Bakuchiol is a gentle plant-based alternative to retinoids. This treatment may be more suitable for individuals who have trouble tolerating retinoids than traditional forms, as well as being suitable for all skin types.
Bakuchiol should be applied morning and night on clean, dry skin for maximum effectiveness. Furthermore, its versatility means you can layer other skincare ingredients to customize your routine accordingly.
1. It’s a gentle alternative to retinol
Bakuchiol is an anti-aging ingredient gaining increasing traction as an easier-to-tolerate alternative to retinol. A vegan plant extract derived from it, bakuchiol has been associated with reduced dryness and itching compared with retinol treatments and is typically better tolerated than its rival.
Dermatologists generally agree that bakuchiol is an ideal starting point for people just beginning their use of retinoid products, or who have skin conditions like rosacea or perioral dermatitis that make regular retinol products ineffective.
Dr. Love emphasizes the importance of closely monitoring how your skin reacts to any new product you add to your routine, according to Dr. Love. If your skin becomes flaky, irritated, or red as a result of using these products more frequently or switching out for products with lower concentrations of bakuchiol. Furthermore, some studies have revealed that certain people may be sensitive to its presence causing allergies such as dermatitis49-50
2. It’s a natural anti-ageing ingredient
Bakuchiol acts as an effective anti-ageing ingredient by increasing collagen production, decreasing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, reducing hyperpigmentation and treating acne by inhibiting bacterial growth. Furthermore, it protects against environmental stressors and oxidative damage by stabilising free radicals.
This natural molecule is an organic prenylated phenolic isoprenoid with an alkylated quaternary center and features prenylation. While similar in structure to retinol, its chemical make-up makes it more water soluble and less reactive.
Its gentle nature and resistance to irritation make it suitable for sensitive skin types. Furthermore, it works well when combined with other skincare ingredients.
To maximize results, it’s recommended that a serum that combines both bakuchiol and retinol be used twice weekly at night when applied before bed. Remember to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen after use to protect from UVA/UVB rays from the sun; unlike retinol, bakuchiol doesn’t increase sun sensitivity – in fact it may even lessen it – however direct contact should still be avoided during peak UV hours for best results.
3. It’s a good option for sensitive skin
Bakuchiol has been shown to be more gentle and non-irritant than retinoids, making it ideal for sensitive skin types. Plus, pregnancy and breastfeeding mothers can use Bakuchiol without fear of side effects from its use! Retinoids may present additional difficulties.
As with any product, it’s essential to listen to what your skin tells you, introducing new items gradually to see how they react before including them into your routine. Bakuchiol tends to cause less irritation than retinol but there can still be many factors influencing its reaction on skin.
One of the key aspects to keep in mind when selecting your serum or cream is concentration. For maximum impactful benefits, aim for 0.5% concentration or higher of bakuchiol; many of the products featured here contain this concentration or higher combined with ingredients like niacinamide, willowbark extract, hyaluronic acid or green tea to augment its effects further.
4. It’s safe to use during pregnancy
Bakuchiol is an ideal option for pregnant women as oral retinoids have the potential to cause retinoid embryopathy – an irreparable birth defect – while topical bakuchiol does not increase vitamin A levels and thus poses no risks.
No synthetic retinoids will interfere with or mimic hormones as artificially created retinoids do, while it also reduces redness and hyperpigmentation during gestation, making it an excellent option for pregnant women.
However, it is important to keep in mind that bakuchiol may interact with other ingredients used in skincare and you should consult your ob-gyn before beginning a new skin-care regime. When used as a serum or cream application at night on clean and dry skin it works best.
Based on your skin type, consistent use should provide noticeable improvements in tone and texture within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent application of products. If no visible progress has been seen by this point, consider increasing application frequency or switching products altogether.
