Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient that can stimulate collagen growth, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and treat photoaging by targeting two major contributors – oxidative stress and inflammation.
Bakuchiol offers similar efficacy and tolerability as topical retinoids while being gentler and safer on skin. Furthermore, it is compatible with most skincare ingredients and formulation processes easily into products.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a plant-based skincare ingredient known to boost collagen, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, refine skin texture and even out skin tone. Known as more gentle than Retinol or other traditional retinoids, bakuchiol soothes and calms sensitive skin making it perfect for use in moisturisers or serums for those suffering from sensitive skin conditions.
An ideal solution for those living with rosacea, it helps soothe inflammation and redness while being more stable than retinol, so daily usage shouldn’t cause irritation or dryness.
Bakuchiol does not interact negatively with any other skincare ingredients and can be safely combined with retinoids and exfoliators as well as hydration boosters like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for enhanced hydration and nourishment. As is always advised when trying out any new skincare product at home, an initial patch test should always be conducted first to check for irritation or adverse reactions.
How Does Bakuchiol Work?
Bakuchiol is an effective anti-aging ingredient derived from Babchi plant seeds or Psoralea corylifolia that works to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone. Bakuchiol has long been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine.
Studies have proven it to be just as effective as retinol while being much gentler on skin. It’s often called the “plant-based alternative to retinol”, as it achieves comparable results without dryness, peeling and redness associated with its use.
Bakuchiol can easily absorb into skin and is generally well tolerated by all skin types. As with any new skincare product, however, we advise testing for irritation by applying a small amount on the skin for 24 hours to see how you react before adding it into your daily regimen. We suggest pairing Bakuchiol with hydrating ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid or Peptides along with antioxidants like Vitamin C for maximum effectiveness of regimen.
Is Bakuchiol Safe?
Bakuchiol is an effective plant-based alternative to retinol that’s suitable for all skin types. Compared with its more potency cousin, retinol, it’s less likely to cause dryness, redness and irritation which makes it an excellent solution for those suffering from rosacea, eczema or acne-prone conditions.
Detoxifying water also has less of an effect on pigmentation issues like hyperpigmentation and sun damage than many other methods, thanks to its potency as an antioxidant which neutralizes free radicals – helping improve fine lines and wrinkles while even out skin tone and add radiance.
Studies demonstrate the versatility of bakuchiol as an anti-aging ingredient, both as an independent solution and when combined with retinol to maximize effectiveness. Bakuchiol was found to have both activity enhancing and stabilizing properties when added together, in addition to being capable of inhibiting melanin production for brighter, even skin tones. Bakuchiol can even be combined with Vitamin C for additional anti-ageing support!
How to Use Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is an easy and gentle ingredient without the side effects associated with retinol, making it an excellent solution for people who experience sensitive skin or have had difficulties using retinol in the past.
Studies have demonstrated that bakuchiol can effectively diminish fine lines and wrinkles while simultaneously refining skin texture (PubMed). Furthermore, it works to brighten complexion and diminish hyperpigmentation.
Search for products with concentrations between 0.5-2 percent for optimal results.
Bakuchiol works well when combined with other skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides; vitamin C and melatonin; as it’s not photosensitizing it can be used day or night! As long as a broad spectrum sunscreen is included as part of your routine.
