Bakuchiol: The Gentle Yet Powerful Retinol Alternative

Retinoids like retinol and tretinoin are known as the commonly used anti-aging products in the market. However, I know that some of you are still a little bit afraid of using retinol in your routine as it can lead to irritation and breakout after shedding away your outmost skin cells. There are lots of other ways to achieve healthy and youthful skin goals without potentially damaging your skin, such as using lighter-concentration skincare products, natural products, and beauty device treatments. Or, you can get an alternative gentler version. So, have you heard of bakuchiol? It is said that bakuchiol is the new natural retinoids, due to its potential to mimic the benefits of retinol. But what makes them different? Let’s get to know it more.

What is bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is a natural ingredient extracted from the Psoralea corylifolia or babchi plant. Bakuchiol works by stimulating collagen production in your skin. Collagen is an essential protein that provides structure and elasticity to your skin. Encouraging collagen production will benefit your skin to have a younger and firmer look.

Bakuchiol also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Inflammation plays a big role in various skin concerns, including fine lines, wrinkles, and aging signs. Inflammation can also worsen skin conditions. Bakuchiol’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation and promote healthier skin.

Free radicals are also another thing that bakuchiol combats. Its antioxidant properties are protecting your skin from premature aging and environmental damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage your skin cells and accelerate aging.

Bakuchiol as the natural alternative to retinoids has one contrasting characteristic: it soothes and comforts your skin, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin. These calming properties also make Bakuchiol comfortable to be used on acne-prone skin.

Benefits of bakuchiol

• Bakuchiol can interact with retinoid receptors, promoting cell turnover to remove dull skin.
• Bakuchiol can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Bakuchiol increases the firmness of your skin.
• Bakuchiol can improve your skin tone and result in brighter skin.
• Soothes and calms skin, making bakuchiol well-tolerated by sensitive skin.

So, can bakuchiol replace my retinol?

While bakuchiol has promising benefits, I would say you have to manage your expectations. Bakuchiol is not as researched as retinol, and it might not be as potent as retinol in some aspects. Even so, bakuchiol is a suitable choice for those who:

• Have sensitive skin, especially those who can’t tolerate retinoids.
• Are new to retinoids.
• Want to reap the benefits of anti-aging, brightening, and soothing properties from one skincare product.

I personally have tried both bakuchiol and retinol myself. I used bakuchiol oil before starting to incorporate retinoids in my skincare routine. All went well! I feel like my face is more plumpy in the morning and it looks healthier. After it ran out, I slowly started to use retinol twice a week.