#3 The R&R Serum - Bakuchiol + Vitamin A Synergy
#3 The R&R Serum - Bakuchiol + Vitamin A Synergy
THE R&R SERUM
Renewal + Resurfacing
PM only | Oil-based serum
Every night, while you sleep, your skin runs its repair cycle. Cells turn over. Collagen synthesis peaks. The inflammatory signals of the day are processed and cleared.
The R&R Serum is designed to work with that cycle — not against it.
It is a night oil serum that pairs retinyl palmitate (a stable vitamin A precursor) with bakuchiol, a plant-derived active with randomised clinical evidence showing improvements in visible photoageing comparable to retinol, with significantly fewer reports of irritation. Grounded in squalane and a suite of botanical oils, it nourishes as it works — leaving skin looking smoother, more even, and more rested, without the sensitisation risk of stronger vitamin A formulations.
Renewal, without the drama.
WHAT IT DOES
The R&R Serum works on the skin's nightly renewal cycle through two complementary actives, supported by a deeply nourishing oil base.
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A, ~0.1%) is a stable vitamin A precursor — less immediately potent than retinol or tretinoin, but significantly more tolerable. It converts in the skin to retinol and then to retinoic acid over time, delivering the collagen-stimulating, cell-turnover-supporting benefits of the vitamin A family with a gentler adaptation curve. This is the right choice for skin that is new to vitamin A, sensitive, or in a season of lower tolerance.
Bakuchiol is the standout active in this formula. A meroterpene phenol extracted from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, it has been shown in a 2019 randomised double-blind controlled trial published in the British Journal of Dermatology to produce improvements in wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation comparable to 0.5% retinol over 12 weeks — with significantly less scaling, stinging, and adverse events. Mechanistically, bakuchiol upregulates retinol-responsive genes (collagen Types I, III, and IV) through a distinct signalling pathway — which explains both its functional similarity to retinoids and its dramatically better tolerance profile.
Together, they support gradual renewal and texture refinement through two complementary mechanisms — with less combined irritation risk than either ingredient at higher concentration alone.
The oil base — squalane, sunflower, jojoba, olive, castor, and coconut oils — delivers emollient nourishment while supporting the barrier's overnight repair. Vitamin E (tocopherol) provides antioxidant stability to the formula and additional skin comfort.
WHO IT'S FOR
The R&R Serum is the right night step for skin that wants the results of vitamin A without committing to a full retinoid. Specifically:
- Skin that has found retinoids too irritating to maintain consistently
- Sensitive, dry, or reactive skin in any age group
- Women in perimenopause or menopause, where the skin's tolerance for aggressive actives is actively decreasing
- Anyone who is pregnant or TTC and looking for a retinoid alternative (bakuchiol is generally considered pregnancy-safe; confirm with your healthcare provider)
- Skin that is stable and wants to add a gentle renewal step to an existing barrier-supportive routine
- Those who prefer oil-based, nourishing night serums over water-based formulations
It is also the third layer in The Curation Bundle — the renewal step that completes the full HONED system when paired with The Hero and The Structure serums.
HOW TO USE
Apply 3–4 drops to clean skin at night, after water-based serums (The Hero, The Structure) and before any additional moisturiser if needed.
As an oil serum, it absorbs slowly — apply with gentle press-in motion rather than rubbing. Most skin types will find it sufficient as a final step without additional moisturiser; drier skin types may layer a light cream on top.
Introduce slowly if new to vitamin A: begin 2–3 nights per week for two weeks, then increase as tolerated. Patch test first.
Do not use in the morning — retinyl palmitate can photosensitise. Always follow with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ during the day.
THE INGREDIENTS
Bakuchiol Plant-derived. Clinically studied. The 2019 British Journal of Dermatology randomised controlled trial remains the most significant comparative evidence in modern skincare — demonstrating equivalent photoageing improvement to retinol with significantly superior tolerability. Works through retinol-responsive gene expression via a distinct receptor pathway.
Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A) ~0.1% The most stable form of vitamin A in cosmetic formulation. Converts to retinol and then retinoic acid in the skin at a slower rate than direct retinol, providing a gentler adaptation curve with lower irritation risk. Supported by the extensive body of evidence for topical vitamin A as a cornerstone of visible anti-ageing skincare.
Squalane A lightweight, skin-identical emollient that mimics the skin's own natural lipids. Non-comedogenic, immediately absorbed, and deeply nourishing without heaviness or greasiness. The anchor of the oil base.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) A fat-soluble antioxidant that provides both formula stability (protecting the oil base from oxidation) and additional skin benefit — supporting barrier repair and providing antioxidant defence in the skin layers.
Botanical Oil Complex (Sunflower, Castor, Coconut, Jojoba, Olive) A balanced blend of emollient and nourishing oils chosen for skin compatibility. Jojoba is structurally similar to human sebum. Sunflower is high in linoleic acid, a fatty acid essential for barrier function. Together, they create a rich but absorbable overnight treatment finish.
Full INCI: Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Retinyl Palmitate, Parfum, Bakuchiol
Vegan. Cruelty-free. Sulphate & paraben free. Made in Australia. PM use only.
FAQ
How is this different from a retinol serum? Most retinol serums use direct retinol (already converted, immediately active) which produces faster results but a more significant irritation period. The R&R Serum uses retinyl palmitate — a precursor that converts more gradually — alongside bakuchiol, which achieves comparable visible improvement through a different mechanism. The trade-off is a gentler adaptation curve and lower irritation risk, with a slightly longer timeline to peak results.
Can I use this every night? Once your skin has adapted (typically 3–4 weeks of alternate-night use), yes. Many people use it 5–6 nights per week as a sustained routine. Two recovery nights per week (cleanser and moisturiser only) remain a good practice to support barrier function.
Is bakuchiol safe in pregnancy? Bakuchiol is widely cited as a pregnancy-safe alternative to retinoids, which are contraindicated in pregnancy. The available evidence does not suggest safety concerns, and it does not share retinoids' mechanism of systemic vitamin A receptor signalling. Confirm with your healthcare provider — but it is typically the first recommendation for pregnant women seeking a retinoid alternative.
Do I still need SPF if I use this at night? Yes — always. Vitamin A derivatives increase photosensitivity. Using vitamin A at night and skipping SPF in the morning partially undermines the purpose of the routine. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is non-negotiable alongside any vitamin A use.