Handmade Heroes 2% Bakuchiol Oil with Sugarcane Squalane, All Natural Retinol Alternative Facial Oil For Radiant and Line Smoothing, Travel size skincare 0.3 fl oz Review
Our verdict
A small-format, vegan 2% bakuchiol oil paired with sugarcane squalane that gives curious shoppers an affordable, low-commitment way to try a retinol alternative. The 4.3-star average across 622 reviews backs up the formula, though the tiny bottle size limits how long it lasts.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anyone wanting to test a gentle, plant-based retinol alternative in a travel-friendly size before committing to a full-size bottle.
Skip if
You want a full-size bottle for daily long-term use, or you specifically want a formula with actual retinol rather than a bakuchiol alternative.
- Priced 41% below the category median ($16.95 across 280 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 622 owner ratings
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Popularity3.3/5
622 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Handmade Heroes packages this facial oil around two headline ingredients: 2% bakuchiol, marketed as an all-natural alternative to retinol, and sugarcane-derived squalane. At 10 milliliters, or about 0.3 fl oz, it's built as a travel or trial size rather than an everyday full-size bottle, and it's priced at $9.99 accordingly.
The vegan, natural formula is listed as suitable across combination, dry, normal, oily, and sensitive skin, and for all skin tones, which makes it one of the more broadly formulated oils in this lineup. Bakuchiol has become a popular substitute for retinol among people who find traditional retinoids too harsh, since it's generally considered gentler while still fitting into an anti-aging routine.
With 622 reviews and a 4.3-star average, the product has a solid track record, though the listing currently shows zero units bought in the past month and only 4 left in stock, so availability may be inconsistent going forward.
Pros
- 2% bakuchiol offers a gentler alternative to traditional retinol
- Sugarcane squalane adds lightweight hydration
- Vegan and natural formula
- Listed as suitable for all five common skin types and tones
- Solid 4.3-star rating across 622 reviews
Cons
- Very small 10ml, 0.3 fl oz bottle limits how long it lasts
- Only 4 left in stock, with no purchases logged in the past month
- No option shown for a larger, everyday-size bottle
Performance notes
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound frequently positioned as a gentler alternative to retinol, without the same irritation profile some people experience with retinoids. Squalane is a lightweight emollient that closely mimics the skin's own lipids, helping support the moisture barrier without feeling heavy. In a small-format oil like this one, the combination works well as an introduction to bakuchiol before deciding whether to invest in a larger bottle.
What buyers say
A 4.3-star average across 622 reviews reflects generally positive experiences with the formula itself. The current listing shows no units bought in the past month and low stock, which may point to a slower sales period rather than a change in product quality.
Similar anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices to consider
Frequently asked questions
Is bakuchiol the same as retinol?
No. Bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound that's often marketed as a natural alternative to retinol rather than retinol itself. It's generally considered gentler on skin, which is why brands like Handmade Heroes position it as an option for people who want retinol-like benefits without the irritation some experience with traditional retinoids.
Is this oil suitable for sensitive skin?
The listing specifically includes sensitive skin among the skin types it's formulated for, along with combination, dry, normal, and oily skin. Since it's vegan and natural, it avoids some common irritants, though anyone with reactive skin should still patch test a new product before applying it to the full face.
How long will the 0.3 fl oz bottle last?
At 10 milliliters, this is a travel or trial size rather than a full-size bottle, so how long it lasts depends heavily on how much you use per application. Most people use facial oils sparingly, a few drops at a time, so this size is better suited to testing the formula than to months of daily use.