What Is Bakuchiol?

Anyone who has ever used retinol has likely been aware of the multiple side effects it brings with itself like dry skin, peeling, redness or even itching. And while most of the time it's a good sign that your retinol treatments are working or for the fact that your skin is getting acclimated to retinol, it is still a little harsh on the skin. But they say beauty comes with a price or does it? Because what if we tell you that due to advancements made in the beauty industry, we now have a product that works as a retinol alternative but is far more gentler on the skin? You heard it right. This plant based skincare ingredient is all you need to aid you reverse the signs of aging. 

What Is Bakuchiol? 

Bakuchiol is a plant extract derived from the psoralea corylifolia plant or the “babchi” plant and has a long history that even dates back to its use in Ayurveda. It is a vegan skincare ingredient, a potent antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to reduce the signs of fine lines and wrinkles, increase cell turnover and visibly reduces hyperpigmentation from excess sun exposure. It is also known to stimulate collagen production, has antibacterial properties and corrects the loss of firmness of the skin. The antioxidants in the ingredient have the property of neutralising sun damage and repairing skin cells which is why it can be used as an alternative to Retinol. Since it is milder than retinol and has presumably less irritating properties, it can also be used by people with extremely dry or sensitive skin. 

How Does Bakuhiol Work? 

Even though bakuchiol was an ancient ingredient whose roots can even be traced back to old Chinese medicine, recent studies have highlighted the use of Bakuchiol and its effectiveness to aid the reversion of aging. Bakuchiol works through the same receptors as retinol which is why it is considered a natural alternative to it. However, since it is not a Vitamin A derivative like retinol, it is less irritating. Therefore, bakuchiol can be essentially used to achieve the same goals as retinol but by those who have a more sensitive or acne prone skin. 

Bakuchiol has soothing properties that help the skin and minimise issues associated with sensitivity and reactivity. Being an antioxidant, it helps to reverse the sun damage and protect the skin from environmental aggressors thereby curbing the signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. It is a great addition to skin care for people fighting with aging and acne at the same time. Bakuchiol is also known to help restore the firmness of the skin, refine its texture and even out skin tone. 

Retinol is often associated with skin tightening which can lead to more stinging and harsher skin texture which makes it a severe product for those with sensitive skin to use. However, when it is paired with retinol, bakuchiol can help stabilise it and keep it effective for longer. Another benefit of using products that contain both bakuchiol and retinol is that bakuchiol’s calming ability may enable skin to tolerate retinol in higher amounts.

How To Add Bakuchiol In Your Skincare Routine? 

Wait, first figure out if you should really add this wonderful ingredient in your skincare routine or not because when it comes to an individual, our skin care needs can be really different. So while bakuchiol for skin works as an alternative for retinol, research regarding this product is still being conducted whereas retinol is a tried and tested product that delivers what it should. Having said that, many brands and companies have introduced the product and the users have seemed sufficiently happy with it. 

So, to include bakuchiol in your skincare, figure out whether you want to use it as a serum or as an oil. As a serum, use it after cleaning and toning and it will be a light -weight formulation that will leave space for your other products to be applied over. However, as an oil it will be incredibly moisturising which is great for dehydrated skin. Likewise, a serum can be used in the morning with SPF and the facial oil can be kept for night time usage. Bakuchiol is stable in sunlight and can therefore be used with your broad spectrum sunscreen to hydrate your skin and protect your cells from the exposure. 

Like we said, the product is still too new and much has to be discovered about it yet. But if we have indeed found a milder alternative to topical retinol, it would surely be helpful to a lot of skin sensitive people out there. Adn who knows, for people who love serums this might be the new wonder ingredient.

Read more: 
- All you need to know about retinol