Whether you’re new to skincare or a complete addict, you’ve probably heard of retinol at some point. Retinol is widely considered a skincare staple, especially when it comes to reducing the signs of aging. And retinol isn’t just popular, it’s been widely researched for skincare research.
However, retinol has its dark side: it can be quite irritating for many people, often causing temporary side effects like flaking and peeling as your skin acclimates to it. It is therefore not surprising that the bakuchiol has made such progress.
Although a relatively new ingredient, bakuchiol has quickly made its way into many different products from a myriad of different brands. And although the research is quite limited, the results so far are promising.
So what is the bakuchiol doing to the face that’s giving it so much hype? Let’s take a look at the science of bakuchiol, its benefits, and whether it’s a new fad or a new staple diet.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a plant extract derived from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia (also known as “babchi”), which has been cultivated and used in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries.
Similar to its well-known counterpart, bakuchiol has been observed to stimulate collagen production in the skin. And like retinol, bakuchiol is available in a variety of creams, serums, and even cleansers. And very often, you’ll find them combined with powerful antioxidants like vitamin C and niacinamide.
Bakuchiol vs retinol: what’s the difference?
As you may have noticed in this article, bakuchiol and retinol are often compared to each other because their benefits are so similar.
So what exactly is retinol?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, and it is commonly used in skincare for its ability to stimulate collagen production, diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the overall appearance of the skin. .
Although known for its versatility, retinol is widely recognized as an anti-aging ingredient due to its ability to connect to nearly all skin cell receptor sites, causing it to mimic the behavior of a healthy and younger skin cell. Retinol is also a powerful antioxidant known to interrupt free radical damage associated with wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging.
Retinol can be purchased over-the-counter or by prescription, depending on the strength of the product. And while over-the-counter retinol products can be effective, they can usually take up to six months before results are seen. Prescription retinoids, on the other hand, can take effect in just a few weeks. That being said, your dermatologist can determine which is best for your skin type, concerns, and goals.
For many reasons, bakuchiol is widely considered a natural, herbal alternative to retinol, and it can activate the same mechanisms that retinol uses to stimulate collagen production. Although more research is needed, bakuchiol may improve skin texture and appearance in a way that resembles over-the-counter retinoids.
However, the main difference between bakuchiol and retinol is that bakuchiol does not seem to cause the same side effects as retinol, as some of the research below indicates. Bakuchiol is generally considered less irritating and may lead to a lower risk of side effects such as redness or flaking. Bakuchiol, unlike retinol, is also safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
The science behind Bakuchiol
Although bakuchiol hasn’t been as widely studied as ingredients like retinol, there is some evidence that bakuchiol can:
- REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF FINE LINES: Bakuchiol sends signals to your cells to regenerate and produce more collagen, promoting plumpness in your skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Works for all skin types as it has a reputation for being gentle on the skin, just about anyone can safely use bakuchiol.
- Even Skin Tone: Bakuchiol is known to deeply penetrate the outer layer of the skin, helping to diminish the appearance of blemishes. dark spots or areas of hyperpigmentation.
Despite relatively recent research, the results of reviewing bakuchiol for anti-aging are promising.
In study in the British Journal of Dermatology, bakuchiol has been found to be just as effective at reducing fine lines and improving skin tone as retinol, but with fewer of the side effects associated with retinol, such as flaking and burning. However, it should be noted that the study was quite small – only 44 participants (seven of whom dropped out).
In a twelve week trial Evaluating a blend of bakuchiol, melatonin, and the vitamin C-derived ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate and its effects, researchers observed fewer wrinkles, greater firmness, and overall improvement in skin tone in trial participants. But since bakuchiol was not the only active ingredient, no skin improvement could be attributed to bakuchiol with certainty.
Meanwhile, in a Systematic review reviewing the uses of bakuchiol in six preclinical studies, seven clinical studies, three commentaries, two narrative reviews, and one adverse event report, it was concluded that bakuchiol is an alternative to retinol with anti-aging, antibacterial, and anti-aging properties. -inflammatory properties. Further studies are warranted to better understand its applications in dermatology.
100% pure Bakuchiol products
100% Pure is committed to its customers to provide the best skin care products with clean, vegan formulas. Our new Bakuchiol skincare range offers a gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol, especially perfect for sensitive skin.
Bakuchiol Cleaner: Made with bakuchiol and kojic acid, this may be the most gentle cleanser you’ll ever use. It is ideal for those who have skin problems like active acne, rosacea, dryness, etc. It deeply cleanses the skin without causing inflammation.
Bakuchiol Oil Serum: Made with the clinically recommended maximum concentration of Bakuchiol, this serum is a must-have for those looking for long-lasting hydration. It penetrates deep into the skin for a soft and supple touch.
Bakuchiol Moisturizer: Made with Bakuchiol and Hyaluronic Acid, our Bakuchiol moisturizer is rated 5 stars by our customers and has quickly become a favorite. This moisturizer stimulates collagen production, lightens dark spots and minimizes wrinkles.
Bakuchiol for Anti-Aging: Final Thoughts
While research on bakuchiol for anti-aging is still in its infancy, the results so far are promising. And due to its general lack of side effects, it’s a low-risk ingredient to try.
That being said, it’s possible that bakuchiol could be used effectively in a skincare regimen, especially as an alternative to retinol.
