Why is bakuchiol often compared to retinol?

Bakuchiol is often mentioned alongside retinol because both ingredients are used in care for skin with visible signs of aging, uneven texture, or loss of radiance. Despite their similar cosmetic focus, they differ in origin, structure, and the way the skin tends to tolerate them.

Why is bakuchiol called plant retinol?

Bakuchiol is often called “plant retinol” because it is used in cosmetic formulas with a similar focus - a smoother, fresher, and more radiant-looking complexion. However, it is not a form of retinol, has a different chemical structure, and is more accurately described as a plant-derived alternative to synthetic retinol in modern skin care.

How does bakuchiol fit into anti-aging care?

In anti-aging cosmetics, bakuchiol is used in products focused on a smoother, fresher, and more elastic-looking complexion. Interest in it is linked to its profile as a plant-derived ingredient that can be part of a daily routine for skin with the first visible signs of aging.

Is bakuchiol suitable for sensitive skin?

Bakuchiol is often preferred in cosmetic formulas when consumers are looking for an alternative to more intense active ingredients. Still, every skin reacts individually. For sensitive skin, it is good practice to introduce the product gradually and observe personal tolerance.

Can bakuchiol be used during the day?

Compared with retinol, bakuchiol is generally associated with greater flexibility in a routine and can be included in both daytime and evening care. Still, daily sun protection remains an important part of any routine, especially when active cosmetic ingredients are used.

Which skin types can include bakuchiol in a routine?

Bakuchiol can be part of routines for different skin types, including skin with uneven texture, lack of radiance, or first visible signs of aging. The most important step is to choose a suitable formula and texture that match individual needs and preferences.

How can bakuchiol be combined with hydrating ingredients?

Bakuchiol can fit well into a routine with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, plant oils, or soothing botanical extracts. In this way, the routine does not focus only on a smoother look, but also on the feeling of comfort, softness, and balanced skin.

How often should a product with bakuchiol be used?

Frequency depends on the specific product, concentration, skin type, and personal tolerance. It is usually reasonable to start with a few applications per week, especially if the skin is sensitive or not used to active ingredients. The routine can then be adapted according to how the skin feels.

How should you choose a product with bakuchiol?

When choosing a product with bakuchiol, pay attention not only to the active ingredient but also to the complete formula. Texture, complementary hydrating ingredients, directions for use, and the feeling on the skin all matter when deciding whether the product fits naturally into daily care.

A Revolution in Cosmetics: How Bakuchiol Has Changed Skincare?

It is certainly true that all areas of human activity are subject to different fashions and trends. Fashions in cosmetics are mostly determined by the advancement of science. Researchers are constantly making progress in their understanding of the mechanisms that can help us retain the youthful and healthy appearance of our skin for as long as possible. At the same time, they keep discovering newer and newer ingredients, which can make that possible.

One such substance that has come to the limelight recently is definitely bakuchiol. If you are into the new developments in skincare, you have certainly heard of this plant-based extract. Some people like to call it “the new wonder”, others go even further dubbing it “the new hero of skincare”. Does it really deserve that reputation in fact? In case you have been wondering about that, you happen to be at the right place to find out. Now, we are going to look in detail into the origin of bakuchiol and its properties. We will also answer the question why and how you can introduce it into your skincare routine.

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What is bakuchiol and what is its origin?

This is a plant-based extract derived from the seeds and leaves of the plant Psoralea Corylifolia. The plant is popular in India under the name of “babchi” or “bakuchi”. It has been used in traditional ancient Asian practices for centuries. Bakuchiol is a terpene that was first extracted from the plant as far back as 1973. Yet it was not until the beginning of the 21st century that it was introduced into cosmetics. Nevertheless, its popularity grew quickly due to the beneficial effects this substance proved to have on the skin.

Benefits bakuchiol can bring – what does science say about this?

The rising popularity of bakuchiol has drawn the attention of scientists to it. Over the last few years research on the medicinal properties of bakuchiol, its applications and effects has grown substantially. Scientists found out that it has a range of beneficial effects on the skin (Resources 1, 3). Now, we are going to look at them more closely.

Strong antioxidant properties

Antioxidants are essential for our cell health, and subsequently, for the health of the whole body. Bakuchiol is not only capable of neutralizing free radicals but it also protects lipids and proteins against oxidative stress. This is in fact one of the major mechanisms that is involved in achieving an anti-age effect on the skin.

Antibacterial and antifungal properties

The second among the valuable properties of bakuchiol is its efficiency against common strains of fungi and bacteria. It makes it especially suitable for acne-prone skin.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation can trigger inflammatory processes in the skin. Bakuchiol successfully reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines – the proteins participating in this process, and thus manages to control inflammation.

Anti-age effect

We have already mentioned some of the mechanisms involved in achieving the anti-age effects associated with bakuchiol. But that is not all: Bakuchiol stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, thus strengthening the connection between two of the skin layers (the epidermis and the derma), which leads to visible reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

It has a toxic effect on cancer cells

The most curious among bakuchiol properties, revealed in a 2015 study, is its selective toxicity to melanoma cells (Resource 4). In other words, it has the property of suppressing the growth of cancer cells and killing them as a result, while not harming normal healthy cells. Of course, additional experiments are necessary to support these results, but they are quite promising and give us hope that perhaps, in the near future, this substance might become the basis of a successful development of a medicine against this deadliest type of skin cancer.

Battle of Titans: Bakuchiol or Retinol?

