Product Overview
Dr. Lara Devgan Retinal Bakuchiol Serum 5x is an evening resurfacing serum formulated with 0.05% retinal, the introductory strength in the brand’s two-level retinal system. It is designed to improve the visible appearance of fine lines, uneven tone, texture irregularities, and loss of firmness while supporting a clearer, more radiant-looking complexion.
The formula combines retinal with 2% bakuchiol and 2% retinol for a multi-phase vitamin A approach. Retinal supports a smoother-looking surface, retinol provides complementary gradual care, and bakuchiol helps support firmness and tolerability.
Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, glycerin, betaine, and vitamin E add hydration and barrier-supportive care. This makes the 5x formula the preferred starting option within the range for beginners and those introducing retinal gradually.
Recommended For
- All skin types seeking an advanced evening retinoid serum.
- Visible fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, dullness, discoloration, or reduced firmness.
- Beginners starting the Dr. Lara Devgan retinal system.
- Sensitive skin when introduced slowly and used according to tolerance.
- Anyone moving from a traditional retinol routine to a 0.05% retinal formula.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because the formula contains retinal and retinol.
- Skin that is highly reactive or easily irritated should be introduced to the serum slowly, with a pause if discomfort persists.
Texture and Experience
This is a water-based serum supported by humectants including glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, betaine, and panthenol. It is designed to combine active resurfacing with hydration, although temporary dryness, flaking, or sensitivity may occur while the skin adjusts to retinal and retinol.
Key Ingredients
- 0.05% Retinal: a stabilized vitamin A derivative that supports a smoother-looking surface and helps improve the appearance of wrinkles, uneven tone, texture, and elasticity.
- 2% Bakuchiol: a plant-derived retinoid-like ingredient that complements vitamin A care and helps support smoother, firmer-looking skin.
- 2% Retinol: provides complementary, gradual vitamin A activity to support texture, tone, and the appearance of fine lines.
- Sodium Hyaluronate: a form of hyaluronic acid that attracts water and supports hydrated, plumper-looking skin.
- Panthenol: provitamin B5 that helps retain moisture and support skin comfort.
- Vitamin E: an antioxidant that helps support skin resilience against visible environmental stress.
- Glycerin and Betaine: humectants that help maintain moisture balance.
- Green Tea Polyphenols, Caffeine, and Licorice Root Extract: botanical and antioxidant support for a more balanced-looking complexion.
Conscious Formula
Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty does not publish additional formula certifications for this product, so none are claimed here. The published list identifies a water-based formula with multiple humectants and vitamin E, and it contains added fragrance and propylene glycol. The current ingredient list is shown in the Ingredients tab above and on the packaging.
Available Size
1 fl oz / 30 mL
Safety Information
Use this serum in the evening only, on clean and completely dry skin, and follow with a moisturizer. Introduce it gradually, starting with two or three evenings a week, and add nights only while your skin stays comfortable. Temporary dryness, tightness or light flaking is common while skin is adjusting to a vitamin A routine; if that happens, space applications further apart and keep the rest of the evening simple. During the day, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply, since skin using a retinoid is more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid the immediate eye area and the corners of the mouth, and pause use if irritation persists.
Not recommended for:
- Morning use — this is an evening step.
- Skin that is broken, sunburned, waxed or freshly irritated, until it has settled.
- The same evening as several exfoliating acids, scrubs or resurfacing masks.
- The same evening as another vitamin A product, including the Retinol + Bakuchiol Serum 2.5x.
- Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding — the formula contains retinal and retinol, so discuss the ingredient list with your own specialist before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from the Retinol + Bakuchiol Serum 2.5x?
This serum is built around 0.05% retinal, with 2% bakuchiol and 2% retinol alongside it, in a water-based formula with humectants. The Retinol + Bakuchiol Serum 2.5x is the entry strength of the separate retinol system: retinol with bakuchiol and botanical antioxidants, in a lightweight fragrance-free liquid. Different vitamin A form, different starting point.
Which of the two should I start with?
If you have never used a vitamin A serum, the 2.5x is the gentler introduction. If you already use retinol comfortably and want to move to retinal, this 5x is the entry level within the retinal system. There is no need to use both.
How often should I use it at the beginning?
Two or three evenings a week, then increase only if your skin stays comfortable. Slow and consistent works better than frequent and irritating.
My skin is flaking. What should I do?
Reduce to fewer evenings a week, drop other exfoliating products for a while, and add a richer moisturizer or the Barrier Balm on dry patches. Build back up once the skin feels settled again.
Can I use it with the Intensive Pigment Corrector?
Yes, most people alternate at first: this serum on some evenings, the Intensive Pigment Corrector on the others. Once both feel comfortable, the corrector can be kept to targeted areas.
Pairs Well With
- Hyaluronic Serum: a hydrating layer to apply after the serum has absorbed.
- Advanced Recovery Cream: a richer evening moisturizer to finish the routine.
- Barrier Balm: comfort for dry patches during the adjustment period.
- SPF 44 BB Cream: the broad-spectrum daytime step every retinoid routine depends on.
- Explore the full Dr. Lara Devgan collection.