Dubbed a ‘Holy Grail’ ingredient and a new skincare sensation, bakuchiol has become something of a beauty buzzword. It has gained serious traction to break beyond the realms of the natural beauty community and make its way into the mainstream. We delve into the benefits of bakuchiol and how this powerful plant-based retinol alternative can work for your complexion and explore why it is such a valuable addition to any daily skincare regimen.
What is Bakuchiol?
Derived from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, bakuchiol is a potent antioxidant yet also has a profoundly soothing effect on the skin. The use of bakuchiol on the skin has its origins in Ayurvedic medicine. This long history of traditional application is a testament to its efficacy in the treatment of conditions such as eczema as well as minor skin ailments.
It rivals retinol in its anti-ageing capabilities – a study by Dhaliwal et al. (2019) demonstrated that bakuchiol is comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photoageing. This may be because its activity profile – the way it acts upon our skin cells – shares many common features with retinol, but excitingly, a further 2022 study by Bluemke et al. found that bakuchiol even has additional ‘biopositive effects’, or skin health benefits. These include accelerated epidermal regeneration and wound healing, meaning that bakuchiol shows excellent promise in stimulating cell turnover for more radiant skin and aiding in clearing minor blemishes and skin irritations. Overall, the study concluded that there is strong evidence ‘for the multidirectional efficacy of bakuchiol against cellular hallmarks of skin ageing.’ (Bluemke et al., 2022)
Are The Benefits of Bakuchiol Available to Anyone?
Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is found to be exceptionally well-tolerated and suitable even for those with more sensitive skin types. Studies have reported that, ‘Notably, bakuchiol does not cause common adverse effects seen with topical retinoids such as burning and scaling, permitting wider use in patients with sensitive skin.’ (Greenzaid et al., 2022). A significant advantage of formulas containing bakuchiol is that they are safe and gentle for daily use. By contrast, there are restrictions on the frequency of use of retinol products, often recommended to use only once or twice per week.
What Other Ingredients Can Be Used to Optimise The Benefits of Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is effective when used in conjunction with other skincare ingredients, especially antioxidants such as Co-Enzyme Q10. A naturally occurring enzyme produced by the body, CoQ10 is one of the essential building blocks for healthy, glowing skin, aiding in cell repair and regeneration. This antioxidant powerhouse also uses the same pathway as Vitamin C to neutralise free radicals. A favourite within popular skincare formulations for many years, CoQ10 takes on a new dimension when paired with bakuchiol. Together, these powerful antioxidants can support healthier, youthful-looking skin by protecting against environmental aggressors, such as pollution and sun exposure.
Conclusion
Bakuchiol is a gentle, safe, and natural skincare ingredient that is perfect for any clean beauty routine.
The benefits of bakuchiol relate to its potential to improve a wide array of skin concerns. This is thanks to its ability to regenerate the epidermis and facilitate faster healing. Furthermore, it can help with visible signs of ageing. Its efficacy is enhanced when combined with other natural ingredients, such as CoQ10.
It can be used by people of all skin types, making it an excellent choice for those whose options for facial skincare products may otherwise be limited. However, we always recommend testing before using any new product, as individual results can vary.
References
Bluemke A, Ring AP, Immeyer J, Hoff A, Eisenberg T, Gerwat W, et al. Multidirectional activity of bakuchiol against cellular mechanisms of facial ageing – Experimental evidence for a holistic treatment approach. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022;44:377–393. doi:10.1111/ics.12784
Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR, Notay M, Trivedi M, Burney W, Vaughn AR, Nguyen M, Reiter P, Bosanac S, Yan H, Foolad N, Sivamani RK. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Feb;180(2):289-296. doi: 10.1111/bjd.16918. Epub 2018 Sep 21. PMID: 29947134.
Greenzaid J, Friedman A, Sodha P. The Use of Bakuchiol in Dermatology: A Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022 Jun 1;21(6):624-629. doi: 10.36849/JDD.6740. PMID: 35674758.
