A New Retinol Alternative, Bakuchiol
Move aside retinol, there’s a new vitamin A-rich ingredient on the block! Bakuchiol is a gentle, plant-based ingredient that is big news in the natural beauty world, being recognised for delivering the same benefits as retinol but without the side effects experienced by some with sensitive skin, like redness, flakey skin and sun sensitivity.
Retinol has earned its reputation in the beauty industry for its anti-ageing benefits, which include stimulating collagen production, relaxing fine lines and wrinkles, and overall strengthening of the skin. However, for all the powerful skincare benefits that retinol provides, it has been known to cause dry, red, irritated skin. Enter… Bakuchiol: Offering the same anti-ageing benefits as retinol but with a more gentle, and even soothing effect. Yes, please!
A recent study undertaken by the British Journal of Dermatology demonstrated that bakuchiol is comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photo-ageing of the skin, and is better tolerated than retinol1. Another study by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science found that, unlike retinol which can make the skin more sensitive to the sun, bakuchiol actually helps make the skin less sensitive to the sun’s damaging rays2.
How to Use Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol, an extract from the psoralea corylifolia planthas plant, has been around for many years and traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for things like calming rashes and treating wounds, as well as boosting overall health when ingested as a tonic. More recently, bakuchiol has been recognised for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties, and its popularity right now is attributable to its comparison to retinol – a trending natural skincare ingredient (read more about natural retinol for all skin types).
Similarly to retinol, bakuchiol can be easily worked into your current beauty routine as it is designed to maximise what you are already doing. Because of its regenerative qualities, it is best used alongside your existing nighttime products to enhance your skin’s natural regenerative processes throughout the night. Add a couple of drops to your moisturiser, serum or balm before massaging into your face and neck… Or simply apply bakuchiol oil directly to skin.
Bakuchiol Skincare at CONTENT
The Bybi Beauty Bakuchiol Booster Oil is entirely natural, made with only two plant extracts – bakuchiol and squalane. In addition to the benefits provided by bakuchiol in this oil, the olive squalane is known for its skin softening properties so you may experience a noticeable difference in your skin texture following regular use. Bybi Beauty Bakuchiol Booster Oil is a great solution for skin that is feeling damaged, weary or tired so you can make it feel perky and smooth again. We’ve been using it directly on the skin and also adding drops to our night oil and moisturisers.
Shop Bybi Beauty Bakuchiol Booster Oil | Read More: Ingredient Spotlight: Vitamin C for Brighter Skin
- Dhaliwal S., Rybak I, Ellis SR et al. (2019). Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. Br J Dermatol; 180(2):289-296.
- Chaudhuri RK & Bojanowski K. (2014). Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci; 36(3):221-30.
