Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum
2.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Lightly moisturizing: Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum has a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a moderate humectancy of 5.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%).

Tip: Studies suggest that humectants alone do not moisturize the skin. We recommend applying a product with some occlusive ingredients after the use of this one.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Gluconolactone and Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, two ingredients marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Extract (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.6
4
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.6 10
5.6
4
1.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1.3
0.3
All humectants 5.6 10
5.6
All humectants
5.6
4
1.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Gluconolactone
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.6
Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Extract
3
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
0.3
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
0.3
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
0.3
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
0.3
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
0.3
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3 5 No
All soothing
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
The most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Est. %6
Function
Origin
A fragrant extract derived from the leaves of aloe vera. It has a fresh, green scent and is used as a formula base.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
A biotechnological fermentation ingredient that is created by feeding radish root to Leuconostoc kimchii. It allegedly contains organic acids and a mixture of peptides known as bacteriocins – which have antimicrobial activity.
Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
An extract from the bark of the American aspen with anti-inflammatory and sebum controlling properties.
Gluconolactone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
A PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Amethyst Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Derived from the berries and leaves of the bilberry plant, this powerful antioxidant, astringent, and refreshing extract is rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids, and tannins.
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Obtained from the fruits of the lowbush blueberry, this purple-blue extract is rich in antioxidant vitamin C and anthocyanins.
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fungi extract. The mushroom contains various proteins, fiber, and humectant and antioxidant polysaccharides - which help to restore the water and collagen content in the skin.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antioxidant extract derived from the flowers of the Indian lilac, also known as Neem. It is often used in traditional medicine in India. The Neem flower extracts contain limonoids, which are currently under research for their anti-pigment activity.
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An extract derived from the cucumber-like fruits of ivy gourd. It contains a large amount of soothing mucilage as well as some antioxidant carotenoids. It has also been shown that the extract may have some anti-allergy properties.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An extract from red marine alga, Corallina officinalis is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties. It also contains an immense amount of calcium and special, sulfur-containing polysaccharides.
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An under-researched extract obtained from the eggplant fruit. Eggplant contains plant pigments called anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acid, which are excellent antioxidants.
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An extract obtained the flowers of Aloe vera – which are a rich source of antioxidant flavonoids (mainly apigenin). It also contains a bit of the emollient mucilage.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An extract derived from the leaves of Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, a traditional herb used in Ayurveda medicine. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid, galic acid, flavonoids, and a sweet-scented essential oil.
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Flower/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fragrant extract derived from the flowering basil plant that contains essential oil and antioxidants such as terpenes, flavonoids, and vitamin K.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An extract derived from the thick roots of curcuma (turmeric), a famous yellow spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is used in skincare for its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.