What Is Bakuchiol and Can It Replace Retinol?
At Art of Skin Care, we love plant-based active ingredients, and bakuchiol is no exception. Bakuchiol has been making waves in the skincare world as a potential natural alternative to retinol. With its origins in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, bakuchiol is touted for its ability to offer similar benefits to retinol without some of the common side effects. But can this plant-derived powerhouse truly replace the gold standard of retinol in your skincare routine? In this blog, we'll dive into the science behind bakuchiol, compare it to retinol, and help you decide if it's the right choice for your skin.
What Is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is an oil extract created from the seeds and leaves of Psoralea corylifolia. This plant, also known as babchi, grows in India and has been a staple ingredient in Indian & Chinese medicines for quite some time. Modern researchers have taken an interest in this extract thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as antibacterial properties.
Back in 2018, a comparison of retinol and bakuchiol was published in the British Journal of Dermatology. This study suggested that it offers the same promises as retinoids but without the potentially pesky side effects. There is a direct relationship between bakuchiol's sudden "glow-up" and this piece of research. In so many words, the paper is great as a starting point, but it is not definitive. Part of its conclusion even mentions a call for more research!
Okay, so bakuchiol got a little overhyped. However, it's still a great addition to your skincare routine. All skin types tolerate it well, it boosts cell turnover a little, and diminishes the visible signs of aging. It even helps soothe irritated skin a bit, too. That means more elasticity with fewer deep wrinkles and fine lines, all without irritating your skin.
Can Bakuchiol Replace Retinol?
Bakuchiol is not a true replacement for retinol. Retinoids, in all their forms, have a greater variety of known benefits with better research backing them up. After all, if you're looking for a more gentle form of retinol, retinaldehyde is a fabulous option. However, bakuchiol has a few different benefits over retinol:
- Bakuchiol has antioxidant and antibacterial effects.
- Bakuchiol may exhibit similar anti-aging characteristics to retinol, even affecting collagen production and strength.
- Unlike most retinoids, bakuchiol does not increase sensitivity to sunlight. This makes it a suitable AM treatment option. Keep wearing that sunscreen though! ;)
- It's undoubtedly more gentle than the harsher forms of retinol.
- Bakuchiol mixes well with other skincare products and active ingredients.
- Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is safe to use while pregnant.
- While not particularly well-researched, bakuchiol may help soothe the skin and calm inflammation.
As you can tell, bakuchiol's effects are excellent. If you consider its stability and gentle nature, it's a safe choice to add to virtually any skincare routine. And as I mentioned earlier, it pairs well with retinoids, so you'll get even more benefits by combining them.
Does Bakuchiol Have Any Side Effects?
Bakuchiol does not have any documented side effects. In the 2018 study I mentioned, they noted that some subjects who used bakuchiol had a brief increase in redness at week four. Even then, that quickly subsided. None of these subjects expressed feeling any pain or discomfort of any form. In summary, bakuchiol is immensely safe for topical use in skincare products.
Products We Carry That Feature Bakuchiol
We have several beautiful bakuchiol serums that aim to use the ingredient as a natural retinol alternative. Each one of these are great for minimizing the visible signs of aging and boosting radiance. Also, keep in mind that you can still use these serums in tandem with retinol for even greater results.
Michele Corley Brighten and Restore Complex is a powerful oil serum that tackles signs of aging and hyperpigmentation at the same time! This lovely light oil has a pleasant herbal scent and includes some other powerhouse antioxidants right alongside bakuchiol. These include brightening Vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E to neutralize free radicals, rosehip seed oil, and sea buckthorn fruit oil. This is a fountain of youth in a bottle! And since it's an oil, it'll help with hydrating and locking in moisture for dry skin types as well!
Sorella Apothecary Facial in a Bottle is a superb choice for decongesting skin with mild breakouts. Facial in a Bottle focuses on gently resurfacing skin texture and brightening dark spots with ingredients that ensure a glowing complexion without irritation. Check out this glowing review:
“I’m in love with this product. This has single-handedly reduced the small bumps around my jawline. My skin is smoother, more vibrant, and feels amazing. Kicking myself for not trying this sooner. Facial in a bottle has also made any existing acne heal faster!”
-Amanda T.
I genuinely believe bakuchiol is an excellent skincare ingredient, one I hope to see used more frequently in the future! Now that the hype has quieted down a little, I recommend giving bakuchiol a shot. It's safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin, so there's zero risk with plenty of rewards! As always, feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to us in live chat. In the meantime, may your skin be as bright, glowing, and beautiful as you.
