If you’ve ever been interested in trying out retinol but have been wary of its side effects, bakuchiol may be just the alternative you’ve been looking for. Bakuchiol, like retinol, is an ingredient that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boost collagen production and improve skin tone and texture. And as it turns out, bakuchiol has proven to be gentler on the skin than many other alternatives on the market! Here’s what you need to know about this trendy anti-aging ingredient!
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a compound found in castor beans and exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties. It has gained popularity as an alternative to retinol due to its efficacy with regard to reducing fine lines and dark spots on the skin. A 2016 study conducted by researchers at Ohio State University School of Medicine showed that bakuchiol can inhibit melanogenesis (the formation of melanin) and whiten skin.
Why Is Bakuchiol Better Than Other Anti-aging Ingredients?
While retinol can cause redness and irritation, bakuchiol is a natural alternative that delivers all of the retinol’s anti-aging benefits minus these side effects. Bakuchiol treats wrinkles, collagen loss, and uneven skin tone, making it an ideal ingredient for anti-aging skincare products.
Why Are Skincare Companies Starting To Use Bakuchiol?
Originally discovered in a small Brazilian rainforest tree, Bakuchiol is quickly becoming one of skincare’s most talked-about ingredients. And for good reason! Now that more and more companies are adding it to their formulas (typically replacing harsh retinol), bakuchiol is gaining widespread popularity with both consumers and dermatologists alike. Today I’m going to tell you all about how it works and how it can help improve your skin health. So without further ado…let’s get started!
What makes Bakuchiol such an attractive ingredient? The first thing we need to understand is what it does. As mentioned above, bakuchiol acts as an alternative to retinol which has been used by many as a solution for aging skin. However, these days there are concerns over whether or not retinol—as well as other derivatives like adapalene—are safe when used long term. To make matters worse, it’s also suspected that they can actually accelerate signs of aging in some cases! This is where bakuchiol comes in: unlike retinol and its relatives, bakuchiol doesn’t cause irritation and can be applied safely on a daily basis. So how exactly does it work? One of its primary benefits comes from inhibiting excess production of sebum, which can lead to acne and clogged pores.
How Does it Work?
Bakuchiol is a natural alternative for retinol and vitamin A. Unlike retinols which are created synthetically, Bakuchiol is naturally occurring. It’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years and has been shown to have properties that reduce acne & hyperpigmentation. While it isn’t a direct substitute for retinols (which can only be found in prescription form), Bakuchiol can be used as an alternative or complement.
Can I Use Both Vitamin C and Bakuchiol?
Both Vitamin C and Bakuchiol (also known as botanical retinoids) are popular anti-aging ingredients that have many similar effects on the skin. Both ingredients increase collagen production, smooth skin texture, and fade hyperpigmentation. While both these ingredients are effective for fighting signs of aging, it’s not necessary to use both in your skincare routine. You may even find that these two powerful ingredients work better separately.
Which Skincare Products Contain Bakuchiol?
While bakuchiol hasn’t yet hit mainstream skincare shelves in North America or Europe, there are some products that contain it—including a few popular K-beauty brands. Two of my favorite bakuchiol skincare products include Charlotte Cho’s The Honest Company Eye Serum and The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA.
Final Thoughts
Another natural skin-rejuvenating ingredient that’s been garnering attention lately is bakuchiol. Derived from an ancient plant used in Chinese medicine for centuries, bakuchiol isn’t a new ingredient but one that hasn’t yet received widespread use in Western beauty products.
