This blog article is your comprehensive guide about bakuchiol, the natural alternative to Retinol. Learn what Bakuchiol is, how it works, and its advantages over Retinol. Discover why bakuchiol is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and vegan-friendly options. Plus, explore recommended bakuchiol products that will help you achieve better aging, improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and enhance your overall skin health.
Table of Contents
1. What is Bakuchiol?
According to the latest discoveries, Bakuchiol is increasingly being referred to as the new wonder drug of the cosmetics industry. The up and coming Retinol alternative Bakuchiol (pronounced "ba-koo-chee-all") is a natural extract obtained from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolian plant, aka the Babchi plant. Due to its composition, Bakuchiol is considered as a gentle and natural alternative to Retinol. Although it works in a particularly similar way, unlike traditional retinoids, it does not cause burning, irritation or redness of the skin.
As a synthetic but highly effective version of vitamin A, retinoids offer numerous benefits in anti-aging & better-aging skin care, but should be taken with caution. They are often not suitable for sensitive skin types, often cause irritation and increase photosensitivity, which in turn can lead to phototoxic or allergic skin reactions.
Bakuchiol, on the other hand, is significantly more skin-compatible and, unlike Retinol, can also be safely used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
2. How does Bakuchiol work?
The natural substance has a high antioxidant effect and thus protects the skin from harmful environmental influences that lead to premature aging of the skin. On the other hand, it has an antimicrobial effect, that helps eliminate harmful bacteria and thereby reduces skin blemishes. Like Retinol, Bakuchiol stimulates the collagen production, which is an important protein that gives the connective tissue tone, elasticity and firmness. As a result of various external factors such as UV radiation and aging, the collagen storage in the body is reduced, leading to wrinkling. By boosting the skin's cell turnover and helping to replace old and damaged skin cells with new ones, Bakuchiol provides an anti-aging effect. Given the growing number of skin care products containing bakuchiol, it can be assumed that texture has no influence on efficacy. Research results have shown that it is essentially the concentration of bakuchiol that matters. To achieve a visible effect, the proportion should ideally be between 0.5% and 2%. For example, a Bakuchiol lotion is most suitable for combining with other daily skin care products, while a Bakuchiol oil is recommended for dry, dehydrated skin and should be applied in the evening.
2.1. Bakuchiol improves:
- Hyperpigmentation and sun damage
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Loss of skin tone and texture
- Dull skin
- Hydration levels
- Acne
3. Bakuchiol versus Retinol
As with other Retinol products, Bakuchiol can be used both as a serum and moisturizer. But what makes Bakuchiol so special? In contrast to the vitamin A derivative, there is no need to stress about increased sun sensitivity when utilizing Bakuchiol, which allows you to easily integrate it into your morning and evening skincare routines. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory characteristics, dry and irritated skin, a frequent side effect of retinol-based products, is much less likely to occur. Another advantage over Retinol is that Bakuchiol can be easily mixed with other ingredients such as Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, and even Retinol itself. On top of this, it provides a more natural alternative, not only meaning it is less irritating to the skin, but it is also a great option for those who live a vegan lifestyle.
4. What skin types is Bakuchiol suitable for?
One of the best things about Bakuchiol is that it is suitable for all skin types due to its purely herbal composition. The extract is very mild and skin-friendly, so it can also be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, to be on the safe side, the application should be discussed with the family doctor.
Besides, it provides a gentle method for those who want to achieve anti-aging results without skin irritation. But you should still make sure to apply an appropriate sunscreen during the day with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Although it has not been proven that Bakuchiol makes the skin more sensitive to the sun, as with any anti-aging (or as we prefer to call it, better aging) ingredient, daily UV protection plays a crucial role in achieving the best possible results.
People suffering from Eczema or Rosacea should apply the product at a very low dosage to prevent skin spots. Although it is completely safe and works effectively in combination with other useful ingredients, one more thing to pay attention to while using Bakuchiol is to combine it with acid peels, as it might lead to overstimulation and cause skin reactions.
5. Shop our favourite Bakuchiol products
In case you want to try Bakuchiol, then you should check out the following products:
5.1. Better Aging Body Oil
The Better Aging Oil is infused with a potent blend of organic, non-comedogenic oils and herbal extracts that will diminish signs of aging and provide your skin with a visibly firmer appearance.
The unique combination of five highly-effective, cold-pressed oils is a rich source of essential fatty acids, minerals and nutrients that will nourish your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Infused with Guggul and Backuchiol Natalie’s Better Aging Body Oil stimulates the production of collagen, reduces the depth of wrinkles and strengthens the capacity of the cells.
A high-concentration of Vitamin E has strong anti-inflammatory benefits, protects your skin barrier and will defend it against daily environmental stressors like UV-light exposure and air pollution. Squalane, a natural component of the human skin sebum, will provide it with intense, long-lasting moisture for a noticeably refreshed and glowing skin complexion. Natalie’s Better Aging Body Oil treats your skin gently and makes it perfectly suitable for sensitive skin types.
5.2. Better Aging Body Lotion
Natalie's Better Aging Body Lotion contains Bakuchiol and a mild form of Retinol, which counteracts several signs of aging such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity and hyperpigmentation. Together with glycolic acid, the trio promotes collagen production and skin turnover for firmer, brighter skin.
The contained vitamins C and E have a supporting effect through their antioxidant effect. Vitamin C also inhibits melanin synthesis, which is responsible for skin pigmentation and thus reduces the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Learn more about vitamin C and its benefits in skin care in our blog article. Vitamin E, on the other hand, promotes blood circulation in the skin and prevents the formation of excessive scar tissue, which is why the appearance of scars is significantly improved.
The formula is rounded off with true moisturizers: hyaluronic acid, squalane and organic shea butter nourish the skin, intensively moisturizing it and leaving it hydrated, soft and supple.Overall, the combination of these ingredients provides a gentle and effective approach to anti-aging skin care, which is also suitable for mature or sensitive skin.
