If we were to enumerate new cosmetic ingredients of fast-expanding popularity, bakuchiol would certainly be among the top 10. For many, a completely new and unknown term – bakuchiol, is slowly entering the ears (and on the cosmetic shelves), and can increasingly be heard in conversations about the best skin care products. The first thing you will learn about this ingredient is the fact that it is a completely natural replacement for retinol – which is why it is often found in creams and serums from the anti-age cosmetics category. Of course, that is not the end of its application.
If you want to know everything about bakuchiol, the possibilities and ways of its application, read this text to the end. We have also highlighted a few of our favourites for skin care.
What is Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative to retinol (a form of vitamin A) from a cosmetic perspective, in terms of effects and areas of its application.
It can be said that for the “Western world” this is a new and modern ingredient whose popularity is growing day by day, while in Asian culture the situation is completely different. Bakuchiol is actually obtained from the Asian plant babchi (bakuchi), which has been known in Eastern alternative medicine for a long time. This ingredient has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, which have proven effective in treatments for revitalizing and caring for facial skin.
The most significant effects of using bakuchiol in skin care treatments are:
- It stimulates the production of collagen and elastin;
- It reduces the visibility of aging signs: fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation (photo-damaged skin);
- It smooths and tightens the skin – improves its texture, reduces roughness and loss of tone;
- It alleviates inflammation and reduces the occurrence of acne;
- It makes the skin firmer, brighter and more radiant.
Bakuchiol vs. Retinol – Main Differences
Although retinol is the king of anti-aging cosmetics, bakuchiol is a serious competitor for the throne. Both ingredients provide very effective results in terms of smoothing the skin, reducing the visibility of wrinkles, alleviating acne and hyperpigmentation spots. However, there are key differences based on which you can assess which ingredient is more suitable for you. We present them below.
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BAKUCHIOL |
RETINOL |
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Natural plant (vegan) ingredient Bakuchiol is obtained (by distillation) from the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant (lat. Psoralea Corylifolia). It grows in Asia and has been used for centuries in Indian and Chinese medicine. |
Synthetic origin Retinol is most often obtained in the laboratory, by processing animal-derived foods (fish oil, egg yolks…). |
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For all types of skin Bakuchiol does not cause irritation, redness, burning and other discomforts, so it is suitable for all skin types, even for sensitive ones. |
Not intended for sensitive skin Retinol can cause irritation, drying, burning, flaking, redness, and itching of the skin (because it acts as a scrub). Therefore, it is not recommended for people who have sensitive skin. |
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No need for adaptation Bakuchiol is extremely mild and gentle to the skin. Unlike other, more aggressive ingredients, it does not have to be gradually introduced into the care routine. It can be used daily, in the morning and evening without prior “adjustment” of the skin to the new ingredient. It can also be combined with other ingredients (ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C…). The only advice is not to use it in combination with glycolic acid which can reduce the effect of bakuchiol and nullify its effects. |
Necessary to gradually introduce into care treatments Retinol can act aggressively on the skin, especially if it is sensitive. In the beginning, it is advised to use it every second or third day and gradually increase the frequency of its application. |
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It is not photosensitive Unlike retinol, bakuchiol can be used throughout the day (both in the morning and evening), as it does not cause negative changes to the skin under the influence of sunlight. However, even when using cosmetics with bakuchiol, dermatologists advise the mandatory use of creams with a protective factor when sunbathing. |
Photosensitive ingredient Retinol belongs to the group of photosensitive ingredients which under the influence of sunlight can cause spots on the skin. Therefore, its application in evening care treatments is recommended, as well as the mandatory use of creams with SPF after using cosmetics with retinol. |
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It takes longer to work The expected results of using cosmetics with bakuchiol are usually noticed after 4-8 weeks of continuous application. After this period, changes in terms of evening out the complexion and skin texture, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and acne are noticeable. |
It works faster Given that this ingredient is “more aggressive”, it works faster on smoothing the skin. Within a few weeks of adequate application, it gives results in terms of reducing the visibility of wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation. |
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Less prevalent Given that it is a relatively new and expensive ingredient in the cosmetic world, products with bakuchiol are not much represented on the market. |
Widely spread Retinol is much more accessible and known ingredient, so it is more often represented in the offer of numerous cosmetic houses in skin care products. |
Which Products to Use
During the aging process, the skin loses elasticity and collagen levels, tone, firmness, and plumpness decrease. Due to all these changes and lower hydration level, fine lines and wrinkles appear. To keep the skin smooth, tight, and plump for longer, it is necessary to stimulate the production of collagen, using appropriate cosmetic products. Bakuchiol, just as well as retinol, stimulates the renewal of skin cells, boosts the production and synthesis of collagen and elastin, and in this way reduces the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines.
If you are still not sure whether you need bakuchiol, ask yourself a few questions.
- Are you over 30 years old?
- Do you have sensitive skin prone to irritations?
- Do you use exclusively vegan cosmetics (without animal-derived ingredients)?
If you answered positively to at least two questions, then you should try cosmetics with bakuchiol. And be patient, results never come overnight. Don’t give up if you don’t see key changes after a few days of application. Bakuchiol needs time to give visible results. When you notice them, you will surely be delighted.
Look what products with bakuchiol are our favourites:
| Face Serum NATURE SPELL 1% Bakuchiol + Squalane | Correcting Serum REVOLUTION SKINCARE 1% Bakuchiol |
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Share with us your impressions about bakuchiol and write about your favourite ingredients for skin care.