Bakuchiol, the Retinol Alternative

Bakuchiol has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, it is a chemical compound extracted from the Babchi plant seeds, that nourishes and revitalises the skin and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial properties.

It has been extensively researched in recent years because of its ability to give the same benefits to skin as Retinol, it is the only other ingredient that measures up to the performance of Retinol, has been proven to have no harsh side effects on the skin, and is a much more gentle alternative.

RETINOL'S EFFECTS

To understand more we need to look at Retinol in skincare and what it does. Retinol is a form of vitamin A and has been used for decades to treat acne.

The positive effects of Retinol are well known, it definitely makes the skin smoother, it increases collagen production, there is increased blood flow to the skin so it is more oxygenated.

Once prescription only, there are now Retinol derivatives in many products, and it has become more widely used as part of a daily skincare routine. However, too much is never a good thing. 

One of the downsides to retinol is that it makes skin more sensitive to UV sunlight. It’s therefore incredibly important that if you’re using retinol, you also wear a high SPF sunscreen on top of your moisturiser, and never expose your skin to the sun. It can also cause skin to flake, peel and feel irritated. 

PROTECTING THE SKIN BARRIER

The main function of the top layer of the skin is to protect us against environmental stressors. However, the more retinol you put on your skin, the poorer the barrier function is. The skin becomes thinner, more sensitive and easily irritated.

Bakuchiol is a plant-based retinol alternative that promises the same effects without the irritation. Research has also shown it  has the ability to help reduce acne by fighting inflammation, to boost collagen and elastin production and reduce fine lines. Bakuchiol has no harsh side effects on the skin and is a much more gentle alternative than Retinol. 

Because it is so gentle Bakuchiol is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. And importantly unlike Retinol, Bakuchiol does not create sun-sensitivity and can be used in both day and night skincare regimes. 

We are so impressed with the results it features in our Face Oil [01] with Bakuchiol & Astaxanthin