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Every heard of bakuchiol? This superstar new ingredient has just begun its treck into the skincare world, and it is off to a great start!
What is Bakuchiol?
First off, let’s talk about pronunciation, cause who knows how to say this word just from reading it? Not me! Haha. I have seen two ways of pronouncing bakuchiol – “buh-koo-chee-all” and “back-uh-heel.” – Choose the one you like best.
Bakuchiol is a compound derived from the Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi) plant, native to Sri Lanka and India. The Babchi plant has been widely used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine and has recently become a popular skincare ingredient.
Why Bakuchiol in Skin Care?
Bakuchiol is becoming a trendy skincare ingredient because it produces retinol-like effects on the skin without the redness, irritation, and photosensitivity associated with topical retinol use.
Retinol is one of the golden ingredients of anti-aging skincare; this is because retinol stimulates cell turnover and collagen production – fighting fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage.
Bakuchiol as a Retinol Alternative
If retinol is so great, then why would some people not want to use it? The answer is that retinol has some downsides.
The downsides of retinol:
- Retinol can be irritating to those with sensitive skin, causing redness and flaking.
- It is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- It makes the skin photosensitive – increasing your chances of sun damage and requiring the use of an SPF product in conjunction.
- It has a high hazard rating on EWG’s Skin Deep Database.
Bakuchiol offers retinol-like effects to the skin. While it doesn’t have the same structure as retinol – in fact, bakuchiol more closely resembles the structure of the antioxidant resveratrol – it does offer comparable functionality. Bakuchiol and retinol both upregulate the same proteins and types of collagen in the skin.
Like retinol, bakuchiol has been clinically proven to stimulate collagen production in the skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone, fade hyperpigmentation, promote elasticity, and reduce the look of open pores.
So what makes bakuchiol superior to retinol? Well, it offers the same effects, without the negative downsides. Bakuchiol is gentle and even calming to the skin, and it won’t create sensitivity. It can be used safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and you can use it during the day – as it won’t make your skin photosensitive. It is also helpful for acne-prone skin because it offers antibacterial protection!
Who can Benefit from Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is the top choice for anyone looking for a gentle skincare ingredient that packs an anti-aging punch. It is ideal for those who cannot tolerate retinol, such as people with sensitive skin or rosacea. It is an excellent choice for vegans because some retinol is animal-derived.
If you want a natural, plant-based, non-irritating product that offers anti-aging benefits, bakuchiol could be the right pick for you!
The Best Bakuchiol Products
Are you ready to add bakuchiol to your skincare regimen? We have rounded up the best natural and organic bakuchiol products so you can start incorporating this exceptional ingredient into your daily life!
As bakuchiol is a relatively new skincare ingredient, there isn’t a whole lot of products containing it yet. But be on the lookout, I am sure you will see more and more of this ingredient popping up.
BYBI Beauty: 1% Bakuchiol in Olive Squalene Oil Booster
Mix the BYBI Bakuchiol Booster with your favorite serum, moisturizer, face mask, or other skincare product for a dose of anti-aging support. Only 2 simple ingredients make up this super affordable skincare booster.
Herbivore Botanicals: Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum
A gentle facial serum that will penetrate deep into the skin, the Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum is lightly textured and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. We love that it contains exfoliating polyhydroxy acids and natural botanicals to improve skin texture.
Nuori: Infinity Bio-Fusion Serum
A high-performing and lightweight serum meant to address the signs of aging. The Nuori Infinity Bio-Fusion Serum will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for brighter and firmer-looking skin.
Alpine Beauty: PlantGenius Melt Moisturizer
The Alpyn Beauty PlantGenious Melt Moisturizer has it all! Vitamin C for skin brightening and repair, squalene for non-pore-clogging moisture, ceramides for skin barrier repair, and bakuchiol for anti-aging and collagen-building.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed learning about the skin benefits of bakuchiol and how it can help your skin look its best. Bakuchiol skincare is on the rise, so keep an eye out for it as it climbs up the anti-aging ladder.
Do you think bakuchiol will it beat out retinol as the star of anti-aging? Let us know in the comments below!
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