What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a meroterpene phenol naturally extracted from the seeds and leaves of psoralea corylifolia plant. Due to its anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects, bakuchiol has been used in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine for centuries.
Bakuchiol in Skincare
Although it is a relatively new skincare ingredient, bakuchiol draws comparison to retinol. Studies even indicated that bakuchiol is better than retinol at reducing the signs of ageing. Bakuchiol is often found in anti-ageing skincare products.
The Skin Benefits of Bakuchiol
Studies showed that bakuchiol has many skin benefits, such as the following:
1. Bakuchiol promotes the production of collagen and other skin proteins.
Studies showed that bakuchiol stimulates the production of various skin proteins particularly collagen type 1, 3 and 4. Collagen and other skin proteins provide strength, structure and volume to skin.
2. Bakuchiol protects collagen and other skin proteins from degradation.
With age, your skin gradually loses its collagen and protein content. In addition to strengthening skin matrix, bakuchiol is also protecting collagen and other skin proteins from degradation.
3. Bakuchiol effectively slows down skin ageing and removes signs of ageing.
Clinical trials showed that bakuchiol reduces wrinkles, fine lines and photoageing (hyperpigmentation). After 12 weeks of twice-a-day application, bakuchiol also remarkably improves skin firmness and elasticity.
4. Bakuchiol prevents oxidative damage in the skin by removing reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Studies showed that bakuchiol is a very strong antioxidant with impressive abilities to remove reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the skin. ROS are free radicals which cause oxidative stress and damage to skin cells.
5. Bakuchiol protects the skin against harmful microorganisms.
Bakuchiol has been proven to have strong antimicrobial and antiviral activities which help protect skin against infections by harmful microorganisms.
6. Bakuchiol prevents skin inflammation.
Studies showed that bakuchiol prevents inflammation in the skin through various mechanisms including inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory substances in the skin.
Why Is Bakuchiol Better Than Retinol?
Bakuchiol has been shown in many studies to be better than retinol for the following reasons:
1. Bakuchiol delivers retinol-like benefits without side effects.
Studies showed that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol in removing the signs of ageing such wrinkles, fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Unlike retinol which often triggers side effects, bakuchiol is not known to have side effects. Bakuchiol is the best alternative to retinol.
2. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended to avoid using retinol skincare products. Retinol is known to increase the risk of birth defects. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is not phototoxic.
Despite providing the retinol-like benefits to your skin, unlike retinol, bakuchiol is not phototoxic. Studies showed that bakuchiol has a very good photostability, therefore, it can be used during the day and at night.
4. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol doesn't cause skin irritation and dryness.
Retinol is known to cause skin irritation and dryness which makes it unsuitable for both sensitive and dry skin. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin and the delicate skin around the eyes.
Bakuchiol Skincare Products
A super anti-ageing eye cream with 24-karat gold, bakuchiol and marine collagen peptides to help prevent and reduce all signs of ageing, dark circles, puffiness learn more >>>
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Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Scientist with 25 years experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list. Join Henry Tianus eNewsletter to receive the latest health and wellbeing tips.
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Scientific Sources: (1) Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing, The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019 Feb;180(2):289-296. (2) Bakuchiol: Does it make skin look younger?, Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, May 4, 2022. (3) Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2014 Jun;36(3):221-30. (4) Multidirectional activity of bakuchiol against cellular mechanisms of facial ageing - Experimental evidence for a holistic treatment approach, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2022 Jun;44(3):377-393. (5) Bakuchiol, a natural constituent and its pharmacological benefits, F1000Research, 2023; 12: 29.
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