Bakuchiol properties, which scientists keep discovering are truly impressive. It is no wonder that this substance is currently the rising star in the world of cosmetics. But how does it compare to another not less popular ingredient in many anti-age formulas, namely retinol?

By the way, it is quite often that you can come upon a definition of bakuchiol as “plant-based retinol”, which is not very accurate. Despite both substances having a lot of common properties, there is a structural difference between them, due to which there are some substantial differences between them.

Similarities

So, what are the common properties that bakuchiol and retinol share?

First of all, these are the powerful antioxidant properties both substances have. They successfully protect the skin against antioxidant stress caused by external environmental factors. The second similarity is their excellent capability of improving skin structure, which comes as a result of boosting the production of collagen and elastin along with other proteins, responsible for maintaining skin elasticity and hydration.

The third similarity refers to their remarkable efficiency in reducing signs of ageing. Just like retinol, bakuchiol visibly smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Last but not least, both ingredients boost skin cell regeneration, which stimulates skin renewal, reduces hyperpigmentation, improves skin texture and smoothes skin tone.

Differences

It is well known that retinol makes face skin more sensitive to sunlight, which is the reason for it being unsuitable for morning skincare. In addition, when using retinol products, it is also necessary to use high UV factor sunscreen every day. Bakuchiol does not have that unpleasant side effect. So, although the use of sunscreen is generally recommendable, bakuchiol products are safe to use during the day as well as in the evening.

Another characteristic, most well-informed users are already aware of is the fact that retinol can cause skin irritation. Symptoms commonly include skin burning sensation, redness and even peeling skin. In this regard, it is recommended to slowly introduce the ingredient into your daily skincare routine. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol might only rarely produce such unpleasant side effects.

Yet another important difference is that bakuchiol is more effective, in comparison with retinol, in its potential to neutralize free radicals (Resource 3).

Which one is better?

Clinical studies have shown that there is no difference between the capacity of both active ingredients to smooth fine lines and reduce wrinkles and hyperpigmentation (Resource 2). As we already mentioned though, the use of retinol involves a greater risk of developing unpleasant side effects like burning sensation and peeling skin. So, despite the fact that it has been used by a huge number of people around the world, when it comes to sensitive skin, facial creams and masks containing bakuchiol are recommended.

The rising star in the world of cosmetics

Bakuchiol is certainly viewed as one of the most promising ingredients in modern-day cosmetics. The multiple skin benefits it provides, supported by scientific studies, have been turning it into a valuable component I many anti-age formulas and problem-skin products. Ranging from powerful antioxidant properties to boosting collagen production capacity, bakuchiol offers an impressive range of skin benefits.

Particularly appealing is the fact that bakuchiol can be an excellent alternative to retinol, whose use has less restrictions and undesirable side effects. The possibility it offers to be used both in the evening and during the day provides for a more flexible skincare routine.

Although there is still a lot of room for further research into bakuchiol properties, it has already proven its value and taken pride of place in the cosmetic industry. Given the ever-increasing interest in effective natural substances, we can only expect the popularity of this plant-based extract to continue to grow in the future.

How to use bakuchiol in your routine?

A bakuchiol routine begins with gentle skin preparation, gradual introduction of active care, and good hydration. Whether you use a product with bakuchiol in the morning or evening, it is best to observe how the skin feels, combine it with suitable supporting formulas, and not skip sun protection during the day.

Cleanse the face with a gentle product to remove impurities, sebum, and traces of the urban environment. Well-prepared skin receives the next products more evenly and makes the routine feel more complete. Avoid aggressive rubbing, especially if the skin is sensitive or prone to discomfort.

Alteya Organics Rose Hydrobiome Organic Prebiotic Cleanser is a suitable first step before active care.

Frequently asked questions about bakuchiol

The philosophy of Alteya Organics reflects the understanding that modern skin care can combine natural ingredients, a science-informed approach, and respect for the individual needs of the skin. Bakuchiol naturally fits into this context - as a plant-derived ingredient valued in cosmetics for its role in routines focused on a smoother, fresher, and more radiant-looking complexion.

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient extracted from the seeds and leaves of Psoralea corylifolia, also known as babchi or bakuchi. In cosmetics, it is used in facial products focused on a more even-looking texture and the feeling of well-cared-for skin.

Resources:

1. Puyana, C., Chandan, N. and Tsoukas, M. (2022). Applications of bakuchiol in dermatology: Systematic review of the literature. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15420.

2. Dhaliwal, S., Rybak, I., Ellis, S.R., Notay, M., Trivedi, M., Burney, W., Vaughn, A.R., Nguyen, M., Reiter, P., Bosanac, S., Yan, H., Foolad, N. and Sivamani, R.K. (2018). Prospective, randomized, double‐blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology, [online] 180(2), pp.289–296. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.16918.

3. Filipa Mascarenhas-Melo, Mariana Marques Ribeiro, Kaveh Hatami Kahkesh, Sagarika Parida, Pawar, K.D., K. Velsankar, Niraj Kumar Jha, Fouad Damiri, Costa, G., Veiga, F. and Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos (2024). Comprehensive review of the skin use of bakuchiol: physicochemical properties, sources, bioactivities, nanotechnology delivery systems, regulatory and toxicological concerns. Phytochemistry Reviews. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-024-09926-y.

4. Madrid, A., Cardile, V., César González, Montenegro, I., Villena, J., Caggia, S., Carol, A. and Russo, A. (2015). Psoralea glandulosa as a Potential Source of Anticancer Agents for Melanoma Treatment. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16(12), pp.7944–7959. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms16047944.