Bakuchiol: A “More Natural Retinol” That’s Equally Effective for Skin

If you're looking for a "natural retinol" that's gentler on your skin but has the same skin-boosting properties, look no further than bakuchiol. This plant-based antioxidant promotes healthy aging without causing skin irritation or sensitivity.

Although this natural compound is still unknown, it is starting to gain traction in the cosmetics and beauty world. If you have sensitive skin and experience redness or inflammation from other popular skin ingredients, it might be time to try bakuchiol.

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol (pronounced buh-koo-chee-all) is an extract made from the leaves and seeds of the bakuchi plant. Babchi or Psoralea corylifolia is a purple-flowered herb commonly used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine.

This plant-derived compound has emerged as a new retinoid ingredient in skin care.

Bakuchiol is known to be a gentler alternative to retinol but offers many of the same benefits. It also acts as an antioxidant and is used to promote skin health and promote healthy aging.

This plant-based compound is used as an alternative to retinol in people with sensitive skin.

While retinol can sometimes cause redness, burning, and stinging, research shows that pure bakuchiol is gaining attention for its ability to improve acne, melasma, photoaging, and hyperpigmentation without side effects.

What Are the Benefits of Bakuchiol?

The main benefit of bakuchiol is that its effectiveness is comparable to that of retinol, but it is known to be a gentler, all-natural compound. Here’s a breakdown of the top benefits of antioxidants for skin.

1. Reduce fine lines and wrinkles An oft-cited 2014 study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science evaluated the activity of bakuchiol extract versus retinol on skin. The researchers found that although bakuchiol bears no structural similarity to retinoids, their functions are still similar, particularly in terms of their gene expression profiles.

Study results showed that after applying bakuchiol to the face twice daily for 12 weeks, participants experienced significant improvements in fine lines and wrinkles and an overall reduction in skin elasticity, firmness, and photodamage. Positive results comparable to results from retinol facial application.

2. Enhance skin elasticity and firmness:

Several studies have shown that bakuchiol extract helps improve skin elasticity and firmness. One clinical study found that a nighttime facial serum made with bakuchiol, melatonin, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (a derivative of vitamin C) increased skin firmness after 12 weeks.

3. Stimulate collagen:

Studies have shown that bakuchiol serum is involved in the upregulation of type I and type IV collagen in DNA and stimulates type III collagen. This means that the compound boosts collagen production and prevents collagen loss, just like retinol.

Since collagen is a protein that helps form connective tissue in the skin and throughout the body, increasing its production contributes to healthy aging and the reduction of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.

4. Soothes rough and damaged skin:

Bakuchiol is often used to soothe rough, dry and damaged skin due to its nourishing and anti-inflammatory properties. It has moisturizing properties and includes squalane, an antioxidant rich in fatty acids that supports skin health.

Research shows that plant-derived squalane acts as a quencher of singlet oxygen, protecting the skin surface from damage caused by exposure to UV rays and other sources of ionizing radiation. Its emollient, moisturizing effects soothe inflamed, damaged skin and relieve skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

5. Fight acne:

Another benefit of bakuchiol for the skin is its antibacterial properties, which can fight acne. A study published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetic and Research Dermatology found that a complex containing bakuchiol, ginkgo biloba, and mannitol increased the effectiveness of the vitamin A derivative adapalene in treating acne.

One preliminary study noted that bakuchiol reduced acne by about 57%, while salicylic acid reduced acne by only 48%. When these two ingredients are used together, they can reduce acne lesions and inflammation by up to 70%.

6. Improve pigmentation:

Hyperpigmentation is a discoloration or darkening of the skin. It causes dark spots or streaks on the surface of the skin and may appear after prolonged exposure to the sun or breakouts.

Recent studies have found that bakuchiol products may improve hyperpigmentation and photoaging and may have a better safety profile than retinoids.

7. As an antioxidant, etc.

A recent study published in Pharmacological Research highlighted bakuchiol as a newly discovered “fighter against organ damage.” This is due to the compound’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and estrogen-like effects.

According to researchers, folic acid has been shown to have protective effects on the heart, liver, skin and other organs. It inhibits liver fibrosis, suppresses cancer cells—including those in the stomach, breast, and skin—lowers blood sugar and triglycerides, prevents bone loss, and delays osteoporosis.

Risks and Bakuchiol Side Effects:

●Bakuchiol is touted as a safer, gentler option compared to retinoids. It is an all-natural, plant-based compound that does not cause dryness or irritation in most cases.

●Antioxidants are known to be gentle enough for use on sensitive skin. That said, if you experience any adverse side effects after using a bakuchiol product, such as redness, burning, or stinging, you may be sensitive to the compound or other ingredients in the formula, and you should stop using it.

●Contrary to retinol, bakuchiol appears to be safe during pregnancy, but to be on the safe side, seek the advice of your midwife or doctor before adding it to your pregnancy skin care regimen.

How to Use Bakuchiol?

You'll start to notice more and more beauty products containing this botanical ingredient. One of the most popular ways to use this compound is as a bakuchiol serum or oil, applied to the face morning and night.

You can use bakuchiol the same way you would use retinol. It can be applied to a clean face or added to your favorite moisturizer.

What is another benefit of using bakuchiol on your skin? It appears to be safe when mixed with other skin care ingredients, so it is safe to add it to serums and lotions. Other bakuchiol products on the market include cleansers and creams.

Conclusion:

★Bakuchiol is an extract obtained from the leaves and seeds of the Babchi plant. It is growing in popularity as a gentler skin-friendly alternative to retinol.

★Bakuchiol serum is used to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, improve hyperpigmentation, reduce inflammation, fight acne, improve skin firmness and boost collagen production.

★The side effects of bakuchiol are minimal and almost non-existent. It is known to be gentle enough for sensitive skin and does not cause irritation or redness.