The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer Review

The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer
5.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
7.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer:
 

🔵🔵 Well-Suited Moisturizer for Normal Skin with a Balanced Texture, Neither Too Light nor Too Heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a high humectancy of 7.6 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Propanediol (est. ≈3.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 4.2 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Squalane (est. ≈6.0%) and Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is well-suited for people with normal skin who want significant hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a high concentration of humectants with a moderate amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Bakuchiol, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Bakuchiol provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Bakuchiol may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does 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, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Pros & Cons of The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Well-suited for moisturizing normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer
With its high antioxidant content, The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
4
3
2
1.5
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Function:
Origin:
Bakuchiol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Caproyl Prolinate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Phytic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
7.6
4
3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
8.3
6.0
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 7.6 10
7.6
4
3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 8.3 20
4.2
6.0
2.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 7.6 10
7.6
All humectants
7.6
4
3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
2
0.3
All occlusives 8.3 20
4.2
All occlusives
8.3
6.0
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1 -
Total
0
Bakuchiol
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
1
0.3
All antioxidants 3.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.3
Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
2
Bakuchiol
1
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %80
Function
Origin
WaterThe 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.
Squalane
Est. %6
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Propanediol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Plukenetia Volubilis Seed OilAn occlusive moisturizing fatty oil derived from the seeds of a South American tree known as Inca nut. It is rich in emollient alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, vitamin E, and various phenolic compounds.
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Dicaprylyl CarbonateA very fast-spreading emollient that gives a product an incredibly lightweight feel. Dicaprylyl carbonate works well as a solvent for suspending insoluble solids such as mineral sunscreens or iron oxide pigments.
Bakuchiol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
BakuchiolA newly discovered bioactive obtained from the seeds of Babchi. It boosts collagen production like retinol, but with fewer side effects. Its effects include reduced wrinkles and faded pigmentation.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Sodium Caproyl Prolinate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Caproyl Prolinate
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateA useful ingredient for both cleansing and emulsifying purposes. It is a powerful agent for washing away dirt and oils from the skin.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Phytic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytic AcidPhytic acid is found in rice and is seen as a cousin of alpha-hydroxy acids. As a chelator, it can bind to certain metals that may cause discoloration in products or reduce the efficacy of other ingredients.
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl PolyacrylateA synthetic thickening polymer that can be used in a variety of product types. This polymer can feel lightweight but can also stand up to heavier ingredients in products like body butters.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.