Bakuchiol, often touted as a more natural alternative to retinoids, is a widely-praised skincare ingredient derived from Psoralea corylifolia or “babchi”, an Indian Ayurvedic and Siddha medicinal plant with numerous healing properties.
Oil-soluble extracts of babchi seeds contain many phytochemicals that provide various health and skin benefits, including psoralen, which is a meroterpene phenol with phototoxic and depigmenting properties.
Depigmentation
Babchi is an integral component of many integrative therapy plans for vitiligo, thanks to its ability to restore pigmentation and enhance skin health. Furthermore, its effectiveness complements that of other treatments; making Babchi an invaluable adjunctive tool in managing vitiligo through comprehensive management strategies.
Psoralea corylifolia, commonly referred to in Ayurved medicine as “babchi,” contains furocoumarins with strong pigmentation properties – including its active component, psoralens. When applied topically, psoralens promote melanin production and help restore normal skin coloration in those suffering from vitiligo.
Psoralens can be phototoxic and cause sun sensitivity in some individuals; to reduce this side effect, use only pure bakuchiol extracts that have been isolated and purified for optimal quality.
Anti-aging
Psoralea corylifolia, commonly referred to as babchi, is an herb used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its therapeutic benefits. More specifically, its seeds contain an active compound called bakuchiol that has demonstrated anti-ageing benefits without irritation and photosensitivity associated with other retinoids.
Similar to retinol, bakuchiol works by stimulating collagen production while simultaneously protecting against environmental stresses that cause premature aging and wrinkles. For this reason it has proven highly beneficial as an ingredient in skincare products aimed at anti-ageing skin; many bakuchiol serums have become popular within the beauty industry.
At all times, however, it is essential that the bakuchiol you are using is pure. Unregulated companies may sell babchi oil with an unknown compound called psoralen that may cause lasting skin damage when applied directly onto skin exposed to sunlight afterwards. Therefore, always conduct a patch test prior to trying any product and seek professional medical advice if any underlying conditions or symptoms emerge during treatment.
Anti-inflammatory
Psoralea corylifolia (babchi plant) seeds and oil have long been used in Ayurvedic medicine as an effective skin healing herb with depigmenting, anti-inflammatory, and vitiligo treatments as well as treating conditions like eczema and leucoderma.
Bakuchiol is a meroterpene compound that acts as an all-natural alternative to retinol without its adverse side effects like irritation and photosensitivity. This natural solution can be applied directly onto skin as serum or added into cosmetic products to reduce pigmentation, acne scars, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles.
Babchi oil contains several fatty acids, such as oleic and linoleic acids, that nourish skin by strengthening its barrier function and increasing nutrition intake. Furthermore, antioxidants present in babchi oil help shield it from oxidative stress; increasing expression of Nrf2-induced genes like NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and glutathione S-transferase 1, helping reduce inflammation by up-regulation.82
Antimicrobial
Bakuchiol, an all-natural meroterpene derived from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia or Babchi, is widely recognized as a safe and effective alternative to traditional retinol without its associated irritation or photosensitivity. Bakuchiol’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects make it an excellent addition to skincare products as an antiviral and antimicrobial protection factor.
Note that Babchi Oil contains trace amounts of the phototoxic compounds known as Psoralens and their isomers which can cause photosensitivity when applied topically, leading to sun-sensitivity when used directly on skin. Therefore it is advised that it be mixed with another carrier oil prior to topical application, in order to minimize its sun sensitivity effects afterward.
Babchi seed oil boasts numerous therapeutic properties and is an essential Ayurvedic herbal remedy. Additionally, it has proven itself effective against conditions like vitiligo by helping brighten skin tone and visibly decreasing pigmentation.
