When it comes to skincare, retinol has long been hailed as a great ingredient. However, products containing retinol can sometimes cause irritation, which is why the discovery of a new, natural alternative called bakuchiol has generated excitement in the beauty industry. This powerful plant-based ingredient is now featured in many products, including popular eye creams, and is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive skin due to its anti-aging properties.

Don't let the name fool you—bakuchiol (pronounced ba-koo-heel) may sound like a Pokémon, but it's actually an extract derived from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant. This herb has been traditionally used in Indian Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Tamil Siddha medicines for its healing, calming, and soothing effects on the skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

So, what exactly is bakuchiol?

According to dermatologists, although some substances from the babchi plant have been used to treat conditions like vitiligo, the use of bakuchiol extracted specifically from the plant is a relatively recent practice.

In a 2019 study, researchers found no significant difference in the effectiveness of bakuchiol compared to retinol in treating wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. However, users of retinol reported more skin dryness and stinging. Other studies have also demonstrated the positive effects of bakuchiol on lines/wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness, as mentioned by dermatologist Chwalek.

Benefits of Bakuchiol for Skin

Not only is it as effective as retinol in targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, but it is also less likely to cause irritation. Like retinol, bakuchiol triggers the genetic pathway in skin cells to produce various types of collagen, which contribute to skin health and anti-aging. However, unlike retinol, bakuchiol does not lead to stubborn dryness or irritation. In fact, it may even help reduce sensitivity to the sun's harmful rays, unlike retinol, which can make the skin more sensitive (don't forget to wear sunscreen during the day).

According to the aforementioned study published in The British Journal of Dermatology, individuals treated with bakuchiol for 12 weeks experienced significant improvements in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and overall photodamage. Additionally, bakuchiol has anti-acne properties, enhances anti-inflammatory effects, evens out skin tone by reducing the appearance of dark spots or hyperpigmentation, and promotes skin cell regeneration and healing.

• Evens skin tone: Bakuchiol deeply penetrates the skin to help lessen the appearance of dark spots or areas of hyperpigmentation.3
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines: Like retinol, bakuchiol tells your cells to regenerate and make collagen, "plumping" your skin and reducing the look of lines and wrinkles.4
• Doesn't cause dryness or irritation: While retinol and other skincare ingredients may dry out skin or cause irritation, bakuchiol is more gentle and isn't known to cause any irritation.2
• Speeds up skin cell regeneration: Bakuchiol sends signals to your cells that it's time to amp up collagen production and cell turnover.
• Suitable for all skin types: Being gentle on skin, most anyone can use bakuchiol.
• Helps soothe and heal skin: By promoting cell turnover and healthy cell regeneration, bakuchiol may help soothe and heal your skin from the inside out.

Side Effects of Bakuchiol

One of the significant advantages of bakuchiol is its suitability for all skin types. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for almost anyone to use. Furthermore, there are currently no known studies reflecting any unwanted or negative side effects of bakuchiol. While it is considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding due to it not being retinol, it is still advisable to wait for further studies to confirm its safety in these situations.

How to Use It

To incorporate bakuchiol into your skincare routine, you can apply it topically as a serum or lotion. Similar to retinol, you can use bakuchiol before your regular moisturizers or serums. Since bakuchiol is milder than retinol, you can apply it in the morning and at night for maximum effectiveness. Although it is unlikely to make your skin more sensitive to the sun, it's always important to apply sunscreen after using bakuchiol in the morning.

And here's another plus: bakuchiol is known to be compatible with other skincare ingredients. Unlike retinol, which may require caution when using certain products like exfoliators, toners, and benzoyl peroxide due to potential irritation, bakuchiol's natural composition makes it safe to use alongside other products in your skincare regimen. This flexibility allows you to customize your routine without worrying about adverse interactions.

In summary, bakuchiol presents a promising natural alternative to retinol in the world of skincare. With its anti-aging properties, ability to even skin tone, reduce fine lines, and promote skin healing, it offers a gentle and effective solution, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Its non-irritating nature and potential sun-sensitivity benefits make it a versatile option for daytime and nighttime use. While further studies are needed to fully explore its potential, bakuchiol's positive attributes and lack of known side effects make it an appealing choice for individuals seeking a natural and safe skincare ingredient.