Can you use Adapalene with Bakuchiol?
Yes, with care. You can use Adapalene and bakuchiol together, but most people pick one.
Why
Bakuchiol is usually chosen as a gentler alternative to retinoids. In a randomized trial it performed similarly to retinol for photoaging with less scaling and stinging. Using both is not known to be harmful, but evidence for an extra benefit is limited.
How to use them together
- If you use both: bakuchiol in the morning, Adapalene at night.
- Or use bakuchiol on nights you take a break from your retinoid.
Who should be careful
People choosing bakuchiol during pregnancy should still check with their doctor, as safety data are limited.
About the ingredients
Adapalene: A synthetic retinoid (Differin) for acne, available over the counter at 0.1% in the US. It is more chemically stable than tretinoin, including next to benzoyl peroxide.
Bakuchiol: A plant-derived ingredient often called a retinol alternative. A 2019 randomized trial found it comparable to retinol for photoaging, with less scaling and stinging.
FAQ
Can I use Adapalene and Bakuchiol together?
Yes, with care. You can use Adapalene and bakuchiol together, but most people pick one.
Should I use Adapalene or Bakuchiol in the morning or at night?
If you use both: bakuchiol in the morning, Adapalene at night. Or use bakuchiol on nights you take a break from your retinoid.
Who should be careful combining Adapalene and Bakuchiol?
People choosing bakuchiol during pregnancy should still check with their doctor, as safety data are limited.
What if my skin gets irritated using Adapalene and Bakuchiol?
Stop the stronger active, keep a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen, and reintroduce one product at a time once skin calms down. See a dermatologist if irritation persists.
Sources
Studies and reviews on these ingredients and, where available, on this specific combination.
- A review of adapalene in the treatment of acne vulgaris. J Adolesc Health. 2008;43(5).
- Martin B, et al. Chemical stability of adapalene and tretinoin when combined with benzoyl peroxide in presence and in absence of visible light and ultraviolet radiation. Br J Dermatol. 1998;139 Suppl 52:8-11.
- Dhaliwal S, et al. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. Br J Dermatol. 2019;180(2):289-296.
Related combinations
- Can you use Retinol with Adapalene?
- Can you use Adapalene with Vitamin C?
- Can you use Adapalene with Niacinamide?
- Can you use Retinol with Bakuchiol?
- Can you use Tretinoin with Adapalene?
- Can you use Adapalene with Salicylic Acid?
- Can you use Adapalene with Hyaluronic Acid?
- Can you use Vitamin C with Bakuchiol?