Think bakuchiol is the gentle, plant-based retinol everyone claims? Think again. Dr. Stefanie cuts through the marketing hype to reveal why this trendy ingredient isn't actually related to retinol at all—and why its "gentle" reputation might be dangerously misleading. From overlooked allergy risks to her own blistering reaction, she explains why the bakuchiol craze could backfire spectacularly. If you're considering swapping your proven retinol for this botanical newcomer, this evidence-based reality check is essential listening before you make that switch.