Papa Recipe Retinol Bakuchiol Serum Versus True to Skin Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum
Updated on March 21, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, reducing pores and scar healing
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, 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
Papa Recipe Retinol Bakuchiol Serum 34 ingredients
True to Skin Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum 18 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Papa Recipe Retinol Bakuchiol Serum 34 ingredients
True to Skin Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum 18 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTromethamine
BufferingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxydecyl Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Cholesterol
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
BHT
Antioxidant
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBHA
Antioxidant
Avena Sativa Meal Extract
SoothingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Bakuchiol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Xanthan Gum, Tromethamine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Adenosine, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Retinol, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Cholesterol, Tocopheryl Acetate, BHT, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, BHA, Avena Sativa Meal Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningPPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
SolventPEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningBakuchiol
Antimicrobial
Sea Water
HumectantPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Methylpropanediol, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Lactobionic Acid, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Bakuchiol, Sea Water, Panthenol, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. 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 WaterButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
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 BakuchiolXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Papa Recipe Retinol Bakuchiol Serum 34 ingredients
True to Skin Bakuchiol Smoothing Serum 18 ingredients
Reviews
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Papa Recipe Retinol Bakuchiol Serum 34 ingredients
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