What are Retinoids?
Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives that are widely used in skincare for their ability to reduce fine lines, even skin tone, and boost collagen. Common forms include retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl palmitate, and tretinoin.
- Synthetic vs. natural: Many retinoids in skincare are fully synthetic. However, some can come from animal sources, such as eggs or fish-derived vitamin A, which is important for vegan consumers to know.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived extract from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia (aka “babchi”), a plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It mimics many of retinol’s skin benefits — including promoting firmness, smoothing fine lines, and evening skin tone — but is plant-based and vegan.
Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is gentle enough for sensitive skin, making it a popular choice in K-beauty’s growing wave of clean retinal alternatives.
Key Differences: Retinoids vs. Bakuchiol
| Feature | Retinoids | Bakuchiol |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Synthetic or animal-derived | Plant-derived (vegan) |
| Mechanism | Activates retinoid receptors | Works via alternative pathways to mimic retinol effects |
| Skin Sensitivity | Can cause dryness or irritation | Usually gentler and well-tolerated |
| Vegan? | Only if synthetic | Always, naturally |
Quick takeaway: Retinoids are the classic, scientifically proven anti-aging ingredient, while bakuchiol offers a gentler, plant-based alternative suitable for sensitive or vegan-conscious skin.
K-Beauty Vegan Retinol Alternatives
Be The Skin Vegan Retinal Bakuchiol Serum
A dual-action K-beauty serum combining vegan retinal (a gentle, plant- or lab-derived retinoid) with bakuchiol to smooth fine lines, boost firmness, and even skin tone. Suitable for sensitive or vegan-conscious skin, this lightweight serum delivers anti-aging benefits without irritation.
Key ingredients: Vegan retinal (retinoid), bakuchiol (plant-derived retinol alternative), and soothing botanical extracts.
Fragrance status: Fragrance-free and essential oil-free — suitable for sensitive skin.
EQQUALBERRY Bakuchiol Plumping Serum
A vegan, plant-based serum designed to hydrate and plump while delivering bakuchiol’s retinol-like benefits — without irritation. A gentle choice for sensitive skin seeking firming and anti-aging effects.
Key ingredients: Bakuchiol (plant-derived retinol alternative), antioxidant-rich botanicals, and hydrating agents.
Fragrance status: No synthetic fragrance; naturally scented with essential oils (lavender, bergamot).
Why pregnant women are advised to avoid retinoids
Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene, isotretinoin and related compounds) are staples in anti-aging and acne care. But medical experts advise that women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or who may become pregnant avoid all forms of retinoids — topically and orally — because of documented risks to fetal development.
“Fetal retinoid syndrome is a pattern of mental and physical birth defects (congenital malformations) that can result from a mother taking retinoids during pregnancy. The absolute risk of congenital malformations following oral isotretinoin therapy is currently unclear. Overall malformation rates in liveborn infants from prospectively reported pregnancies range from 5% to 20%.”Sources: PMC article on retinoids · Rare Diseases: Fetal Retinoid Syndrome
Caution about “retinol alternatives”
While bakuchiol has a different chemical structure and is not a retinoid, it is often positioned in the beauty industry as a direct retinol substitute. Because of that, some experts urge caution: the lack of extensive safety data in pregnancy means it should not automatically be considered a safe replacement. When in doubt, avoid introducing new active ingredients until you’ve reviewed them with your healthcare provider.
What this means for your routine
If you are pregnant or might be, the safest course is to stop using retinoids entirely and talk with your OB/GYN or midwife. That includes prescription retinoids, OTC retinol serums, and certain prescription acne treatments. Because research differentiates between oral and topical exposure differently, and because some risks are still being studied, your clinician can help weigh any individual concerns.
Medical disclaimer: This feature is informational only and does not replace medical guidance. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, or unsure about a product, consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your skincare regimen.
