Bakuchiol a plant replacement for retinol What is bakuchiol and what does it help

Bakuchiol is one of the latest discoveries in cosmetics. This name appears more and more often on cosmetic labels. What is bakuchiol and why is it referred to as a botanical retinol or plant retinol replacement?

Bakuchiol is a substance obtained from the seeds and to a lesser extent from the leaves of Psoralea corylifolia (Babći) plants. Its name comes from the Sanskrit name for this plant - Bakuchi. Bakuchiol has been used for centuries in Asian countries - mainly India and China - and African countries to alleviate skin problems and treat various inflammations, including eczema. It is also used in Ayurvedic medicine as a means of rejuvenating the skin.

Although the properties of bakuchiol have been talked about for years, it appeared in cosmetology relatively recently - it was first isolated in 1966, but it was used for commercial purposes only in 2007, and it was mass-produced a few years later.

As an ingredient of cosmetics, it is most often mentioned in the INCI composition of anti-acne creams and wrinkle reducing creams. You can also buy it separately as a cosmetic raw material and create a homemade cream based on it.

What are the properties of bakuchiol, is it a safe ingredient? And why is it referred to as botanical retinol?

Properties of bakuchiol. How does vegetable retinol work?

Bakuchiol is known as plant retinol. - It is a botanical analog of retinoids, so it is a natural alternative to retinol, one of the most effective anti-aging raw materials in cosmetology

Bakuchiol is a versatile ingredient and has the following effects:

  • anti-wrinkle - reduces wrinkles, it can be used for the care of mature skin
  • exfoliating and normalizing - exfoliates the callous layer of the epidermis
  • reduces the visibility of discoloration
  • has an antibacterial effect and can be used for problem skin, with imperfections and acne
  • inhibits the overproduction of sebum, preventing the formation of blackheads

    • Is bakuchiol safe?

    Cosmetics with bakuchiol can be used by people with sensitive and reactive skin, as well as pregnant women because - unlike retinol - this ingredient does not irritate the skin, which has been proven by numerous studies (their results were published, among others, by the prestigious British Journal of Dermatology).

    - The great advantage of bakuchiol is the fact that, having the rejuvenating power of retinol, it is also extremely gentle to the skin, does not irritate it.

    Unlike retinol, bakuchiol also does not cause photosensitization, therefore it can be safely used in year-round care.