Exploring Happy Skin’s Bakuchiol + Retinol Duo: A Gentle Approach to Well-Aging
Product photography by Perkin Gotohio
When it comes to maintaining skin that's fresh, plump, bright, and firm, retinol often steals the spotlight. However, have you heard about bakuchiol? It's viewed as a gentler, more natural alternative. Touted for offering similar benefits to retinol but with fewer harsh side effects, Bakuchiol is particularly recommended for those with sensitive skin. Excitingly, in their latest skincare launch, Happy Skin has chosen to harness both Bakuchiol and Retinol in their new serum and moisturizer duo. This blend promises to deliver the best of both worlds, combining the robust effects of retinol with the soothing qualities of bakuchiol.
Retinol, known for its potent effects, is a powerhouse ingredient in skincare. To enhance its benefits and ensure long-term effectiveness, the innovative addition of plant-derived bakuchiol helps stabilize retinol. The calming properties of bakuchiol also make it easier for your skin to tolerate Retinol, reducing potential irritations. This thoughtful formulation in the new products allows users to enjoy the combined benefits of both ingredients, making it a smart choice for those seeking effective and gentle skincare solutions.
The Happy Skin Bakuchiol + Retinol Milky Serum (P1,299 / 30 mL) and the Happy Skin Bakuchiol + Retinol Restore Cream (P1,299 / 50g) both use a combination of key ingredients: Bakuchiol, 3% niacinamide, retinol, peptide IX, and eight kinds of hyaluronic acid. These are pretty familiar skincare ingredients that work well together. There's just a slight difference in the amount of Bakuchiol, with the serum containing 1% and the moisturizer 0.5%.
A skincare routine with the new products start with cleansing using the Happy Skin Hyaluronic Cleansing Gel that I previously reviewed, hydrating with the Milky Serum, nourishing with the Restore Cream, and protecting using the Happy Skin Rescue Me Mineral Sunscreen Primer. The night time routine switches up the sunscreen with an eye cream and a skin treatment product. Both Bakuchiol + Retinol products can be used day and night but must always be worn with sunscreen during the day.
The Happy Skin Bakuchiol + Retinol Milky Serum is a delightfully lightweight serum that "reduces the appearance of fine lines, evens out skin tone, and deeply hydrates the skin." It's suitable for all skin types, but it comes especially recommended for those with oily and combination skin. To use, simply apply one to two drops on clean skin and gently pat until absorbed. I immediately understand why it's favored for oily or combination skin upon application; it almost feels like a light moisturizer. As someone with dry skin, I find that layering the serum under a moisturizer works well for me. However, if you prefer a lighter feel, this Milky Serum might be sufficient as a standalone moisturizer.
The Happy Skin Bakuchiol + Retinol Restore Cream is a lightweight cream that "deeply moisturizes, smoothes fine lines, plumps skin." While it's suitable for all skin types, it is specifically recommended for those with dry skin. After applying the serum, you should use this cream, gently massaging it until it's fully absorbed. I personally prefer using this cream at night since it leaves a slightly tacky feeling that I don’t particularly enjoy during the day, especially in the heat. I might consider shifting this to my morning routine once the rainy season arrives, as it leaves my skin feeling plumped overnight. I love how fresh and well-rested my skin looks in the morning. It doesn’t dry out, even when I’m in an air-conditioned room. I tend to apply a bit extra at night to help with a quick facial massage.
Both the serum and cream can be paired with the Happy Skin Rose Quartz V-Lift Sculptor to "contour features and improve blood circulation." Each product is available in a Sculptor Set for P2,499, allowing you to enjoy a soothing facial massage at night. The Happy Skin Bakuchiol + Retinol Milky Serum and Happy Skin Bakuchiol + Retinol Restore Cream are valuable additions to the brand's skincare lineup. By combining Bakuchiol and Retinol, these products offer the benefits of Retinol in a gentler formulation, thanks to Bakuchiol. While I'm still observing the long-term effects, the experience of using these products is quite pleasant, enhanced by Happy Skin's minimalist packaging and the subtle purple tint found in both items.
