Retinol is an effective antioxidant that has skin-brightening and anti-ageing properties, but it isn’t appropriate for everyone because retinol can be sensitizing, and it’s not safe to use during pregnancy. But there is a plant-based, natural retinol alternative that has similar benefits without sensitizing issues – Bakuchiol.
WHAT IS BAKUCHIOL – NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO RETINOL?
Bakuchiol, also called nature botox, vitamin A analogue and natural retinol alternative, is an antioxidant found in the seeds of the psoralea corylifolia plant (also called babchi). Wildly used in Ayurvedic skincare and chinese medicine, the naturally occurring pale purple ingredient has been used for centuries to heal sensitive skin conditions, reduce acne and help regenerate cells. Bakuchiol is an antioxidant that was discovered in the West in the 90’s.
IS BAKUCHIOL AS EFFECTIVE AS RETINOL?
Bakuchiol has been shown to mimic the action of retinol in a variety of in vitro tests because it’s a molecule very similar in structure. Like retinol, bakuchiol is a skin-cell growth stimulator and an antioxidant that helps regenerate cells.
The natural plant compound has been shown to be gentler than retinol, with similar anti-ageing benefits. Because of the lack of skin irritation, Bakuchiol is appropriate for all skin types and could be used during pregnancy.
BAKUCHIOL BENEFITS. WHAT DOES IT DO FOR YOUR SKIN?
Bakuchiol is often characterized as a retinol alternative, but Bakuchiol and retinol are not chemically related; Bakuchiol has no structural similarity to retinoic acid or Vitamin A. Bakuchiol is an analogue of resveratrol which is a substance found in red wine, as well as procyanidin B2 which is a plant-derived antioxidant. Bakuchiol is an effective natural antioxidant that has the following properties:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Promotes Collagen
- Decreases pigmentation
- Promotes cellular turnover
- Repair damaged skin cells
- Refine skin texture
Unlike retinol, Bakuchiol is gentle and soothing to the skin, rather than sensitizing, and it can be used safely during pregnancy.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Bakuchiol offers cooling properties that soothe and help reduce issues related to sensitivity and reactions in the skin. It also is a potent antioxidant battling wrinkles by targeting free radicals preventing them. Antioxidants are also effective when used in conjunction with sun therapy, chemotherapy and physical therapy. Obviously, you have seen many Bakuchiol skins resurfacing products. It might be good for those with acne sensitive areas in addition to those with a more recent history of skin ageing.
WHAT ARE BAKUCHIOL BENEFITS?
Bakuchiol has a host of benefits for your skin. Bakuchiol stimulates collagen, which is a key factor in protecting your skin from damage and wrinkling. It can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation due to sun damage or photoaging, something that retinol also addresses.
Bakuchiol’s antioxidant power makes it especially beneficial for those with acne and blemish-prone skin, as it protects the oil glands from free radical damage. And because Bakuchiol is not phototoxic like retinol, you can safely use your favourite sunscreen while using a Bakuchiol-containing product without fear of increased sun sensitivity or photoaging.
SHOULD YOU USE BAKUCHIOL SERUM?
A Bakuchiol serum or cream-like treatment is perfect for dry skin. Researchers have shown that levels between 0-2 % are ideal to get noticeable effects. Typically Bakuchiol serum should be applied at night when your routine is over. You can do this on the go when you want to layer easily with your makeup routine, and not in the mornings. If you have very dry skin the product is great for dehydrated, dry skin.
BAKUCHIOL FOR ACNE AND BLEMISHES:
Studies show that certain plant-based antioxidants and extracts like Bakuchiol can help to improve the appearance of acne. Like retinol, it works by speeding up cell turnover and promoting collagen production. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits which make it especially great for breakout sufferers with red, inflamed skin.
Bakuchiol is especially good for those with skin sensitivities to other ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide. It’s also a great alternative for those who can’t or don’t want to use retinol because it has the same benefits without the possible side effects of irritation, redness and sensitivity.
CAN BAKUCHIOL BE USED WITH NIACINAMIDE?
Bakuchiol can definitely be used with niacinamide. There’s no reason why they wouldn’t work well together; they even make good partners for acne treatments, as both are excellent ingredients to help calm visible redness and hydrate the skin.
Niacinamide is an antioxidant that helps brighten the skin tone, reduce skin discolouration, and enhance skin texture. Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties which help soothe the skin. It’s great for those with acne-prone, oily or sensitive skin types.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient similar to resveratrol which is found in red wine. Bakuchiol has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from environmental stressors. It also boosts collagen production, helps lighten dark spots, and is even effective in fighting acne-causing bacteria.
CAN BAKUCHIOL BE USED WITH RETINOL?
There’s no reason why you can’t use Bakuchiol alongside retinol without any concerns. When it comes to firming and wrinkle-fighting, they work well together because they both stimulate collagen production and collagen breakdown in the skin.
BAKUCHIOL AND PREGNANCY:
Bakuchiol is a non-toxic ingredient with no known research studies to the contrary. It is considered safe for use during pregnancy and lactation, so it’s a great addition if you’re expecting or breastfeeding. However, it is always recommended to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
BAKUCHIOL IN MAKEUP:
You can find some makeup products that contain Bakuchiol. For example, foundation or primer but you’ll find that there aren’t many products out there right now.
WHAT ARE BAKUCHIOL’S SIDE EFFECTS?
