This stuff pours out like thick, cold honey — but the second it hits your face, it melts into nothing. No sticky residue. No weird film.
The real trick? It dries down matte, which is basically unheard of for a bakuchiol serum. My oily T-zone didn’t look like a glazed donut after 10 minutes.
It’s a gentle retinol alternative from HaruHaru Wonder — around $22 for 30ml. They claim it firms and smooths without irritation. I called bullshit at first.
The dropper
Wide opening, so you don’t fight it. One full drop covers your whole face.
The slip
Glides like a primer. Actually works better under makeup than my actual primer.
The scent
Smells like… nothing. No fake lavender or rose trying to convince you it’s “natural.”
Photo: ibnu ihza / Unsplash
Black rice extract is the backbone here — it’s packed with ferulic acid, which is basically vitamin C’s less-hyped, equally effective cousin. Bakuchiol does the retinol work without the peeling. It’s a surprisingly clean blend.
- Bakuchiol: plant-based retinol alternative, no purge
- Black Rice Extract: antioxidant + brightening, not just filler
- Niacinamide: pore-refining, redness calming
- Squalane: lightweight moisture, won’t clog
Photo: Content Pixie / Unsplash
First pump feels like liquid velvet — seriously, it’s that silky. Absorbs in about 12 seconds flat. I kept touching my face because I forgot I put anything on.
Week two, I noticed my chin texture was… gone? Not smoothed. Gone. The unexpected part: it actually helped my redness more than my dedicated azelaic acid serum. Didn’t see that coming.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
Fine lines around my mouth? Slightly softer, not erased. Pores? Visibly smaller after 3 weeks. But the biggest win — zero breakouts. My skin just… settled down.
Photo: Fleur Kaan / Unsplash
Already did. My backup arrived yesterday. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of serum you don’t realize is working until you stop using it — and your skin gets pissed.