Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a natural antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient found in the seeds and leaves of the plant Psoralea corylifolia. This plant, also known as babchi, is native to India and is also found in China as well as parts of Africa.

Ongoing in vitro (Petri dish) and in vivo (on skin) research has shown that bakuchiol has a skin-restoring ability, as well as an effect on brightening a dull complexion. In particular, it can help reduce skin discolorations, including post-breakout marks, and clarify uneven tone. Research has also shown this plant ingredient has a significant soothing effect and also offers wrinkle-reducing properties.

Bakuchiol is often touted as a natural alternative to retinol. The association between bakuchiol and retinol is because many of its visible benefits seem to mimic what retinol does. While the two are not identical, science has revealed that bakuchiol interacts with many of the same areas in skin as retinol, sometimes by taking the same pathway, other times by going a different route but still leading to the similar results, such as diminished wrinkles, improved elasticity, and smoother skin. In either case, we’re confident that bakuchiol is a promising, beneficial ingredient. By the way, it’s perfectly OK to use a product that combines retinol and bakuchiol together. Doing so builds on the overlapping and unique benefits each has to offer. Bakuchiol also has a natural stabilizing effect on vitamin A (retinol).

Research has confirmed that bakuchiol works best in concentrations between 0.5-2%. Amounts lower than that have not been shown to provide retinol-like benefits.