Bakuchiol has quickly become one of the latest “it” ingredients in clean beauty due to its purported ability to support healthy skin aging. A natural alternative to retinol, it may be more suitable for individuals who cannot tolerate vitamin A-based ingredients like Retinol.
Morning and night, this moisturizer can be applied without increasing sun sensitivity like some retinoids might.
1. It’s a natural alternative to retinol
Since retinol has long dominated the skin-care landscape, finding an equivalent alternative that doesn’t cause as many side effects can be challenging. Bakuchiol has gained attention for its anti-ageing and brightening benefits without drying out or irritating skin tone.
Plant-derived ingredients improve cell turnover, helping even out skin tone and texture while decreasing fine lines, hyperpigmentation and roughness. Furthermore, these plant-derived ingredients alleviate irritation as well as redness, breakouts and inflammation for soothing effects on redness, breakouts and inflammation.
One study showed that participants who used a 0.5% bakuchiol serum twice daily for 12 weeks saw significant improvements in wrinkles, sun damage, pigmentation and elasticity. Bakuchiol also contains natural sunscreens to provide UV ray protection.
To ensure you’re receiving enough hero ingredients, look for it near the beginning of an ingredient list – ahead of preservatives like phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate and ethylhexylglycerin. However, avoid products which combine bakuchiol with retinol as this combination could result in skin sensitivities.
2. It’s gentler
Bakuchiol is an ideal treatment option for sensitive skin types as its mild formulation reduces hyperpigmentation while increasing cell turnover and collagen production, helping reduce hyperpigmentation as well as fine lines and wrinkles.
Koestline notes that this plant-based ingredient, often referred to as “nature’s retinol”, comes from Psoralea corylifolia and has been widely utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, Koestline notes. Suitable for both face and body application, and suitable for all skin types.
Be mindful that bakuchiol may still cause irritation and redness on those with sensitive skin, so always patch test first. Bakuchiol can also cause purging which is more intense than your average breakout; to combat this use a serum rich in soothing ingredients such as shea butter, squalane, jojoba oil and sea buckthorn oil to soothe any uncomfortable feelings caused by purging. For optimal results use your serum along with a 100% PURE bakuchiol moisturizer which will soothe while sealing in all its benefits.
3. It’s more affordable
As opposed to retinol, which can cause redness, itching, dryness, and irritation in some individuals, bakuchiol has proven its anti-aging benefits without side effects in recent studies. For example, it can reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce discoloration, increase firmness and boost elasticity–all without redness or flaking!
Therefore, products containing it such as face serum or moisturizer can be more cost-effective, as it doesn’t require special storage or disposal requirements like retinol does.
HaruHaru Wonder uses a concentrated mix of bakuchiol and black rice ferment extract in their formula for daily use to smooth fine lines and illuminate dark circles, providing effective relief to delicate skin conditions such as fine lines and dark circles. Gentle enough for morning and night use and suitable even for sensitive skin types.
4. It’s more effective
Bakuchiol can be an ideal alternative to retinol for all skin types, particularly those with sensitive complexions. It is gentler on sensitive complexions and less likely to cause flaking; additionally it does not create issues related to sun sensitivity as retinol does.
This lightweight serum features collagen as the star ingredient. Packed with other powerful ingredients like brightening plant peptides and healing cica extract, reviewers have noted how well it fades fine lines and wrinkles while helping even skin tone and smoothing out rough patches.
Though bakuchiol may be gentler than retinol, it still causes side effects that should be monitored closely. Tingling, redness and irritation may still occur as well as purging phase in some people. To minimize these side effects and maximize effectiveness it’s recommended that small doses are applied gradually over time until you find what works for your skin – also, avoid applying during sunlight as the ingredient could make you photosensitive.
