Bakuchiol is an ideal alternative to retinol for sensitive skin types and should be applied morning and evening as part of a treatment. Always finish off this treatment with broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect from potential photosensitivity issues.
Bakuchiol helps promote cell turnover and ease fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation while increasing radiance and improving skin tone and texture.
It’s gentler than retinol
Retinol can be an effective anti-aging ingredient, but if used incorrectly it can become irritating to skin and cause redness, tingling, and itching. A new skincare ingredient called bakuchiol has emerged as an alternative, more gentle version. Derived from Psoralea corylifolia plants in China’s babchi forest region (Psoralea corylifolia), this natural hydrator offers more naturally hydrating benefits and non-irritant properties compared to Retinol.
Dr. Thomas also notes that it’s better for sensitive skin, noting “Bakuchiol doesn’t cause irritation like retinol can,” while noting it’s even safe if pregnant or breastfeeding women want to use it.
Burt Bee’s, Avene and Ren Clean Skincare all offer products with Bakuchiol to their consumers, but before taking it daily you should conduct a patch test either on your wrist or behind your ears to be sure that there are no allergies present. Once it’s safe for use add it into your evening routine without worry.
It’s safe for all skin types
Bakuchiol can be integrated into any skincare regimen – alone or combined with other ingredients. It’s especially ideal for sensitive skin and those looking to prevent irritation or breakouts, while its anti-ageing benefits can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, elasticity loss and photodamage – plus it doesn’t photosensitize! Plus it doesn’t cause photosensitivity either so can even be used during daylight hours without photosensitivity concerns!
Bakuchiol can be found in serums, creams and oils. Combine it with ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or Edelweiss stem cell to create an intensely soothing and reparative treatment plan.
For optimal results, apply a bakuchiol treatment twice daily – morning and evening – along with sunscreen throughout the day. We suggest Ole Henriksen’s Bakuchiol Serum that pairs this ingredient with lemon, sugarcane, and chamomile exfoliators; its gentle enough for even those with sensitive skin types.
It’s more affordable than retinol
Bakuchiol has been demonstrated in numerous studies to be just as effective at combatting anti-aging than retinol; however, its gentler approach makes it an attractive solution for sun-sensitive individuals or those who have had adverse reactions from retinol treatment in the past.
Bakuchiol is also more cost-effective than retinol, making it easier to incorporate into your skincare regimen. You can find it in serums, creams and moisturizers; its most potency lies with serums since they penetrate more readily into the skin.
Introducing Bakuchiol-based products into your routine should include at least 0.5% concentration. Since your skin may require time to adapt to Bakuchiol’s use, starting slowly every other day before increasing frequency as needed is recommended. But the rewards will make the effort worth your while; Bakuchiol can help reduce fine lines, even out skin tone, boost elasticity, among other advantages.
It’s more effective than retinol
Bakuchiol has been found to be as effective as retinol for treating wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and roughness, according to research published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. Bakuchiol worked similarly but without its usual adverse reactions such as dryness and flaking.
Bakuchiol is also not photo-sensitizing, meaning that it will not make your skin more vulnerable to sun damage. Therefore, you can use products containing this ingredient without fearing the need to apply sunscreen later.
How long it takes for Bakuchiol products to work for your skin will depend on several factors: your skin type, concentration of Bakuchiol in products you use and frequency of application. Many people begin seeing improvements in skin texture and radiance within 4-6 weeks of regular application; more visible changes such as reduced fine lines/wrinkles/firmness may take up to 12 weeks.