Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum Versus Dr. Pong Timeless Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Serum
Updated on March 20, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both reef safe serums. They have a total of 4 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum 27 ingredients
Dr. Pong Timeless Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Serum 20 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum 27 ingredients
Dr. Pong Timeless Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Serum 20 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract
AntiseborrhoeicBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Psoralea Corylifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAmethyst Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract
AstringentAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Phytate
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Coco-Glucoside
CleansingMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract
TonicCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Bakuchiol, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Psoralea Corylifolia Fruit Extract, Amethyst Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Gluconolactone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Phytate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningBetaine
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Guar
Emulsion StabilisingBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningSilanediol Salicylate
EmollientHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
MaskingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingWater, Betaine, Glycerin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hydroxypropyl Guar, Bakuchiol, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract, Silanediol Salicylate, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Trideceth-6
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived antioxidant (it's vegan!). It is often called the replacement for retinol although it is not part of the same family.
It has similar effects as retinol: skin smoothing, reducing discoloration, and preventing wrinkles. It does not cause as much irritation as traditional retinoids.
Bakuchiol works by breaking down free radicals and stimulating collagen production in skin.
Combining bakuchiol with retinol will not have adverse side effects. Studies show using them will just boost the benefits. Bakuchiol is also found to help stabilize retinol.
While bakuchiol does not make the skin more sun sensitive, we recommend wearing SPF on a daily basis.
Read more about traditional retinol
Learn more about BakuchiolButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterIngredient Ratings
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