Bakuchiol: The Plant-Based Alternative to Retinol

A recent study revealed that 71% of adults suffer from sensitive skin types. So, if you’ve been kinda mean to your skin about not being able to handle certain skincare ingredients, you can cut it some slack as the majority of adults are right there with you (soz skin, pls forgive us). Plus, there are many natural skincare ingredients being discovered all the time that are not only drama-free, but they’re also the better choice for your skin’s health in general. Speaking of which, bakuchiol has now entered the chat, a plant-based alternative to retinol that has the same benefits for the skin, but without the potential irritating side effects. Hooray! 

What Is Bakuchiol? 

Bakuchiol is a plant-based skincare ingredient that’s derived from the leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, most commonly known as the much-easier-to-say Indian babchi plant. Because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant benefits, it’s been used in traditional medicines for centuries before we discovered the benefits of bakuchiol in our skincare routines. 

What Are the Benefits of Bakuchiol?

1. Reduces The Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Just like retinol, one of the benefits of bakuchiol for skin is that it tones down the look of fine lines and wrinkles by encouraging skin cell turnover to replace them with younger-looking skin cells. As the skin cells replace themselves, they’ll naturally produce more collagen during the process, adding more volume to the skin and softening out their appearance. 

2. Lightens Hyperpigmentation and Improves Skin Texture 

Because of the regular refreshing of skin cells, bakuchiol can also help to lighten hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture. 

3.Free Radical Protection 

Bakuchiol is a natural antioxidant, meaning it’s able to help protect the skin against free radical damage by neutralising the unstable molecules by giving them the missing electron they need. Our body naturally produces free radicals, but it can be persuaded to make more by things like UV exposure, blue light, and pollution. 

Bakuchiol vs Retinol 

There’s no denying that retinol works wonders for some skin types, we’re not here to talk total smack about it, but it can often be harsh for sensitive skin types. Bakuchiol doesn’t have any known side effects for the skin, making it the safer option for delicate skin, in particular those with acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Plus, unlike retinol, it’s A-OK to use during pregnancy. 

Many people don’t know this, but retinol actually breaks down in the sun, limiting its benefits for the skin when worn during the day. This is why most retinol skincare products are for nighttime use only. Bakuchiol can be applied day or night and still have its full power. In fact, when it’s used twice a day, it’s been shown to be just as effective as retinol.

It’s also easier to use than retinol in a skincare routine as it plays nicely with most active ingredients, such as AHAs and vitamin C, whereas retinol is usually recommended as an active ingredient to be used alone. Just be sure to check out the added ingredients in the formula if there are any, as just because bakuchiol can be mixed with many active ingredients, it doesn’t mean the other ingredients can be.

Best Bakuchiol K-Beauty Products We’re Currently Obsessing Over: 

NEOGEN Dermalogy Real Bakuchiol Firming Serum (30ml) - £34.00 

For a seriously snatched look, this anti-ageing serum is supercharged with 10% bakuchiol to restore the skin’s firmness, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It boosts the effects of bakuchiol with vitamin C, whilst preventing collagen and elastin damage with NEOGEN patented ingredients, such as lupin peptides and hydrolysed lupine proteins. With an additional 5 plant extracts to enhance your skin’s vitality, we’re officially all out of reasons why you gotta try NEOGEN Dermalogy Real Bakuchiol Firming Serum in your skincare routine.

UNLEASHIA Satin Wear Healthy-Green Cushion SPF30 PA++ (3 Shades) - £25.00 

If your foundation doesn’t include the benefits of bakuchiol for the skin, you’re missing out. Big time. UNLEASHIA Satin Wear Healthy-Green Cushion SPF30 PA+++ is available in 3 different shades to cover imperfections with a beautiful dewy finish, whilst bakuchiol works behind the scenes to soften the signs of ageing, improve skin texture, and provide free radical protection. The foundation/skincare hybrid also contains papaya fruit extract to lightly exfoliate the skin for increased radiance. 

HARUHARU WONDER Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream (20ml) - £15.00

Eye bags big enough to have a personality of their own need HARUHARU WONDER Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream. If you’re guilty of neglecting your eye area (hello to everyone ever), it’s not too late to undo the damage if you act quick. Black rice extract, bakuchiol, and panax ginseng root extract join forces to reduce puffiness and dark circles, fight free radicals, and grow collagen fibres for fullness around thinning eye areas, just get it on ASAP. 

PURITO Bakuchiol Timeless Bloom Revitalising Serum (30ml) - £26.00 

Featuring 1% bakuchiol and 5 herbal extracts, PURITO Bakuchiol Timeless Bloom Revitalising Serum is one of our best bakuchiol skincare products. Clinically proven to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and skin texture, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed by its results. For moisture and barrier strength (which you can never get enough of), it also includes betaine.