Bakuchiol, pronounced bah-koo-chee-all, is becoming known as the plant-based retinol of the skincare world.
This organic alternative to the synthetically produced retinol is derived from the Babchi Herb, Psoralea Corylifolia L. and has fantastic antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The benefits of bakuchiol are very similar to those of retinoids but without the redness, skin irritation and photochemical instability that retinol is associated with. In 2018, a clinical study demonstrated that Bakuchiol is comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photo-aging (wrinkles, hyperpigmentation) but has a better skin tolerance.
It is known to stimulate collagen production, which has the benefit of reducing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation while increasing the skin’s elasticity and resilience. It’s a great option for those who shop vegan and clean. It is also useful for acne prone skin as it prevents the process of lipid peroxidation (oxidative degradation of lipids resulting in cell damage) in the skin’s sebum by keeping the acid mantle active. This reduces the overproduction of bacteria on the skin’s surface.