1% Retinol & Bakuchiol Face Serum For Ageing Skin

What you need to know

This is a serum from Plum priced at ₹671.

Key ingredients

Bakuchiol is often touted as a natural alternative to retinol, offering similar benefits without the typical irritation. It's an antioxidant that can help improve skin elasticity and reduce photodamage. How this goes wrong: While generally well-tolerated, bakuchiol can still cause mild sensitivity in some individuals, and its efficacy in combination with retinol at unspecified concentrations is not well-established. The lack of an INCI list makes it impossible to verify the actual percentages of these ingredients, or to identify other potentially beneficial or irritating components in the formulation.

Who should use this

This serum might suit individuals with very sensitive skin who are absolute beginners to retinoids and are extremely hesitant about stronger formulations. It could also be an option for those looking for a very mild preventative measure rather than significant corrective action on existing signs of aging. It is best for normal to dry skin types due to the potential for mild irritation from retinol.

Who should skip this

Anyone looking for noticeable results in treating established fine lines, wrinkles, or significant sun damage should skip this. Experienced retinoid users will find this product ineffective. Those with oily or acne-prone skin might not find this formulation targeted enough for their specific concerns. Pregnant women should strictly avoid this product due to the presence of retinol; 100% mineral sunscreens are the only recommended active for them.

How to use

Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin in the evening, after cleansing and before moisturizing. Start by using it 2-3 times a week, gradually increasing frequency as tolerated. Always follow with a good moisturizer. Remember, only one active ingredient should be used in a routine, so avoid combining this with other exfoliating acids or vitamin C serums. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during the day when using retinoids.

What users say

With 9180 reviews on Nykaa, users generally describe a lightweight texture. Reddit discussions indicate that while HPR (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate) is considered gentler, its efficacy at lower concentrations is questioned, especially in combination with 0.1% retinol and bakuchiol, suggesting some users doubt its potency.

Price context

Priced at Rs671, down from Rs790, this serum is positioned as a budget-friendly option. For this price point, it competes with other beginner-friendly retinols from Indian brands like Minimalist or The Ordinary, which often provide more transparency about their active concentrations. While cheaper than high-end international brands, some Indian alternatives offer better value for efficacy and ingredient disclosure.

Final take

This Plum serum is a safe, if unexciting, option for those dipping their toes into retinoids with extremely sensitive skin. However, for anyone seeking tangible results or clear ingredient information, there are more effective and transparent options available on the market. We recommend looking elsewhere if you are serious about incorporating a retinoid into your routine for anti-aging benefits.

Same ingredient, different brands

Other brands have serums in the same space. Here is the price comparison.