Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides™ Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 14 Reddit threads · Updated October 30, 2026
1.25% bakuchiol smooths skin without the purge; oil-based and pricey. The catch: oil-based texture feels too oily for some users. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeWatery toner-serum texture; layers under everything · $17.50 · 150 ml
Same Active: PeptidesWatery, targeted serum for expression lines · $9.70 · 30 ml
Best for Redness / IrritationFeatherlight, watery texture; layers cleanly under makeup · $6.00 · 30 ml
#1
Best Overall Alternative

- Size: 150 ml
The why
A watery peptide-and-niacinamide first layer that hydrates damp skin, softens rough texture, and helps subsequent products spread cleanly. It suits oily, combination, and tretinoin users wanting low-maintenance cushioning, though some see only mild hydration and others report breakouts or flushing.
One minus
Results can stop at mild hydration and a little glow
Good forDry Skin, Sensitive Skin
Both recommended for Anti-Aging.
“I use the serum in my nighttime routine, and I do feel like a wake up with smoother skin in the morning.”
— Reddit, r/koreanskincare
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Disclosed 1.25% bakuchiol concentration
#2
Same Active: Peptides

- Key actives: Argireline Solution 10%
- Size: 30 ml
The why
A watery Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 serum for forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet, best for people willing to apply it consistently twice daily. It can visibly relax expression folds, but results are cosmetic, temporary, and absent for some users.
One minus
Results are cosmetic and temporary, not Botox-level
Good forDry Skin
Both recommended for Anti-Aging.
“The Ordinary’s Argireline really helped my 11s”
— Reddit, r/40plusskincare
#3
Best for Redness / Irritation

Madagascar Centella Asiatica Ampoule
Skin1004·Serum
See alternativesFeatherlight, watery texture; layers cleanly under makeup
- Size: 30 ml
The why
A watery centella-and-glycerin ampoule for calming redness and adding light hydration around tretinoin or acids. It suits sensitive, oily, or combination skin, but dry skin may need moisturizer and acne-prone users report closed comedones.
One minus
Closed comedones and cystic breakouts hit some users
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
Both recommended for Redness / Irritation.
#4
Best for Anti-Aging

- Size: 50 ml
The why
A niacinamide-led treatment people use before serums for next-morning glow and smoother texture. Best for resilient, texture-focused routines; Redditors report stinging, breakouts, and barrier damage, while studies found topical niacinamide improved acne.
One minus
Can trigger whiteheads, breakouts, or cystic spots
Both recommended for Anti-Aging.
“Basically you want to think of it as your “step zero” — it kind of acts as a mini micro-needling treatment so it’s going to help with the absorption of whatever you put on top.”
— Reddit, r/koreanskincare
Other alternatives worth a look

High-strength 1% retinol for experienced users · 24 recs
Oily SkinGentle
0.2% beta-glucan plus 0.3% madecassoside · 12 recs
Combination SkinDehydration
Lightweight, non-oily finish · 8 recs
Oily SkinK-Beauty
Browse more
Reddit's best serums by concern, skin type or ingredient list
Looking for a different product?