Hit refresh on dull, midlife skin with this silky, fast-absorbing bakuchiol oil serum powered by CoQ10 — a gentle plant-based alternative to traditional retinol, without the dryness and irritation many experience with retinol.
What It Is & Why It Works
Bakuchiol helps support collagen, promote a more even, luminous tone, and keep skin looking healthy and balanced. Cloudberry seed oil, squalane, and vitamin E bathe skin in essential moisture while defending against environmental stressors. Lightweight yet deeply nourishing, this formula cushions reactive, perimenopausal skin so it feels supple, comforted, and visibly glowing.
Key Ingredients & What They Do For You
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Bakuchiol — a gentle plant-based retinol alternative that supports collagen and promotes a more even, luminous tone without the dryness or irritation of traditional retinol
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CoQ10 — an antioxidant that helps defend skin against environmental stressors and supports a healthy, balanced look
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Cloudberry seed oil — bathes skin in essential moisture for a supple, comforted feel
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Squalane — delivers lightweight, non-greasy hydration that layers beautifully under or over moisturizer
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Vitamin E — reinforces the moisture barrier with antioxidant protection
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Cocoyl botanical proteins (quinoa, rice, amaranth) — smooth and condition skin for a luminous, non-greasy finish
Who It's For
- Women in perimenopause and beyond
- Normal, dry, combination, and sensitive skin
- Anyone looking for a gentle, plant-powered alternative to retinol
Questions Shoppers Ask Before Buying
Will this irritate my skin the way retinol does?
No. Bakuchiol delivers cell renewal, collagen stimulation, and tone refinement without the irritation, dryness, or photosensitivity that makes retinol difficult for perimenopausal skin.
Is this too heavy for oily or combination skin?
No — the oil is light enough for combination and even oily perimenopausal skin. If your skin is oily but reactive, start with 2 drops instead of 4.
How long until I see results?
Used consistently as part of your evening (or morning) ritual, expect a more even, luminous complexion and visibly healthier-looking skin over time.
Can I use this with my other products?
Yes — it layers beautifully under or over moisturizer and pairs well with a cooling mist and night cream in a full routine.
Texture, Scent & Finish
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Texture: Silky, cushiony facial oil
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Scent: Naturally derived with a soft hint of lavender
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Finish: Luminous, non-greasy glow that absorbs beautifully into the skin
Your Bakuchiol + CoQ10 Serum Ritual (60 Seconds, Evening — or Morning)
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Step 1 — Apply to Clean, Dry Skin: For maximum efficacy, apply this serum directly to clean skin with nothing underneath it. Oils, essences, or heavy toners applied before an oil serum create a barrier that prevents the active ingredients from reaching where they need to go.
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Step 2 — Mist First for Better Spreadability (Optional): If your skin is dry or you find the serum a little rich on its own, mist your face lightly with Serenity Cooling Mist first. The moisture helps the serum spread more evenly across the skin and allows the CoQ10 and bakuchiol to distribute uniformly.
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Step 3 — Warm Between Palms, Then Press: Dispense 3–4 drops into your palm. Rub your palms together gently to warm the oil — this makes it more fluid and skin-ready. Then press your palms flat against your face and hold for 3–5 seconds. Pressing, not rubbing, activates absorption and preserves the molecular integrity of the oil.
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Step 4 — Work It Into Neck and Décolletage: With the remaining oil on your hands, smooth down your neck and across your chest. CoQ10 is one of the most effective antioxidants for addressing the crepey, thinning skin in these areas — don't leave it behind.
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Step 5 — Layer or Replace Your Night Cream: On nights when your skin feels particularly depleted — dry, tight, inflamed — use the serum instead of your night cream; it's rich enough to stand alone. On most nights, layer your Dream Skin Night Cream on top and let the two formulas work in tandem for deeper renewal overnight.
Pro tip from Cathi: The biggest myth about facial oils is that they're only for dry skin. Bakuchiol oil is light enough for combination and even oily perimenopausal skin — because hormonal oil isn't the same as hydrated skin. If your skin is oily but reactive, use 2 drops instead of 4. You'll get all the benefit without the weight, and your skin will actually balance out over time as the barrier strengthens.
Complete the Routine Cathi Recommends for Perimenopausal Skin
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Pre-Serum Cleanser — Oasis Oil Cleanser, $40 — "This serum works best on truly clean skin — oil cleansing removes everything without stripping, so the bakuchiol and CoQ10 have a clear path in."
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Serum Activator — Serenity Cooling Mist, $40 — "Mist, then press the serum in while skin is damp. The hydration helps the oil distribute evenly instead of sitting in patches on dry areas."
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Night Companion — Dream Skin Night Cream, $68 — "Layer the night cream over the serum on most evenings — the serum treats at the cellular level while the cream seals and restores your barrier. On depleted nights, the serum alone is enough."
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Eye Ritual Closer — Tight & Bright Peptide Eye Gel, $64 — "Apply the eye gel after your serum to complete the full night ritual. Bakuchiol firms the face; peptides firm the eye area. Together, they're a complete anti-aging protocol."
Ready for a gentler alternative to retinol?
Add the Bakuchiol + CoQ10 Renewal Oil Serum to your cart and give your skin 60 seconds of visible renewal, morning or night.