Bakuchiol, an effective yet gentle anti-ageing active, has been making waves on product labels and social media lately, serving as an alternative to retinol that delivers similar results without irritation.
Bakuchiol works similarly to retinol in stimulating collagen production*, preventing fine lines and wrinkles, improving firmness and elasticity, while being both less irritating and cheaper.
It’s less irritating than retinol
Bakuchiol has long been used in traditional skincare regimens, but as clean beauty grew increasingly popular it gained attention as an organic alternative to retinol. Produced from seeds and leaves of the herb Psoralea corylifolia used in Chinese and Indian restorative treatments.
The ingredient functions similarly to vitamin A derivatives like retinol in terms of cell turnover and collagen production, helping reduce lines and wrinkles while simultaneously decreasing hyperpigmentation and increasing elasticity – without the side effects such as redness, scaling or irritation associated with traditional vitamin A products like retinol.
Use twice daily and incorporate it into any skin care routine for maximum results. Squalane and PHAs work especially well when combined together for maximum hydration benefits; results should start to show in four to six weeks but it takes patience for full effect to show up; once results arrive you’ll find that your complexion has become brighter, smoother and more even!
It’s less expensive than retinol
Bakuchiol can be used as both a serum and moisturizer, applying both morning and night. Because it’s less harsh than retinol, you won’t have to apply it as frequently, though too frequent use could still result in redness and flaking of your skin.
One small study concluded that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol for reducing lines and wrinkles, boosting collagen, and improving skin tone, but without its side effects such as burning, flaking or redness. Unfortunately this research is very small scale.
Bakuchiol is gentle enough to use alongside other skincare ingredients like AHAs, BHAs and vitamin C; however, you should perform a patch test first to make sure your skin can tolerate it. Once tested, begin applying two to three times weekly; gradually increase frequency depending on which areas need attention (for instance your jawline or forehead lines).
It’s more effective than retinol
Retinol has long been considered the go-to anti-ageing skincare treatment, yet bakuchiol is fast emerging as an effective alternative. Both boost collagen production, smooth fine lines and improve skin texture and tone; with bakuchiol boasting less potential irritation for those with sensitive skin.
Recent research published in the British Journal of Dermatology revealed that twice daily application of bakuchiol led to similar improvements to skin tone and texture as retinol, with far less peeling, redness, or peeling associated with its use – making bakuchiol ideal for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers alike.
But if your skin is very sensitive, it is recommended to start off slowly by using products containing low doses of bakuchiol until your body adjusts to it. Bakuchiol should also not be combined with potency ingredients like retinol or vitamin C or AHA/BHA acids until your body has adjusted itself to it.
It’s safer than retinol
Bakuchiol works through similar cellular pathways as retinol, leading some people to refer to it as “nature’s retinol.” But unlike its more harsh cousin, which may cause flaking and burning on skin, and other prescription-strength retinoids, this plant-based extract won’t irritate it as easily.
One study pitted bakuchiol against retinol products and found similar results between them; however, it’s important to remember that this ingredient is new and requires further study.
But if you’re concerned about sensitivity or avoid retinol for another reason (like pregnancy or an eye history), then this might be your ideal alternative. Just conduct a patch test first, starting out every other day until your skin adjusts and increases frequency and strength gradually as tolerated by your skin. And don’t forget sunscreen when using bakuchiol! The sun’s UV rays can degrade its effectiveness over time; to minimize this possibility pair it with other hydrating ingredients like squalane or PHAs to minimize skin sensitivity issues!
