Bakuchiol can help increase collagen, remodel and plump skin. As a plant-based alternative to Retinol, it is gentle enough for use in serums, moisturisers, face masks or any other skincare product.
Recent research indicates bakuchiol may be as effective at combatting skin aging without irritation as its more well-studied competitor retinol; however, this research was limited in scope.
Soothing and Calming
Bakuchiol’s natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe irritation and redness, prevent blemishes/spots/oily patches and balance oil levels.
Bakuchiol can be found in skin-care products as a serum form, either alone or combined with other ingredients such as vitamin C.
Even those with sensitive skin can use this ingredient without adverse side effects; it has no interactions with exfoliants and retinols in skincare regimes; furthermore, it doesn’t increase sun sensitivity making it ideal for daytime use.
However, more high-quality research on this compound must first take place before definitive statements about its benefits on skin can be made. Therefore, until then, it’s wise to slowly incorporate it into your routine, alongside existing skincare products that work. Bakuchiol pairs particularly well with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides, while anti-ageing actives such as nicotinic acid can be an ideal partner.
Anti-Aging
Bakuchiol has been shown to effectively diminish fine lines and wrinkles while simultaneously improving skin tone, decreasing sebum production, and lowering sebum production. For sensitive skin types it may provide an easier alternative than Retinol as it tends to have less irritation potential.
Bakuchiol has also been shown to stimulate Collagen* production and improve elasticity, while simultaneously decreasing skin roughness and tightening pores. When combined with vitamin C, this combination can even brighten and even out skin tone while providing environmental damage protection.
Bakuchiol was shown to increase expression of collagen-I and III in cultured human skin cells as well as increase skin elasticity in zebrafish model (Figs 5g&h). Furthermore, Mat-LA IL, an ionic liquid, improved the permeability of bakuchiol by binding to its phospholipid bilayer on the surface of skin and penetrating intercellular pathways; thus enabling its release at skin surface to stimulate collagen synthesis for anti-ageing benefits.
Anti-Inflammatory
Bakuchiol has been shown to contain anti-inflammatory properties and could prove useful for those suffering from irritable skin. Furthermore, its antioxidant properties help fight free radical damage, making this anti-ageing treatment suitable for fine lines and wrinkles.
Matrine, an extract of Sophora flavescens plant, combined with lauric acid to create supramolecular bakuchiol which binds lipids on barrier cells’ surfaces and improves skin permeability, has proven highly effective at doing just this.
Studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated that supramolecular bakuchiol can cross the stratum corneum and penetrate both epidermis and dermis to provide anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits to these layers of the skin.
One clinical trial combined bakuchiol with melatonin and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate as a three-in-one anti-aging serum; after 12 weeks, subjects reported more even complexion with reduced fine lines and wrinkles.
Anti-Wrinkle
Bakuchiol has proven itself as an effective plant-based alternative to retinol when it comes to providing anti-aging benefits for the skin. Commonly found in moisturizers and serums containing Hyaluronic Acid, Bakuchiol can boost collagen production* and cell turnover rates, smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines and opening pores for radiant complexions.
Bakuchiol can also help remedy uneven skin tones and hyperpigmentation by encouraging cell turnover to reduce dark spots and discolorations, leaving your complexion looking more even and radiant.
One study that combined bakuchiol with ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate demonstrated significant results after 12 weeks of daily use: participants showed significant improvements in skin firmness and complexion thanks to its combination with other ingredients, specifically those stimulating natural elasticity, texture and smoothness in skin cells.* So, if you want to combat signs of aging without irritating dryness caused by using products with retinol alone, try products containing bakuchiol!
