Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Night Knight Retinol Serum Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 5 Reddit threads · Updated October 3, 2026
Beginner-friendly 0.08% retinol with bakuchiol; gentle enough for nightly use. The catch: slow-burn results compared with stronger retinoids. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall AlternativeStarter retinoid with 0.1% retinol · $20.60 · 29.9 ml
Best Cheaper AlternativeWatery, fast-absorbing centella · $6.00 · 30 ml vs $15.40 for the original
Same Active: RetinolStrong OTC retinol for acne and aging · $11.90 · 29.6 ml
#1
Best Overall Alternative
- Size: 29.9 ml
- Price per ml: $0.69/ml (original $0.77/ml)
The why
One minus
Still irritated very sensitive skin
Good forDry Skin
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Beginner retinol — sensitive skin friendly
- Price
- $15.40 · 20 ml · $0.77/ml
#2
Best Cheaper Alternative
- Size: 30 ml
- Price per ml: $0.20/ml (original $0.77/ml)
The why
A watery centella ampoule that people use before moisturizer or tret. It suits irritated, dehydrated, or barrier-damaged skin. On very reactive faces, it can sting, break out, or do basically nothing.
One minus
Can trigger closed comedones or whiteheads
Good forSensitive Skin, Dry Skin
#3
Same Active: Retinol
- Key actives: Retinol 1%
- Size: 29.6 ml
- Price per ml: $0.40/ml (original $0.77/ml)
The why
A 1% retinol in squalane serum that people use for acne and early anti-aging. Redditors say it can smooth texture and oiliness, and studies found retinol can help acne. The catch is obvious: beginners often get redness, peeling, and a nasty purge.
One minus
Rough starter strength — redness, peeling, and purging are common
Good forOily Skin
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