As someone who's always on the lookout for the latest and greatest skincare ingredients, I’m excited to talk about bakuchiol, especially because I'm mindful about what I put on my skin. Retinol, as many of us know, is one of the most effective ingredients for fighting aging, but it can sometimes cause irritation or just be too harsh, especially if you're trying to avoid anything that could disrupt your skin’s balance. This is where bakuchiol comes in—it's a plant-based alternative to retinol that offers similar benefits without the irritation or risk to sensitive skin.

Let’s dive into what makes bakuchiol so special and why it’s a safer, more natural option for those of us who care about both the efficacy and safety of our skincare.

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is a vegan, plant-derived ingredient sourced from the leaves and seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, also known as babchi. This herb has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and now it’s taking the skincare world by storm. What I love about bakuchiol is that it has powerful antioxidant and anti-aging properties, just like retinol, but without the redness, peeling, or sensitivity. And as someone who prefers clean, plant-based ingredients, this is a huge plus for me!

Bakuchiol Benefits

So why should you care about bakuchiol? It helps reduce photo-damage from the environment (which, let’s face it, we’re all exposed to daily) and even out your skin tone. It also firms the skin and smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, but it’s gentle and calming, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin—like me.

How Bakuchiol Works

Bakuchiol is an antioxidant, which means it fights off environmental damage that ages our skin prematurely. It not only repairs past damage but also works to prevent future signs of aging. That’s a win-win for anyone looking for long-term benefits.

How to Add Bakuchiol to Your Routine

Incorporating bakuchiol into my routine was easy. You can find it in serums, oils, or moisturizers, and I absolutely love SANITY’S Daytime and Nighttime lotions (linked below). The Daytime is perfect for both day and night use, and it doesn’t break down in the sun like retinol, so no need to worry about extra sun sensitivity. Just make sure you’re still using SPF—always important.  The Nighttime has additional blends of other very beneficial and cutting edge alternative retinols that may cause a little sun sensitivity but really gets the job done.      

Bakuchiol vs. Retinol

Now, while bakuchiol is often called a natural alternative to retinol, they’re not the same. Retinol interacts with specific receptor sites in the skin, while bakuchiol uses different pathways to achieve similar benefits. The key takeaway for me is that you can get all the anti-aging perks—firmer skin, fewer wrinkles, and more even tone—without irritation.

Using Bakuchiol and Retinol Together

Here’s something I didn’t know until recently: you can actually use bakuchiol and retinol together! If you love retinol but your skin struggles with irritation, bakuchiol helps to soothe and stabilize it, making your skin more tolerant. This combo has done wonders for my skin—no more redness, just great results.

Is Bakuchiol Safe During Pregnancy?

If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, bakuchiol might be a safer option compared to retinol, but as always, it's best to check with your healthcare provider first. There isn’t definitive evidence yet, but early research suggests it’s a safer alternative.

Final Thoughts

For those of us who want to stay on the cutting edge of skincare, but not at the cost of our health, bakuchiol is a game changer. It’s gentle, effective, and plant-based—what’s not to love?

References:

1. British Journal of Dermatology, February 2019, pages 289-296
2. F1000 Research, November 2023, pages 1–24
3. International Journal of Advance Study and Research Work, July 2020, pages 15-18
4. Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 2015, Raja K Sivamani, et al.
5. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, June 2022, pages 377-393
6. Chemical Research in Toxicology, September 2003, pages 1,062-1,069
7. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, December 2022, pages 6636-6643