Bakuchiol, made from seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, works similar to retinol in that it speeds cell turnover and stimulates collagen production for smoother, brighter skin with reduced lines and wrinkles, pigmentation issues and better elasticity.
And unlike retinoids, it won’t increase sun sensitivity.
Benefits
Bakuchiol is a potency antioxidant with multiple anti-aging benefits for skin, such as reduced fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation reduction, improved tone and texture improvement and collagen production boosting to give firmness and plumpness to skin.
Bakuchiol is less irritating than retinoids, which may cause redness, peeling, flaking and dryness – making it an excellent solution for people with sensitive skin or rosacea.
Bakuchiol has also been found to possess natural anti-cancer properties, by decreasing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in cancerous cells as well as inhibiting their cellular growth.
Bakuchiol works well alone or combined with other beneficial skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid to retain moisture and plump up skin, or vitamin C to boost collagen and brighten complexions.
Bakuchiol comes in serums and creams, but for optimal results it’s best to use as an underlayer under moisturizer as its intensity is less intense than retinol products. You can apply it both morning or night depending on your skin type and routine.
Side effects
Bakuchiol has been demonstrated to possess antimicrobial properties through in vitro studies and can activate the Nrf2 pathway by encouraging expression of nAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and glutathione S-transferase 2, thus suppressing virus replication.
Bakuchiol has fewer adverse side effects than retinoids; however, it is always wise to conduct a patch test prior to adding any new skincare product into your routine. Bakuchiol may cause skin irritation so start out slow and gradually increase dosage as your skin adjusts.
Clinical studies of Bakuchiol showed it could reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin tone, texture and elasticity. Although results typically take 12 weeks after regular application of this plant-based ingredient to appear due to body processing time issues. For best results it should also be combined with vitamin C supplementation for maximum effectiveness.
Ingredients
Bakuchiol’s soothing properties help to mitigate irritation, making it a superior choice to Retinol for sensitive skin. But its use is versatile enough that any type or tone can benefit. In our Sunset Restore Serum, we combine Bakuchiol with science-backed ingredients like Squalane and Tripeptide Complex while still using tradition-rooted ones such as Amla and Saffron for optimal PM routine restorative results.
This combination can reduce signs of ageing (fine lines and wrinkles) while improving skin tone, texture and pigmentation without redness or sensitivity. Furthermore, free radicals that contribute to damage or hyperpigmentation are neutralized as free radicals are fighting back with antioxidant protection against free radical damage.
Bakuchiol, as a plant-based ingredient, is suitable for vegans; just be sure to introduce new products slowly and observe how your skin responds. Bakuchiol works great as part of both morning and evening anti-ageing routines and layers well with other hydrating and plumping ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid – but avoid using exfoliants and acids that could degrade it!
How to use
Bakuchiol is an effective, gentler alternative to retinol and can be used by individuals of all skin types. With its soothing effects and powerful antioxidant benefits, bakuchiol reduces discolorations due to brown spots or sun damage while protecting the skin against free radical damage.
Your daily skincare regimen should include this step; apply to damp skin after cleansing and before moisturizing or any other serums or treatments.
Life and Pursuits’ Bakuchiol Oil Serum is designed for all skin types. It restores firmness, increases skin elasticity and improves tone and texture while also reducing pigmentation, fade acne scars and encouraging cell turnover and hydration.
Combine vitamin C and Hydroquinone together for brighter and evener-looking skin. Hydroquinone doesn’t cause skin sensitivity and works great with other hydrating ingredients such as Squalane. Furthermore, Hydroquinone is safe to use during the daytime unlike Retinol; just remember to wear sunscreen!
