Meet Bakuchiol: Nature’s Alternative to Retinol, Sans Irritation

Bakuchiol is being touted as the new, natural alternative to retinol. But since retinol is the gold standard anti-aging ingredient, able to tackle everything from wrinkles and blemishes to skin tone and texture, is bakuchiol really worthy of the hype? Let’s take a closer look.

Bakuchiol is 100% plant-derived, found in the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea Corylifolia plant found in Eastern Asia. Scientists have known for awhile that this plant extract can have retinol-like effects on the skin: a French study published back in 2014 wrote, "We propose that bakuchiol can function as an anti-aging compound through retinol-like regulation of gene expression." So, while it appears to be the new kid on the beauty ingredient block, it has actually had some scientific weight behind it for quite awhile. “In that 2014 study, bakuchiol was formulated into a finished skincare product and was tested in a clinical case study by twice‐a‐day facial application," explains dermatologist Sarah Shah. "The results showed that 12 weeks of treatment showed significant improvement in lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness and overall reduction in photo‐damage."

Now, notice that we’ve said it has a retinol-like effect. That’s because it doesn’t work in the same way as retinol, but the effect it has on the skin is comparable. “Retinol and bakuchiol are not structurally similar," says Shah. "In fact, bakuchiol bears more structural resemblance to [the antioxidant] resveratrol. However, they are very similar in functionality. When confirmed side by side in a lab study, they were shown to upregulate the same proteins and types of collagen in the skin.”

The benefit of bakuchiol over retinol is that, while retinol is heralded as a wonder ingredient, it can irritate the skin for those who are sensitive, with most people having to acclimate to it by increasing frequency and percentage slowly over time. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, has none of the side effects that can put many off trying retinol.

“Bakuchiol has actually been used as a skincare ingredient for many years for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant purposes,” reveals David Delport, Global Brand Ambassador and Head of Education for REN Clean Skincare. “It stimulates cell renewal in the epidermis for a smooth surface, giving a retinol result without the irritation.”

Oskia thinks so highly of bakuchiol that they reformulated their Super 16 serum to include the retinol-like ingredient. This serum is packed with collagen-boosting ingredients that leaves the skin hydrated and protected (thanks to the antioxidant benefits housed inside this bottle too). Use it morning and night and take your glow game up a notch.

Bakuchiol is the star of the show in this anti-aging cream from Ren. Use it morning and night for a complexion that is smoother, plumper and more lifted. Ren is serious about sustainability too, so if you’re looking to widen your natural beauty efforts—from being good for your skin to choosing sustainable products that are good for the planet—then this cream is for you.

Want to have your cake and eat it too? Well, Strivectin is your enabler as it has combined retinol (three types, to be precise) and bakuchiol in this night oil, which can be used alone or under moisturizer. The addition of calming niacinamide and nourishing squalane mitigate the potential irritation the retinol could cause. It’s a skin-perfecting powerhouse.

In this natural a.m./p.m. serum from Biossance, you’re getting bakuchiol, hydrating hyaluronic acid and nourishing squalane, making it a smart choice for those with sensitive skin (although, always patch test first!).

Packed with natural, antioxidant-rich oils and that all-important bakuchiol, this face oil boosts skin-plumping collagen production while protecting your complexion from environmental aggressors. Ideal for city-dwellers, you can use it morning and night to boost your glow.

In this night cream from Ole Henriksen, bakuchiol has been mingled with exfoliating AHAs, which act like helpers to slough away dead skin so the bakuchiol can get deep down into the skin. If dark spots, uneven texture and dullness are your foes, add this to your skincare rotation ASAP.

If your skin is lacking bounce and glow, then this liquid foam made with retinol, bakuchiol and hyaluronic acid will ramp up collagen production, tackle pesky pigmentation and quench your skin’s thirst. Use it once a day to see results.

If you’re not sure where to invest your money, this is a good bet. The hardworking serum contains an impressive list of ingredients, including both mandelic and lactic acids, with BHA salicylic acid to slough away dead skin cells, tackle pigmentation, enlarged pores, breakouts and blackheads. Bakuchiol brings to it the retinol-like anti-aging benefits, while hyaluronic acid hydrates, essential fatty acids nourish and niacinamide bolsters the skin barrier.

Packed with skin-fortifying ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this wildcrafted moisturizer also contains antioxidant Vitamin C to brighten and protect, alongside glycolic acid to exfoliate and promote collagen production. Bakuchiol tackles fine lines, while aloe leaves your skin feeling soothed.

Formulated for people dealing with blemishes and acne, this powerful treatment product combines retinol, bakuchiol and salicylic acid (known to exfoliate deep down inside blocked pores). Since this is so potent, you need to apply at night only and start twice a week, building up to every night over time. You also need to diligently apply SPF in the day, making this much more like a traditional retinol product. Beyond bakuchiol, these are the hottest skincare ingredients for 2019.

Source: Byrdie – Amy Lawrenson