If you are thinking about adding this product to your skincare routine, now is the time! If you’re concerned, just know that Bakuchiol is a gentle and non-toxic substance. It’s free of all the potentially irritating and sensitizing components of other anti-ageing ingredients like retinol. It also contains no petroleum or parabens.
Bakuchiol is something that every woman should incorporate into their routine. Bakuchiol can work to reverse signs of ageing and prevent further damage while working in the background to protect your skin from free radical damage.
ALYAKA BEST BAKUCHIOL PRODUCTS COLLECTION
Allies of Skin mandelic pigmentation corrector night serum 30ml
This is your go-to serum for skin pigmentation. Blending bakuchiol with mandelic acid with lactic/salicylic acid. While hyaluronic acid and niacinamide keep skin moist and fresh. Our dark skin seemed fresh after a single usage and was now feeling light & soft. The real magic begins after a week when sun-damaged facial areas were less prominent and creased. This is like magic ’empty’ in the bottle. And we are addicted! This beauty serum has made us addicted…
Oskia super 16 advanced Nutri-active collagen serum 30ml /Oskia Super 16 ProCollagen Serum
In Oskia Super 16 serum Bakuchiol is named after the 16 natural active components of the formula. Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant and damaged skin protection abilities. Vitamin E, retinyl palmitate is similar to retinol in that it is a very slight irritation for your very sensitive skin. You’d have such a healthy complexion if you drank this serum. There wasn’t a day of detonation days later radiance recovered again. Very much good investing in your skin? You’re back at full radiance after taking this serum just days before the lockup.
PSA MIDNIGHT COURAGE Rosehip & Bakuchiol Retinol Night Oil 15ml
Reduces Signs Of Premature Ageing / Firms Skin / Reduces Appearance Of Imperfections This oil is your skincare routine’s night shift, working overtime to repair and renew your skin while you sleep. An advanced 2% Retinoid, Bakuchiol, CoEnzymeQ10 and supercharged omega-rich oils help reduce dark spots and fines lines while balancing uneven tone and improving moisture levels for brighter and softer skin over time.
Aurelia London Resurfacing Serum 30ml
Innovation in natural anti-ageing, Resurfacing Serum with Bakuchiol mimics the effects of retinol to resurface the skin, smoothing lines and wrinkles without irritation. This advanced formula also contains balancing niacinamide to target blemishes and redness while moderating sebum production for radiant and beautifully clear skin.
Although Bakuchiol bears no structural resemblance to retinol, it has been shown to work on similar pathways that retinol does, resulting in multiple benefits to the skin, achieved by stimulating the retinoid receptors responsible for the synthesis of collagen type 1 in the dermis.
Allies of Skin Peptides & Omegas Firming Eye Cream 15ml
The ultimate eye cream supercharged with next-generation Peptides, Antioxidants and pre-orbital Brighteners for a rejuvenated, youthful eye area. It stimulates the production of essential collagen and elastin, hydrates and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, erases all signs of fatigue and brightens the under-eye area.
Allies supercharged its 1st ever eye cream with Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a potent Vitamin C derivative that targets dullness and signs of fatigue. Plus, Allies added 1% Bakuchiol, a plant-derived active that provides Retinol-like benefits like reducing the appearance of wrinkle depth and skin roughness.
Get the bright-eyed look, powered by clinical actives!
Mahalo The Hawaiian Nights 30ml
The Hawaiian Nights Phyto-retinoic restoring night serum is an exquisite tropical moonlight veil of botanical Vitamin A synergy designed to deliver correction & prevention, the natural way.
Formulated to meet the needs of complexions sensitive to synthesized retinol, it works to deliver renewing results to dull, tired, or blemish-prone complexions in ways similar to the OTC retinol effect, with longevity and nourishment, but without the thinning or irritation of the skin.
Taking a deep dive into the dermis with Hawaiian sea algae, all-trans-retinoic acid-rich rosehip oil, botanical retinol alternatives Ayurvedic babchi bakuchiol and tropical cacay oil, linoleic acid-rich hemp seed oil, melanogenesis inhibiting Vitamin C ester, skin-firming Lupine extract, blue-light defense blueberry seed oil, and more. The synergy helps to enhance dermal collagen production, aid in the thickening of the epidermis, repair UV-induced damage through encouraging cellular renewal, revealing a refreshed, and more youthful appearance.
Your skin’s tropical dreams are made true by The Hawaiian Nights with an ambitious cocktail of plant-derived vitamin A, C, F actives. Being a water-free formula, this phyto-retinoic elixir is gentle, high-performance, and is suitable for all skin types.
Evolve Organic Beauty Bio-Retinol + C Booster 15ml
Evolve Bio-Retinol + C Booster is an oil-based booster for your skin, designed to improve the appearance of dull and tired skin and provide the nourishment with your skin needs to look radiant.
Vitamin C and Bio-Retinol are brought together to supercharge your skin in this nourishing oil-based booster. Our Bio-Retinol + C Booster uses four incredible vitamins (A, C, F and E) blended into a gentle base of Rosehip Oil, allowing this product to penetrate deeper into the skin than typical water-based products. Vitamins C and A help to deliver anti-ageing benefits, increase collagen production and hydration whilst boosting radiance and skin luminosity. The serum has been enhanced with vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant and healer for the skin. Vitamin F was also added to deeply nourish and regenerate your skin.
