You know that feeling when a brand uses the word “clinical-grade” and you *want* to believe it? That’s Ourself The Remedy 1% Bakuchiol Serum. $98 of hope in a dropper bottle. But I peeled back the label — and the preservative system is basically a chemistry lab’s leftovers (phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin). Not exactly “clean.”
The real kicker? They source their bakuchiol from a single supplier who also sells to drugstore brands. So that “clinical-grade” purity? It’s marketing math, not raw material magic.
🧪 **The Remedy, Unboxed**
1% bakuchiol serum. $98 for 30ml. The claim that got me: “clinically proven to rival retinol without irritation.” I’ve been burned before, but the bottle is gorgeous — frosted glass, heavy dropper. Feels expensive.
1. **1% Bakuchiol (Babchi)** — Plant-based retinol alternative. Smooths texture, fades sun spots. But at 1%, it’s more gentle than transformative.
2. **Squalane (Olive-derived)** — Hydration buffer. Keeps the bakuchiol from drying you out. Smart move.
3. **Glycerin** — Workhorse humectant. Nothing fancy, but it works.
📜 **Ingredients: The Honest List**
The hero is bakuchiol (from babchi seeds), backed by squalane and glycerin for moisture. No retinoids, no fragrance. But here’s the thing — the preservative system (phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol) is standard-issue. Not “clean.” Just compliant.
– **Bakuchiol (1%)**: Retinol-like results sans redness
– **Squalane**: Non-greasy hydration
– **Glycerin**: Plumps fine lines temporarily
– **Phenoxyethanol**: Preservative — necessary but not sexy
⚠️ **First Touch, Two Weeks In**
Texture is a lightweight oil-serum hybrid. Absorbs in 12 seconds flat — no sticky film, no shine. First week: nothing. Thought I wasted $98. Second week: woke up with a slightly smoother forehead. Not dramatic. Not nothing.
What surprised me: no purging. Bakuchiol is gentler than retinol, but I still expected some rebellion. My skin just… accepted it.
💡 **One Thing**: Apply on damp skin after toner. It spreads thinner and sinks faster. Saves product.
🔍 **The Verdict That Matters**
After 4 weeks: fine lines around my mouth are slightly softer. One stubborn sun spot on my cheek? Still there. Texture is smoother — but not “glass skin” smooth. More like “good night’s sleep” smooth.
✅ **Buy if**: You want retinol-adjacent results without peeling. Dry or sensitive skin types will love the squalane buffer.
⏭️ **Skip if**: You need real wrinkle reduction or acne control. Bakuchiol can’t keep up with actual retinoids for those.
💰 **Worth it?**: Only if you’re a “clean” label loyalist. Drugstore bakuchiol (like The Inkey List) does the same for $12.
❌ **Final Call**
It’s not greenwashed — it’s *lightly tinted*. The formula is fine, but “clinical-grade” is fluff. For $98, you’re paying for the bottle and the brand story, not revolutionary ingredients. I’d buy it if I wanted a shelf statement. I wouldn’t repurchase.
[7.2]/10 — Gentle but overpriced
🛍️ **Where to Buy**: Ourself’s website only. No Sephora, no returns. Buy the travel size first if you’re curious.