You might have heard bakuchiol called the "retinol-alternative". Retinoids are the gold standard for anti-aging with science to back it up. Can bakuchiol really give us the same results?
This article will cover everything you need to know about bakuchiol:
- Where bakuchiol comes from
- How bakuchiol works
- Best uses for bakuchiol
- Bakuchiol vs retinol
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is an antioxidant derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant. It is often called the “retinol alternative” for having the same benefits when applied on skin.
Bakuchiol helps with anti-aging, texture smoothing, and correcting sun damage. Unlike retinoids, bakuchiol has a calming effect on the skin. It may help improve irritation.
Fun fact: The Psoralea corylifolia plant is used in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine.
How does bakuchiol work?
Bakuchiol works similarly to retinol. It helps break down free radicals and stimulate collagen production in skin.
Bakuchiol is an antioxidant, meaning it helps the skin fight against free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that may cause harmful chemical reactions in your body. These molecules break down collagen and elastin in the skin. Collagen and elastin help keep skin youthful.
To combat this antioxidants are able to donate an electron to free radicals. This helps to stabilize free radicals and lessen skin damage.
Bakuchiol benefits
Bakuchiol is a good alternative for those who experience irritation using retinol. The two can be used together if you do not have sensitivity towards retinol. Using both may boost the anti-aging effects.
The benefits of bakuchiol includes improving cell turnover and firming skin, evening out skin tone, smoothing skin texture, and reducing the signs of aging. One study from the British Journal of Dermatology found bakuchiol to be just as effective as retinol. However, this study was relatively small.
Bakuchiol has been found to help with reducing wrinkles, fine-lines, and brightening skin. Further research is needed to find just how effective this ingredient is, especially compared with retinoids.
While bakuchiol does not make the skin more sun sensitive, we recommend wearing SPF on a daily basis
Like with any other ingredient, you may experience irritation or allergies when using bakuchiol. You may experience dryness, irritation and dermatitis.
We recommend speaking with a professional about incorporating bakuchiol if you have any concerns.
How is it different than a retinoids?
Bakuchiol is marketed as a retinol-alternative. The two are actually from different families. Bakuchiol is an antioxidant that has similar benefits as retinol. Both are anti-aging, texture smoothing, and sun damage correctors.
Bakuchiol has some differences. Bakuchiol is safe to use during pregnancy (please still consult with your doctor!) and less likely to cause irritation than retinol. It does not make the skin more sensitive to the sun. Combining retinol and bakuchiol may boost the the benefits of both.
Start Using Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol can be used both during the day and at night. Many types of products with bakuchiol exist including toners, serums, and moisturizers.
Browse over 200 products containing Bakuchiol here. 😊
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