What Is Bakuchiol and What Are Its Skincare Benefits?

Bakuchiol is a potent antioxidant and can help the skin with a multitude of concerns. It has a long-established history of being used throughout traditional Chinese medicine and is gradually making its way into western skincare products, but what is this mysterious ingredient and what benefits should we expect from it? Today we will explore and hopefully find out more about Bakuchiol.

What is Bakuchiol made from?

Bakuchiol is found in the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant and is widely used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine to help treat a variety of diseases, especially those related to skin concerns due to the fact it possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Though it may seem as though Bakuchiol has only recently climbed the ranks and has become a popular skincare ingredient, there has been a number of scientific research behind it starting in 2014 that proved it to be a highly effective and safer alternative to retinol.

What does Bakuchiol do for the skin?

With a lot of research claiming Bakuchiol to be as effective to the skin for diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it is also known to be less irritating than other products. It is also a powerful antioxidant meaning it has the ability to protect the skin and its natural barrier from any environmental aggressors, such as sun exposure, pollution, climate and other skin stresses.

Full list of the skin benefits you will find when using Bakuchiol;

• Helps combat any uneven skin tone
• Can help diminish signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles
• Can speed up the skin cell regeneration resulting in glowing, younger-looking skin
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties
• Contains anti-acne properties
• Helps restore firmness by boosting the production of collagen in the skin
• Refines skin texture giving a smoother-looking complexion
• Helps to calm the skin making it a good option for those prone to sensitivity

Some impressive results from a lesser-known ingredient in the beauty industry. With it being likened so much to retinol it would be highly beneficial for anyone who finds retinoids too strong for their skin and can cause frequent irritation. Bakuchiol now gives them the opportunity to gain the same skin benefits without causing any reactions to the skin. 

How do you use Bakuchiol oil?

To use Bakuchiol oil you must also use a “carrier” oil, such as coconut to help the make it more pliable and able to move around the face allowing it to be worked into the skin and penetrating the lower layers of the epidermis.

1. Take a few drops of Bakuchiol oil (as many as you require)
2. Add an equal amount of coconut oil and mix together
3. Apply to your target areas 4-5 times a day

You will also find that Bakuchiol also comes in serum form that can be used after fully cleansing the skin and before applying your moisturiser. The formula and how Bakuchiol comes rarely makes a difference and the skin benefits have the same effectiveness.

Unlike retinol, that requires a slow introduction into your skincare routine, allowing enough time for your skin to build a tolerance to the levels of concentrates, Bakuchiol is safe and gentle enough to use. You will also find that certain ingredients that don’t work well with retinol have no or little effect on how well Bakuchiol can perform.

How long does it take for Bakuchiol to work?

If used frequently and regularly throughout your skincare routine you will see results in roughly 12 weeks. Applications of twice a day will restore elasticity, wrinkles and pigmentation, this will give the complexion a smoother, firmer and more glowing appearance.  

Can I use Bakuchiol during the day?

Unlike retinol that is known to lose its potency once exposed to UV rays, Bakuchiol can be used during the day thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of its formula. It is still advisable to apply an SPF of 30 and above to ensure there is no damage caused by the overexposure to the sun.

Is Bakuchiol as good as retinol?

Strictly speaking, Bakuchiol and retinol do not have the same structure, but the effects they have on the skin is comparable by reducing fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of ageing and in fact work extremely well together.

When used together you will find there is a powerful overlapping effect on the skin resulting in any potent retinol will become neutralised as Bakuchiol has the ability to stabilise vitamin A with its soothing properties able to improve the skin’s tolerance to the different strengths of retinol.

You will also find that Bakuchiol is more stable when exposed to the sun and makes a great retinol alternative to use throughout the day bearing in mind to slather the skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 and above to protect the skin from any damage and able to deliver the best results for the overall complexion.

Why is Bakuchiol having a moment?

This may be due to the popularity of natural and vegan alternatives to other conventional ingredients is increasing by the day. It has become more mainstream and featured more regularly in various skincare products as general awareness and attention to skincare ingredients has also increased in recent years, with more and more people focusing on what products they are putting on their faces and opting for ingredients that have high potency and can deliver results.

So there you have a great and high performing alternative to retinol, for some of you who are prone to sensitivity even the word retinol may have brought you out in a rash. But thankfully you are now well introduced to a fantastic alternative allowing you the opportunity to maximise your skincare routine and combat any skin concerns you have with great ease.