The first time you hear about bakuchiol, you probably have one question: How on earth do you say that word? Easy answer: “Buh-KOO-chee-all.” Now, there’s a second question: What is it? That answer isn’t quite as simple.
You probably know what retinol is. Oh, you’re not sure? Let’s back up—retinol is a form of vitamin A that’s added to a bevy of skincare products to smooth fine lines, brighten up the skin, fight acne, and fade dark spots. Honestly, in the skincare industry, retinol is considered the gold standard ingredient. Here’s the thing, though—retinol is harsh on your skin. It causes the cells to shed faster than normal, so dryness, irritation, breakouts, or flakiness is par for the course. You also have to be careful about which products you combine with retinol, such as exfoliators and benzoyl peroxide, because it worsens the irritation.
Let’s get back to the question on hand: What is bakuchiol? A naturally occurring antioxidant derived from an Eastern Asian plant, Psoralea corylifolia, bakuchiol is a retinol alternative that’s supposed to be gentler on your skin. It has a long history as an ingredient in herbal medicine in both Chinese and Indian culture.
Finally, there’s a third question: Is bakuchiol as effective as retinol? Actually, yes! Clinical studies, including a major one published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, found that bakuchiol was comparable to retinol in its effect on wrinkles, elasticity, pigmentation, and firmness. However, bakuchiol didn’t cause those problematic side effects.
Now, if retinol works for you, there’s no need to rush out to buy bakuchiol-infused products. However, people who have dry, sensitive skin or have tried retinol without success because of those aforementioned side effects, bakuchiol could be the right skincare product for you.
