Bakuchiol has earned recognition as “nature’s answer to retinol,” making an effective yet safe skincare ingredient to tackle fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, breakouts and firmness issues without side effects such as irritation.
Bakuchiol works well when combined with other skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide; however, it should be used without concurrent prescription retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or strong vitamin A formulas.
1. Anti-inflammatory
Bakuchiol has emerged as a standout skincare ingredient of 2019. A natural multitasker with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, it reduces fine lines & wrinkles, improves skin elasticity/firmness and helps fade pigmentation while being more gentle than retinol and suitable for sensitive skin types.
This plant-derived compound, commonly referred to as Babchi seed oil, works similarly to retinol by targeting genetic pathways that regulate cell renewal.
As with retinoids, bakuchiol helps increase cell turnover and collagen production to diminish acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, yet unlike them it is less likely to cause irritation or peeling allowing daily use without risking UV sensitivity.
2. Antioxidant
Bakuchiol is a potent antioxidant, designed to fade the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation caused by acne scarring, while evening out skin tone and texture. You can incorporate Bakuchiol into your routine safely; just remember to introduce it slowly so you can assess how it reacts with your own body.
As with retinoids, this treatment boosts collagen production and cell turnover to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, but without the common side effects like redness, flaking or sensitivity seen with retinol use.
Bakuchiol can be used with many skincare ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C and ceramides. However, retinoids (especially prescription-strength ones like tretinoin) and strong Vitamin A formulas may lead to irritation; furthermore it’s best not to combine it with exfoliants as this could potentially increase risk.
3. Exfoliating
Bakuchiol offers gentle exfoliating effects that help to diminish acne scars, pigmentation and discolouration, as well as reduce redness and flakiness without irritating side effects such as reddening or flakiness associated with retinol use.
Hyaluronic acid and vitamin C products can also be beneficial to sensitive skin and should be used alongside one another; it should however, be used separately when used alongside retinoids or strong vitamin C formulations.
Bakuchiol is considered a safe, natural alternative to synthetic retinoids; however, visible results may take up to 12 weeks for you to notice them. For optimal effectiveness, look for products containing between 0.5-2% bakuchiol; serum or cream products can be layer with other leave-on products in your routine; oil may be the better option if your skin is particularly dry.
4. Antibacterial
Bakuchiol contains antibacterial properties that can help fade hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars. Furthermore, its soothing redness and inflammation-reducing abilities make it suitable for all skin types.
Bakuchiol, a vegan skincare ingredient derived from Babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), has quickly gained in popularity as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant alternative to retinoids, boasting visible reduction of pigmentation marks while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.
Bakuchiol works best when combined with other skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides and gentle exfoliants such as hyaluronic acid. When selecting topical actives that may be more aggressive such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide; and always use broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or greater to protect from photoaging.
5. Soothing
Bakuchiol contains soothing properties to provide instantaneous comfort to skin in cases of irritation. Furthermore, its sun sensitivity rating is lessened relative to retinol making it suitable for more delicate skin types – including pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.
Bakuchiol’s anti-ageing properties make it an effective skincare ingredient for acne scars, yet results may take time to become visible. On average, you should see improvements in skin texture and tone after 4 to 6 weeks of consistent usage.
Attentiveness to application of Bakuchiol for optimal results is vitally important. We suggest adopting a routine that includes cleanser and serum or cream with Bakuchiol used daily morning and evening, followed by SPF protection. If your skin is particularly sensitive, begin with lower strength products before increasing usage gradually.
