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New Zealand Natural Skincare

Retinol Results Without the Redness: Why Science is Pivoting to Bakuchiol

Updated: February 2026

You know the feeling. You’ve been told that if you want to erase fine lines and fix uneven texture, you must use Retinol. So you try it.

Three days later, your face is red, flaking, and stinging. It’s the “Retinol Burn”—that uncomfortable price most brands tell you that you have to pay for youthful skin.

But what if you didn’t have to choose between results and comfort?

At Scenturie, we don’t believe in “punishing” your skin into submission. We believe in botanical science that works with your biology. Enter Bakuchiol: the natural, plant-derived powerhouse that gives you all the “pro-ageing” heavy lifting of Retinol, with none of the drama.

bakuchiol flower
Babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia)

The Science: Is Bakuchiol Just a Trend? (Spoiler: No.)

It’s easy to dismiss a plant-based alternative as “weak.” But the clinical data tells a different story. Bakuchiol isn’t just a “nice to have”—it is a functional analog to Retinol.

In recent years, the scientific community has confirmed what traditional medicine has known for centuries:

  • The 2019 Gold Standard: A study in the British Journal of Dermatology put 0.5% Bakuchiol against 0.5% Retinol. The result? They were equally effective at reducing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. The only difference? The Retinol group suffered from stinging and scaling. The Bakuchiol group didn’t.

  • The 2021 Sensitive Skin Win: Research in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology showed that even those with chronic skin sensitivity saw massive improvements in smoothness and radiance within four weeks—with zero adverse reactions.

  • The 2022 Proof: A comprehensive review concluded that Bakuchiol is actually superior in tolerability and safety, acting as a potent antioxidant that heals while it renews.


 

Why Your Skin Prefers Bakuchiol over Retinol

If you’re still on the fence, let’s look at the “Lifestyle” test. Retinol is high-maintenance. Bakuchiol is your skin’s best friend.

FeatureBakuchiol (The Scenturie Way)Traditional Retinol
Irritation RiskVirtually Zero. No flaking or redness.High. Often requires a “purging” phase.
Sun SafetyDay & Night. Doesn’t cause sun sensitivity.Night Only. Can cause severe sun damage.
Pregnancy Safe?Yes. 100% plant-derived and safe.No. Generally strictly avoided.
The “Glow” FactorInstant. Hydrates while it works.Delayed. Often leaves skin looking dry first.


 

Meet the “Liquid Gold”: Scenturie’s Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum

We didn’t just want to create another Bakuchiol product. We wanted to create the ultimate recovery and renewal treatment. Affectionately nicknamed “Liquid Gold” by our community, our serum is a masterclass in concentration and care.

While most brands dilute their actives, we formulated ours with 1% Pure Bakuchiol—double the concentration used in those famous clinical trials.

But we didn’t stop there. To ensure your skin feels replenished, not just “treated,” we infused the Bakuchiol into a base of nine highly concentrated nutrient oils, including:

  • Organic Argan Oil: For deep, fatty-acid rich nourishment.

  • Cacay Seed Oil: A natural source of Retinol-like properties to double down on smoothing.

  • NZ Hemp Seed Oil: Our local hero for calming inflammation and balancing moisture.

The result? A serum that plumps, smooths, and restores your radiant complexion without a single moment of “burn.”

 

How to Use Your “Liquid Gold” Ritual

Because Bakuchiol is photostable (it won’t break down in the sun), you can use it twice a day for maximum results.

  1. Cleanse & Tone: Start with a fresh, clean canvas.

  2. The Serum: Apply 4-6 drops of the Super Boost Bakuchiol Serum to your face, neck, and décolletage. Press it in—don’t rub—to help the nutrient oils penetrate.

  3. Seal It In: Follow with our Nourishing Natural Day Cream (and your favorite SPF) or our Ultra-Rich Night Cream for a deep overnight repair.


 

The Verdict: Your Skin Deserves the Upgrade

You don’t need to choose between “natural” and “effective” anymore. You can have the collagen-boosting, wrinkle-smoothing results of a clinical treatment with the soul and safety of a botanical ritual.

Are you ready to swap the “Retinol Burn” for the “Scenturie Glow”?

Learn more about how best to care for ageing skin HERE.

Picture of Tania Cibulskis, PGDipHSc, BHSc, BSc

Tania Cibulskis, PGDipHSc, BHSc, BSc

Tania Cibulskis is the founder, formulator, and CEO of Scenturie Natural Skincare. As a NZ registered health professional with over 25 years of experience, she combines her deep knowledge of science with a passion for New Zealand's natural botanicals. Her mission is to create high-performance, plant-derived skincare that is ethical, sustainable, and free from harsh chemicals.
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