Herbivore Botanicals
MOON FRUIT 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Serum
MOON FRUIT 1% Bakuchiol + Peptides Retinol Alternative Serum
Herbivore Botanicals
moon-fruit-1-bakuchiol-peptides-retinol-alternative-serum
Serum
9706798514469
Morning or Evening?
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WHAT IS IT?
Retinol Alternative Serum with 1% Bakuchiol and Peptides
FEATURES
Visibly reduce lines, wrinkles and improve tone, texture and loss of firmness.
BEST FOR
sensitive
CHECKS
Free of synthetic ingredients, parabens, sodium laurel sulfate, phthalates, chemicals, fillers, mineral oils, petroleum
Who Is It For?
All Ages All GendersWhat Does It Help With?
Anti-aging Fine Lines Acne-prone Skin RednessBudget
Mid-range ($30-$75)How To Use
Which routine should it be used in?
Instructions:
Key Information
About the Brand:
Ingredients Overview
Ingredients List
Aqua/Water/Eau, Triheptanoin, Propanediol, C9-12 Alkane, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Glycerin, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Bakuchiol ,Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Eragrostis Tef Seed Extract, Anigozanthos Flavidus Flower/Leaf Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Nut Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside Sclerotium Gum, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Citric Acid, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Phytate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lauryl Glucoside, Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract, Diisopropyl Adipate, Triethyl Citrate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Extract, Alcohol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Leaf/Twig Extract, Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Wood Extract
Key Ingredients
bakuchiol, peptides
Ingredients Details
Bakuchiol
Common Name(s): Bakuchiol,(s)-bakuchiol
CAS Number: 10309-37-2
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides retinol-equivalent anti-aging gene expression from a natural plant compound without retinol's limitations.
Why It's Used: The natural retinol alternative โ the first plant compound with rct evidence for equivalent anti-aging results to retinol with better safety and photostability.
How It Works: Bakuchiol activates rar beta and retinoid x receptors via allosteric binding mechanism. upregulates type i, iii, and iv collagen synthesis genes. downregulates mmp-1 and mmp-9. antioxidant via phenol radical scavenging. photostable โ stable to uv exposure unlike retinol.
Typically Found In: Natural anti-aging serums,pregnancy-safe retinol alternative,photostable anti-aging
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ natural retinol alternative
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ from psoralea corylifolia seeds
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
The dhaliwal et al. (2019, british journal of dermatology) split-face rct directly compared 0.5% bakuchiol vs 0.5% retinol twice daily for 12 weeks โ both groups showed equivalent reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, but bakuchiol showed significantly less scaling, stinging, and burning. this is the strongest evidence that bakuchiol provides retinol-equivalent anti-aging with better tolerability.
Last Verified: Cosing database,dhaliwal et al. bakuchiol vs retinol rct
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
C9-12 Alkane
Common Name(s): C9-12 alkane,cosmetic active,functional ingredient
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.
Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.
How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class โ physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.
Typically Found In: Skin care formulations
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
C9-12 alkane has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.
Last Verified: Cosing database,c9-12 alkane technical literature
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
Cetearyl Olivate
Common Name(s): Nonionic emulsifier,o/w surfactant,emulsion stabiliser
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Stabilises o/w emulsions by forming a molecular monolayer at the oil-water interface, provides co-emulsification synergy with other emulsifiers, and contributes to emulsion texture through interfacial film properties.
Why It's Used: Nonionic emulsifiers are preferred for sensitive skin and ph-extreme formulations โ no ionic charge means no electrostatic interaction with skin proteins, no ph-dependent function loss, and compatibility with both anionic and cationic co-ingredients.
How It Works: Hlb determines emulsion type: hlb 8โ12 for o/w emulsification; hlb 3โ6 for w/o. the peg or glycoside head group provides hydrophilicity while the c16โc18 fatty chain provides lipophilicity. at the o/w interface, nonionic emulsifiers form a mixed monolayer reducing interfacial tension from ~35 mn/m (clean oil-water) to 5โ10 mn/m, providing thermodynamic stabilisation.
Typically Found In: Creams,lotions,o/w emulsions
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ cosmetic active
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Mixed emulsifier systems (e.g., glyceryl stearate + peg-100 stearate, or cetearyl glucoside + cetearyl alcohol) provide better emulsion stability than single emulsifiers โ synergistic packing of different molecular geometries creates a more cohesive, mechanically robust interfacial film.
Last Verified: Cosing database,nonionic emulsifier hlb system review
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12
Glycerin
Common Name(s): Glycerol,glycerine,1,2,3-propanetriol
CAS Number: 56-81-5
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Glycerin pulls water from the environment and deeper skin layers into the outer skin layer (epidermis), boosting moisture levels and keeping skin soft, smooth, and plump.
Why It's Used: It is used in virtually every moisturizer, serum, and cleanser because it is highly effective at hydrating skin, is well-tolerated by all skin types, and enhances the texture and spreadability of formulations.
How It Works: As a humectant, glycerin forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules, trapping them in the skin. it also reinforces the skin barrier by integrating into lipid structures between skin cells.
Typically Found In: Moisturizers,serums,cleansers,toners,sheet masks,sunscreens,body lotions,shampoos,conditioners
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Humectant
Secondary Functions: Skin barrier support,emollient,solvent
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ30% (typical: 3โ10%)
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ plant-derived (coconut, soy, palm) or synthetic
Halal Status: Yes โ when plant-derived or synthetic; verify source with supplier
Source Notes: Derived from plant oils via hydrolysis or saponification; synthetic versions also available. palm-derived glycerin carries sustainability concerns.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low; non-irritating at all standard concentrations
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Extremely rare allergic reactions; generally safe for all skin types including sensitive and baby skin
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Widely recognized as safe. ewg hazard score: 1. no significant concerns for irritation, sensitization, or toxicity at typical concentrations (up to 50%).
Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,niacinamide,panthenol,urea,peptides,retinol,ahas/bhas
Avoid Combining With: No known incompatibilities at standard concentrations
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Glycerin is an endogenous skin component found naturally in the stratum corneum. aquaporin-3 channels in keratinocytes facilitate glycerin transport, making it integral to natural skin hydration pathways.
Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,ewg skin deep,inci decoder
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12