meant that anyone with sensitive or reactive skin might reach for bakuchiol over retinol because of its gentler effects. But is it still possible for sensitive skin types to use retinol? Well, we think we cracked the code on that one.
Can you use both retinol and bakuchiol together?
When we were developing our Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum, we found that combining both retinol and bakuchiol gave us a gentle but potent formula that was highly effective on wrinkle and fine-line reduction—while still being well-tolerated by all skin types. We wouldn’t recommend combining any form of retinol and bakuchiol together, since a high concentration of retinol mixed with bakuchiol can easily overwhelm your skin. However, if you choose a formula that’s been specifically developed to balance both, you can definitely use these ingredients together.
Our serum combines a gentle concentration of microencapsulated retinol (0.08%) with bakuchiol (1%) to help your skin achieve its healthiest state without irritation, redness, or peeling. Plus, we added moisturizing and soothing ingredients including ceramides, sunflower seed oil, and antioxidant-rich fermented black rice to ensure that your skin is kept soft, hydrated and soothed.
Like all of our launches, we tested this serum extensively to make sure the final result was absolutely perfect. So take it from our team members and read their real reviews of how this combination of retinol and bakuchiol can benefit your skin.
Retinol and Bakuchiol: 4 Key Benefits
1. Smoother Skin
We love both retinol and bakuchiol for their ability to help target fine lines and wrinkles, making them appear smoother and less visible with continued use. Both ingredients can also help with roughness and making skin look smoother overall, since they work by speeding up your cellular turnover. And the effects get better over time: Our Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum is clinically proven to improve wrinkles by 12% after two weeks of use.*
Our team member Madjiguene says that her skin “feels smoother and fine lines have started to fade” since she started incorporating this formula. “The results are really visible already,” she says. “It’s become a crucial part of my nighttime routine.” Eunjeong, our team member whose sensitive skin is prone to irritation and redness, also loves how the smoothing effect doesn’t cause any flare ups. “I really like the texture and its effectiveness,” she says. “It’s gentle yet effective!”
2. Bouncier Texture
More collagen = more bounce, and this serum delivers a double punch of elasticity. If you have mature skin, this formula is perfect for you—and clinically proven to improve skin elasticity by 8.9%. Our team member Tamara was searching for a serum “that would help my skin gain its elasticity back” and loves the firming results of this serum. “I started integrating it in my nighttime routine a few weeks ago and I can already see results,” she says. Team member Annalisa also says her skin feels significantly “more elastic and tight” with regular use.
3. Refined Pores
Bakuchiol and retinol can also help keep your pores clear, make them look more refined, and hold breakouts at bay. In our sensitive skin-friendly formulation, they do it all without drying your skin out, too. In just one use, this serum has been clinically proven to temporarily improve the pore area by 39.6%.
“My skin is sensitive, so I was a bit scared of starting to use retinol more consistently,” says Annalisa. “I found the perfect balance with something effective that still respects my skin. I see my pores and overall skin tone improving a lot since I started using this.” Tamara also noticed a significant reduction in the appearance of her pores without any downsides from harsh ingredients. “It’s extremely gentle and doesn’t upset my skin at all,” she says.
4. Brightening Boost
Whether you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, sun spots, or overall dullness, this serum can help. “As I get older, I've been noticing more fine lines and hyperpigmentation appearing,” says our team member Claire. “I've been gradually noticing a difference to both my fine lines and my overall skin tone and glow.” Haruharu Wonder contributor Sarah Y. Wu is also a fan. “Sometimes brightening skincare can be too harsh and leave my skin red and overheated,” she says. “I love how gentle this formula is. I apply a few drops at night and wake up glowing.”
Whether you want plump, firm, or glowing skin, consider retinol and bakuchiol your ultimate skin support. And if you want all of that without any irritation, give our Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum a try.
*According to a clinical trial conducted on 20 subjects over two weeks.
Meet the Author
Haruharu Wonder contributor Sarah Y. Wu has a decade of experience in the industry as a beauty editor, copy director, and brand consultant. Her bylines have appeared in outlets including Teen Vogue, Forbes, Allure, Marie Claire, Glamour, NYLON, Bustle, The Zoe Report, Vogue, WWD, and Byrdie. She’s also the copywriter and copy director for some of your favorite skincare, fragrance, and makeup brands. While she’s tried thousands of products over the course of her career, she’ll always save a spot in her beauty routine for Haruharu Wonder’s Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream and Centella Sunflower Makeup-Melting Cleansing Balm. Connect with her on Instagram @say.wu.