Is bakuchiol as effective as retinol?

Bakuchiol has been shown in smaller studies to improve fine lines and tone with much less irritation, but the evidence base is thinner than retinol's. Expect gentler, slower results rather than a like-for-like swap.

Can I use it if my skin reacts to retinol?

That is the main reason to choose it. Bakuchiol is plant-derived and the formula adds soothing aloe, so it suits people who get redness or peeling from retinol. Patch test first if your skin is very reactive.

Apply to damp skin once daily, as the brand directs, before moisturizer. Damp skin helps the serum spread and absorb.

Can I use it with vitamin C or acids?

Yes. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is generally considered compatible with vitamin C and exfoliating acids, though introduce one new product at a time.

Is it suitable for oily or acne-prone skin?

The green tea extract is included to help balance sebum, and the serum is lightweight rather than rich. It is not an acne treatment, so persistent breakouts need a dedicated product.

What is in the bottle?

One 1 oz serum with bakuchiol, green tea extract and aloe vera. It is vegan and described as safe for all skin types.

What do buyers say about the Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum Face Retinol Alternative?

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings.

Where can I buy the Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum Face Retinol Alternative?

4 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Amazon, Asterwood, Sleekshop.com.

Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum Face Retinol Alternative

Best price now

$17.49at WalmartChecked 32 min ago

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum Face Retinol Alternative

Best price now

$17.49at WalmartChecked 32 min ago

Compared across 4 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Price facts

Lowest price today: $17.49 at Walmart (checked Nov 15, 2026).
Checked at 4 stores.

Our take on the Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum Face Retinol Alternative

Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum is a plant-based retinol alternative in a 1 oz bottle, built around bakuchiol with green tea extract and aloe vera. It targets the look of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven tone while adding hydration, and it is positioned as gentler than retinol, which many people find irritating. That makes it a reasonable pick for anyone who wants anti-aging care without redness or peeling, or who is easing into a retinol-style routine. Against retinol serums it trades speed and depth of evidence for tolerability; against other bakuchiol serums it is a straightforward single-active formula with soothing and sebum-balancing extras rather than a multi-peptide blend.

Best forRetinol-sensitive skinFirst anti-aging serumOily and combination skinDaily morning or evening routine

Pros

Bakuchiol gives retinol-style anti-aging claims with far less irritation risk
Green tea extract helps regulate sebum
Aloe vera soothes and calms
Vegan, plant-based formula
Lightweight hydrating serum layer

Cons

Bakuchiol's evidence is smaller than retinol's, so results are slower and subtler
1 oz is a modest amount for daily full-face use
No SPF, peptides or vitamin C, so it is not a complete routine
Results depend on consistent use over weeks

Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum Face Retinol Alternative prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by La Cienega ProductsReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$17.49Free shippingChecked 32 min ago
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AsterwoodNew
In stock
$17.99Free shippingChecked 32 min ago
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AmazonNew
Availability unknown
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$17.49Checked 32 min ago
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Sleekshop.comNew
Availability unknown
$20.99Checked 32 min ago
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Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum Face Retinol Alternative price history

Lowest price we've seen: $17.49 on Nov 15 at Amazon. Tracked across 3 stores since Nov 15.

About the Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum Face Retinol Alternative

Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum is a face serum made as a plant-based alternative to retinol. Bakuchiol is a plant-based extract that improves the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and helps restore skin elasticity. The serum is also hydrating and helps even out skin tone with consistent use.

The formula also contains Green Tea extract, which supports regulated sebum production, and Aloe Vera, which soothes irritation. It is vegan and free of parabens, fragrance and sulfates.

Apply it to damp skin in the morning and at night. It is formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is safe to use during pregnancy and nursing and while planning to conceive. It can be used with other Asterwood products, including the vitamin C serum, triple repair serum and hyaluronic acid moisturizer.

Size: 1 oz
Key ingredients: Bakuchiol extract, Green Tea extract, Aloe Vera
Skin type: All skin types, including sensitive skin
Free from: Parabens, fragrance, sulfates
Formula: Vegan, plant-based
Use: Apply to damp skin, morning and night
Pregnancy and nursing: Safe to use during pregnancy and nursing

Specifications

size: 1 OzSource

Questions and answers

Is bakuchiol as effective as retinol?: Bakuchiol has been shown in smaller studies to improve fine lines and tone with much less irritation, but the evidence base is thinner than retinol's. Expect gentler, slower results rather than a like-for-like swap.
Can I use it if my skin reacts to retinol?: That is the main reason to choose it. Bakuchiol is plant-derived and the formula adds soothing aloe, so it suits people who get redness or peeling from retinol. Patch test first if your skin is very reactive.
How do I apply it?: Apply to damp skin once daily, as the brand directs, before moisturizer. Damp skin helps the serum spread and absorb.
Can I use it with vitamin C or acids?: Yes. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is generally considered compatible with vitamin C and exfoliating acids, though introduce one new product at a time.
Is it suitable for oily or acne-prone skin?: The green tea extract is included to help balance sebum, and the serum is lightweight rather than rich. It is not an acne treatment, so persistent breakouts need a dedicated product.
What is in the bottle?: One 1 oz serum with bakuchiol, green tea extract and aloe vera. It is vegan and described as safe for all skin types.
Where is the Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum Face Retinol Alternative cheapest?: At Walmart, for $17.49, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum Face Retinol Alternative?: Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 3 ratings.
Where can I buy the Asterwood Bakuchiol Serum Face Retinol Alternative?: 4 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, Amazon, Asterwood, Sleekshop.com.

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