Found: An All-Natural Serum That Works Just Like Retinol (Without Any Of The Downsides)

It’s long been considered “the gold standard” in skin care by dermatologists, but a topical retinoid (and its weaker over-the-counter alternative, retinol) isn’t for everyone. For one thing, the vitamin A derivative is notorious for an adjustment period (which has been dubbed retinization) that can include irritation, redness, dryness, and peeling. It’s also not an ingredient that you can use while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as it’s been deemed unsafe. And while the retinization phase typically only lasts for a few weeks, it can be too harsh for those with particularly sensitive skin. So, what do you do when you’re not a candidate for a retinoid, but you still want the collagen-boosting, skin-smoothing, and hyperpigmentation-fading benefits?

Bakuchiol, a plant-derived ingredient, has been gaining buzz for achieving similar results while also being sensitive skin-friendly. To bring you those retinol-like benefits morning and night, Peak Scents has introduced its Organic Rose Phyto3 Babchi Serum, which uses a 4% concentration of bakuchiol in combination with other moisturizing and soothing ingredients to tackle multiple skin concerns at once. Ahead, learn more about how bakuchiol works to give you better skin without the irritation, and get all of the details on Peak Scents’ serum.

Fast Facts:

• Key ingredients: bakuchiol, rosehip oil, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
• Best for: dull skin, congested pores, a loss of elasticity, uneven skin
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan
• Plant-based
• Suitable for all skin types

The Science Behind The Serum

For the uninitiated, bakuchiol comes from the seeds of the psoralea corylifolia plant, which is commonly known as the babchi plant. While it’s been used for hundreds of years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, bakuchiol’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties have only recently been applied to topical skin care. That’s because studies have shown the plant-based ingredient to have similar effects on the skin as topical retinoids, working at the cellular level to increase skin cell turnover, boost collagen production, and fade unwanted hyperpigmentation. Additionally, because of its natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, bakuchiol can help soothe the skin and calm breakouts, making it better suited for those with skin sensitivities than retinol.

Because it’s a gentle ingredient, bakuchiol also comes with some benefits that retinoids don’t offer. For one, bakuchiol doesn’t break down in the sun or cause sensitivity to the sun the way that retinoids and retinols do, so you can apply the serum in the morning, too. Also, bakuchiol is thought to be a more pregnancy-safe option, though you should always check with your OB-GYN before using any new skin care ingredient while pregnant or nursing.

The Organic Rose Phyto3 Babchi Serum utilizes a 4% concentration of bakuchiol, but it’s far from the only effective ingredient in the formula. The serum also includes a 4% concentration of niacinamide, which helps to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce unwanted hyperpigmentation, and calm redness and inflammation. You’ll find some other skin care favorites among the ingredients list, including antioxidant-rich plant oils, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter. You even get some aromatherapy benefits thanks to a calming blend of geranium, frankincense, and rose essential oils which lend a delicate, natural fragrance to the serum.

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