Herbivore Bakuchiol Serum

Herbivore Bakuchiol Serum

Efficacy25/100IrritancyMedium

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract + 3 more
Works
What the product description says
“Key Benefits Hydrating, Plumping UK200029266”
Source: SpaceNK

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~2.7–4.1%
Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extractKey active· HumectantEffect: HighMushroom extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.7%
Corallina officinalis extractKey activeEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants~0.05–0.2%
Aloe barbadensis leaf waterEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin~6.1–9.1%
GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.45–1.05%
Anti-aging
Gluconolactone ~0.45–1.05%, below the ~1% it needs
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“Rich in antioxidants, blueberry stem cells strengthen your skin and protect against environmental aggressors that contribute to premature signs of ageing.”
Source: Cultbeauty

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.45–1.05%
Evens skin tone
Gluconolactone ~0.45–1.05%, below the ~1% it needs
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“Scientifically proven to be just as effective as retinol in its ability to lessen hyperpigmentation and fine lines, bakuchiol does it all without the redness-inducing irritation and peeling skin that is common with retinol use.”
Source: Cultbeauty

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

GluconolactoneUnder-dosedA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals~0.45–1.05%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Psoralea corylifolia seed extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract
Medium risk
We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Psoralea corylifolia seed extractA babchi plant seed extract. It is the source for the skincare active Bakuchiol, but it can also contain furocoumarins (psoralen, angelicin) that are phototoxic. We strongly recommend avoiding this extract in the product and use products with pure Bakuchiol instead.High~2–3%est.
Melia azadirachta leaf extractA plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.55%est.
Aloe barbadensis flower extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effectHigh~0.01–0.1%est.
Ocimum sanctum leaf extractA plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicalsHigh~0.01–0.1%est.
Curcuma longa root extractA plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritantHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf waterTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~6.1–9.1%est.
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determineMedium~0.95–1.4%est.
Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extractA plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its efficacy in skin is lackingMedium~0.5–1.2%est.
Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extractA plant extract tha can have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingMedium~0.5–1.1%est.
GluconolactoneA polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicalsMedium~0.45–1.05%est.
Melia azadirachta flower extractA plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.1–0.45%est.
Coccinia indica fruit extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skinMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Solanum melongena fruit extractEggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effectMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Corallina officinalis extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants3/5~0.05–0.2%est.

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Aloe barbadensis leaf water~6.1–9.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf water
Glycerin~2.7–4.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Psoralea corylifolia seed extract~2–3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A babchi plant seed extract. It is the source for the skincare active Bakuchiol, but it can also contain furocoumarins (psoralen, angelicin) that are phototoxic. We strongly recommend avoiding this extract in the product and use products with pure Bakuchiol instead.

More about Psoralea corylifolia seed extract
Amethyst extract~1.4–2%
Formula
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.95–1.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate
Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract~0.5–1.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin, but research on its efficacy in skin is lacking

More about Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract
Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract~0.5–1.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract tha can have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract
Populus tremuloides bark extract~0.45–1%
Formula
Gluconolactone~0.45–1.05%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-agingExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-oxidation

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps shed the dead cells from the skin surface revealing smoother skin. Is believed to be genter than AHAs. It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can stimulate production of skin's own hyaluronic acid resulting in improved hydration levels. It has been shown to be helpful against acne and clogged pores if used consistently (e.g over a period of 12 weeks) in high enough concentration. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin tone with long-term application. Can help neutralize free radicals

More about Gluconolactone
Sodium phytate~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate
Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract~0.3–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Mushroom extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract
Melia azadirachta leaf extract~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating

More about Melia azadirachta leaf extract
Melia azadirachta flower extract~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Melia azadirachta flower extract
Amino esters-1~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Amino esters-1
Coccinia indica fruit extract~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect helping neutralize free radicals in skin

More about Coccinia indica fruit extract
Solanum melongena fruit extract~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Eggplant fruit extract. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Solanum melongena fruit extract
Aloe barbadensis flower extract~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Aloe barbadensis flower extract
Ocimum sanctum leaf extract~0.01–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals

More about Ocimum sanctum leaf extract
Curcuma longa root extract~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant

More about Curcuma longa root extract
Corallina officinalis extract~0.05–0.2%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants

More about Corallina officinalis extract
Ingredient list view

Water, Aloe barbadensis leaf water, Glycerin, Psoralea corylifolia seed extract, Amethyst extract, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract, Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract, Populus tremuloides bark extract, Gluconolactone, Sodium phytate, Tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Melia azadirachta flower extract, Amino esters-1, Coccinia indica fruit extract, Solanum melongena fruit extract, Aloe barbadensis flower extract, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Corallina officinalis extract

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SpaceNK US
$32.50
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$48.60
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$54.00
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/11 21:04 GMT
$68.00
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
HerbivoreBakuchiol SerumYOUR PRODUCTMyChelle DermaceuticalsBio-Firm Hydrogel ConcentrateSaturday SkinBright Potion Probiotic Power SerumPSA SkinThe Most: Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration Serum
Match—62%59%58%
Price$32.50——$43.00+$10.50
Shared key ingredients—4 of 54 of 51 of 5
Key difference—Salicylic AcidSh-Polypeptide-22Madecassoside
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium Low
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Skingredients Skin Veg Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid SerumBrand Hydration Hold Face Serum

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Product summary

"Herbivore - Bakuchiol Serum" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • This product contains acids (gluconolactone 0.45% - 1.05%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants). PHAs (gluconolactone) especially are great for improving skin hydration. They might be even able to stimulate the production of skin's natural humectants and support the healthy skin microbiome.
  • Humectants (tremella fuciformis sporocarp extract 0.30% - 0.70% and glycerin 2.70% - 4.10%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails from 32.50$ up to 54.00$ in the United States and from 27.00£ up to 54.00£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.

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