You may have heard bakuchiol popping up in a lot of skincare conversations lately, but what exactly is it, and why is it creating such a buzz in the beauty world? If you're curious about this plant-derived ingredient and its benefits for your skin, you're in the right place.
As part of our A to Z of Skincare, let's delve into the world of bakuchiol and discover why it's becoming a must-have in natural skincare routines. We’ll cover:
Bakuchiol, pronounced buh-koo-chee-all, is a natural compound extracted from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, also known as babchi. This plant has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its various health benefits. Bakuchiol itself has gained attention for its skincare properties, often dubbed as a natural alternative to retinol (British Journal of Dermatology).
Bakuchiol for skincare is available in several forms, including serums and oils. Bakuchiol serum is a lightweight, easily absorbed formulation that delivers the potent benefits of bakuchiol directly to the skin. Bakuchiol oil is a concentrated form of bakuchiol that can be used as a standalone treatment or added to skincare products for an extra boost of anti-aging benefits.
Bakuchiol offers many benefits for the skin, making it a versatile ingredient in skincare formulations. It’s perhaps best known for its anti-aging benefits, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture, and encouraging a more radiant and youthful complexion (Journal of Dermatology and Venereology Indonesia).
In general skincare, bakuchiol can help to improve skin brightness and texture while protecting against environmental damage (PubMed), potentially enhancing your overall skin health. If you’d like more tips for brightening your skin, our guide to brightening skincare has plenty of advice including which ingredients to look out for.
Here's what bakuchiol can do for you:
1. Promote youthful skin: bakuchiol is known for its ability to stimulate collagen production and enhance cell turnover, resulting in smoother, firmer skin with reduced fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Improve skin texture: regular use of bakuchiol can help refine skin texture, minimizing the appearance of pores and creating a more even complexion.
3. Enhance skin elasticity: by boosting collagen synthesis, bakuchiol helps improve skin elasticity, making it appear more supple and youthful.
4. Fight signs of aging: bakuchiol's antioxidant properties help neutralize free radicals, preventing oxidative stress and protecting the skin from premature aging caused by environmental aggressors.
5. Soothe irritation: unlike retinol, bakuchiol is gentle on the skin and less likely to cause irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Bakuchiol works by stimulating collagen production, enhancing cell turnover, and providing antioxidant protection to the skin. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Bakuchiol can be incorporated into your skincare routine both day and night. For optimal results, use it consistently. Start by applying it two to three times a week and gradually increase frequency as your skin adjusts. To see the effect of bakuchiol more clearly, you might want to do a 10-day detox first.
To use bakuchiol as part of your skincare routine, start by cleansing your skin thoroughly. Then, apply a small amount of bakuchiol serum or moisturizer to your face and neck, gently massaging it into the skin until absorbed. Follow up with sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV damage.
Bakuchiol isn’t just for facial use, either. It is a key ingredient in body care products like our Advanced Retinoid-Like Body Oil that can significantly reduce premature ageing, wrinkles, and pigmentation while firming the skin.
Bakuchiol is gentle but quite potent, so concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 2% can be very effective in delivering skincare benefits without causing irritation. However, the ideal percentage may vary depending on individual skin sensitivity and the formulation of the product.
Results from using bakuchiol may vary from person to person, but you may notice improvements in your skin's texture and appearance within a few weeks of consistent use. Apply twice a day — morning and night — as part of your skincare routine for best results.
Bakuchiol is a versatile ingredient that can complement a variety of other skincare ingredients, enhancing its efficacy and providing additional benefits. Here are just a handful of the ingredients that work well with bakuchiol:
1. Retinol: If you're wondering whether you can use bakuchiol and retinol together, the answer is yes! Bakuchiol is often touted as a natural alternative to retinol (ResearchGate), so combining these two powerhouse ingredients can provide enhanced anti-aging benefits. However, it's essential to use them cautiously to prevent over-exfoliation or irritation. Start by using them on alternate nights to avoid overloading your skin, and always remember to wear sunscreen during the day when using retinol.
2. Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin, fade dark spots, and even out skin tone (MDPI). When used alongside bakuchiol, it can provide added protection against environmental damage and enhance the skin's radiance.
3. Niacinamide: Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, has multiple benefits for the skin including improving the appearance of pores, reducing redness, and strengthening the skin barrier (MDPI). When paired with bakuchiol, it can help address a wide range of skincare concerns, from aging signs to texture irregularities. Our Niacinamide Ultra 5 Serum, for example, contains both niacinamide and bakuchiol as key ingredients to smooth wrinkles, repair the skin barrier, brighten, calm redness, and reduce visibility of pores.
4. Aloe vera: The combination of aloe vera and bakuchiol in skincare products can provide a synergistic effect, delivering multiple benefits such as hydration, soothing, antioxidant protection, and skin healing. Both ingredients can even help soothe acne (BioMed Research International). Whether you're looking to address signs of aging, improve skin texture, or simply maintain healthy, radiant skin, products containing both aloe vera and bakuchiol can be an excellent addition to your skincare routine.
While bakuchiol is a safe and versatile ingredient, avoid combining it with harsh exfoliants or other potentially irritating ingredients to prevent over-exfoliation or sensitivity. Like retinol, it can be used alongside strong skincare products by applying them on alternating days. While bakuchiol is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before introducing any new skincare ingredients into your routine.
Now that you know all about bakuchiol and its benefits for the skin, why not give it a try? Whether you're looking to combat signs of aging, refine skin texture, or simply maintain a radiant complexion, bakuchiol could be the natural solution you've been searching for. Discover the power of bakuchiol and unlock your skin's full potential with The Organic Pharmacy's range of skincare products, supplements, and more infused with other natural ingredients. Your skin will thank you for it! For more advice, be sure to explore the guides in our knowledge hub.