When you think anti-aging, these are probably the most talked about buzz words on social media right now- retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol. If you’re a retailer looking to stock what shoppers are actually searching for, understanding the difference is key. TikTok is full of “retinol before-and-afters” and bakuchiol dupe reviews, while Reddit threads dive deep into which option works best for sensitive skin. Customers want visible results, but without the irritation—and they’re paying attention.
Below, we break down the key differences between retinol, retinal, and bakuchiol—along with exclusive insights into the most in-demand Korean products featuring these ingredients. Keep reading to discover which ones are our global top purchased list.
Understanding the Differences
Most beauty enthusiasts have heard of Retinol, and now, ingredients like Retinal and Bakuchiol are gaining attention, thanks to the current rising popularity of k-beauty products. These three are often featured in anti-aging serums and moisturizers, but many shoppers still wonder how they compare. If you’re stocking skincare products with these ingredients, it’s helpful to understand their differences so you can guide customers confidently.
Let’s take a closer look at Retinal vs. Retinol and Bakuchiol vs. Retinol and how each one works on the skin.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that supports skin renewal. Retinol Korean skincare products help speed up cell turnover and stimulate collagen production.
This ingredient has been widely used in dermatology and skincare for decades. In fact, it’s a mainstay in Western serums and creams developed to combat wrinkles. Retinol skin benefits include reduced appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, as well as improved overall skin tone and texture.
What Is Retinal?
Retinal vs. Retinol is a common comparison among advanced skincare users. Both are Vitamin A derivatives that target wrinkles, dullness, and uneven texture.
The main difference between retinol and retinal is how quickly they work.
Retinol requires two conversion steps in the skin to become active (retinoic acid), while retinal only needs one, making it faster and more efficient at delivering visible results. Because retinol works more slowly, it’s often recommended for beginners to help minimize irritation. Retinal is more potent and can be slightly more intense, making it a better choice for those with some experience using retinoids.
What Is Bakuchiol?
Now, let’s look at Bakuchiol vs. Retinol. Unlike Retinal and Retinol, Bakuchiol is not a Vitamin A derivative. It’s a plant-based compound extracted from the seeds of the Babchi plant that is often described as a gentler, vegan alternative to Retinol.
The benefits of Bakuchiol include a smooth and even-toned complexion, fewer wrinkles, and firmer, younger-looking skin.
The Bakuchiol vs. Retinol debate often centers on skin sensitivity. While both can improve wrinkles, skin tone, and texture, Bakuchiol tends to be better tolerated. Bakuchiol products are suitable for those who want anti-aging benefits without the risk of redness or peeling, like customers who are new to actives or have sensitive skin.
Best of the Best K-Beauty Products Featuring Retinol, Retinal, and Bakuchiol
To help you choose what to stock in your store, here’s a closer look at six top-performing Korean products that feature these trending ingredients. Each one has earned positive reviews for its performance and skin-friendly formulas.
COSRX – The Retinol 0.1 Cream
This bestselling Retinol cream from COSRX is ideal for first-time users. It contains 0.1% pure Retinol, along with Panthenol, Adenosine, and Tocotrienol (a form of Vitamin E). These ingredients work together to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and boost skin elasticity. The Retinol 0.1 Cream is also great for acne-prone skin.
Fans of this product say it helps reduce small bumps and softens fine lines without causing redness. The brand’s own clinical research shows that it can even improve the appearance of nasolabial folds and forehead wrinkles.
Light and non-drying, this cream is ideal for all skin types, so it can be recommended to a wider range of customers. And, because of COSRX’s global reputation for clean and effective formulas, this item is a smart choice for retailers looking to attract those new to Korean anti-aging skin care.
Some By Mi – Retinol Intense Reactivating Serum
This serum is a triple threat against aging skin, thanks to its primary ingredients: Retinol, Retinal, and Bakuchiol. It also includes Peptides and Panthenol to strengthen the skin barrier.
Some By Mi designed this formula for Retinol beginners. It’s gentle enough to be used every day.
Beauty lovers highly recommend this serum for its gentle feel and noticeable results. Reviewers often mention smoother and more even skin, less noticeable crow’s feet, and lightened acne scars after just a few weeks of use. That’s why it’s no surprise that it’s one of the highest selling retinol product in both local Korean markets and overseas.
K-Secret – SEOUL 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng
This high-strength Retinal serum is generating the most buzz currently in TikTok’s K-beauty communities, with many users showcasing their skin’s transformation after using it for just seven days. Its star ingredient is 2% encapsulated Retinal Liposome, which allows deeper penetration into the skin with less irritation. It’s paired with Black Ginseng, another anti-aging ingredient popular in Korea for its antioxidant and skin-brightening effects.
While this product suits all skin types, it’s especially beneficial for aging and mature skin. If your store attracts more advanced skincare users or shoppers looking for faster anti-aging results, this high-strength serum is definitely worthy of a place on your shelves.
Beauty of Joseon – Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal
all Beauty of Joseon’s products, this eye serum features Hanbang (traditional herbal medicine) ingredients. In this gentle yet powerful eye serum, Red Ginseng extract is paired with Retinal liposomes to target fine lines, wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, dark circles, and puffiness.
That’s a long list of benefits, which is why this eye serum is a holy grail product for K-beauty fans worldwide. It’s a must-stock for beauty retailers offering the best K-beauty eye care.
Eqqualberry – Bakuchiol Plumping Serum
This vegan-friendly serum features Bakuchiol, Peptides, and Hyaluronic Acid to visibly plump and hydrate the skin. It’s fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin types.
Fans of this Bakuchiol Korean skincare product recommend it to those who can’t tolerate Retinol but wish to address wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and large pores. Reddit communities dedicated to Asian beauty products tout this serum’s effectiveness when it comes to achieving a glass skin look. Some users are also posting pictures that show how it gave their visibly smoother, brighter, and younger-looking skin without redness or irritation.
Stocking this item helps retailers meet the growing demand for clean, plant-based beauty.
Haruharu Wonder – Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream
Haruharu Wonder is a vegan, cruelty-free brand passionate about clean beauty. One of its most popular products, Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream, utilizes plant-based ingredients like Fermented Black Rice Extract with Bakuchiol and Bamboo Shoot Extract.
The formula is rich in antioxidants and designed to support elasticity and moisture in the under-eye area. Users describe it as calming and hydrating, with a subtle lifting effect over time.
Shop These Anti-Aging Skin Care Heroes at UMMA
UMMA gives you access to the best Korean products featuring these in-demand ingredients, from established brands like COSRX and Some By Mi to newer names like Eqqualberry and K-Secret.
We source products directly from official brands and authorized vendors in Korea so you can be confident in product authenticity and freshness. Whether running a growing e-commerce store or managing an established retail shop, you can rely on UMMA as your wholesale supplier for Korean skincare.
Register today to explore our brands and stock these customer-loved serums and creams in your store.
