Many might have heard about the benefits of an ingredient called Retinol and wonders it can make to your skin. But despite its effectiveness, retinol might be quite irritating and increase skin sensitivity. Luckily, nature gave as a plant which derivative has extremely similar properties as retinol but does not cause any irritations. 

Here we present Bakuchiol, today’s hot ingredient. 

Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient which is derived from the leaves and seeds of Psoralea Carylifolia or simply Babchi plant. According to studies, bakuchiol has similar properties as retinol which include treating hyperpigmentation and acne, reducing wrinkle appearance and protecting skin from free radicals.

What are the benefits bakuchiol gives to the skin?

1) Fights hyperpigmentation – Bakuchiol can help to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by controlling melanin production.

2) Reduces and treats acne – Bakuchiol increases cell turnover, which can speed up healing processes of acne and inflammations. Additionally, antibacterial properties of bakuchiol helps to protect the skin and kill the bacteria.

3) Improves wrinkle appearance – Bakuchiol can speed up cell turnover ratio and boost collagen production, which helps to increase skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles and fine lines appearance.

4) Does not cause irritations (note: check individual reactions and possible allergies) – being a plant-based ingredient, bakuchiol is gentler and photo-stable meaning it can be using in the morning and not be inhibited by the UV rays.

Main difference between retinol and bakuchiol and the reason why you should try this ingredient, bakuchiol does not increase skin’s cells sensitivity and is more stable under UV-rays, which means bakuchiol-based products can be used in the morning and the night. 

What bakuchiol-based products can you try?

BENTON BAKUCHIOL SERUM

A very new serum which contains 2.5% of Bakuchiol, Niacinamide and Adenosine has hydrating creamy texture which will hydrate and moisturize the skin for a long time. Three main ingredients will help to even the skin tone, improve wrinkle appearance and protect the skin from free radicals. 

HARUHARU WONDER BLACK RICE BAKUCHIOL EYE CREAM

Hydrating eye cream containing 0.5% of Bakuchiol as well as Fermented Black Rice Extract, which is a key ingredient of all HaruHaru Wonder's product line. Black Rice is a highly effective antioxidant, which helps to protect cells from a damaging effect of free radicals and protect the skin from premature aging.  

23YEARS OLD BAKUCHIOL A AMPOULE

An anti-aging serum based on Bakuchiol and Hydralyzed collagen will help to improve and increase elasticity of the skin and help to reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizing creamy texture will provide deep hydration without stickiness and greasiness.  

Despite all sayings that Bakuchiol can be used instead of retinol, it is important to remember that even though both possess similar properties, bakuchiol is simply a gentler alternative and still can work differently from vitamin A. 

Keynote: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is very important to have a consultation about using bakuchiol in your daily skincare.