Retinol (a vitamin A derivative) is one of the most researched ingredients for fine lines and uneven skin tone. But for many people it causes dryness, peeling or irritation. That is why more and more attention is going to bakuchiol – a plant-based substance known as a natural alternative to retinol.
In short
- Bakuchiol is a plant-based substance from babchi seeds, known as a natural alternative to retinol.
- In a 2019 study, both ingredients reduced wrinkles and pigmentation similarly, while retinol irritated the skin more often.
- There is not much research yet, but bakuchiol is a gentler choice for sensitive skin.
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is extracted from the seeds of the plant Psoralea corylifolia (babchi), which have been used for centuries in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. Chemically it is not a retinoid, but studies have found that it works on the skin in a similar way.
What does the research show?
The most frequently cited study is from 2019, published in the British Journal of Dermatology (Dhaliwal et al.). In it, 44 participants used either a 0.5% bakuchiol cream twice a day or a 0.5% retinol cream once a day for 12 weeks. The results:
- both groups showed a significant reduction in wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, with no statistically significant difference between the groups;
- retinol users more often reported skin peeling and stinging.
The researchers themselves stress that the results are promising, but larger studies are needed. So, to be honest: bakuchiol is not a miracle, but a gentler option for those who cannot use retinol.
Bakuchiol and retinol: a comparison
| Retinol | Bakuchiol | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Vitamin A derivative | Plant-based (babchi seeds) |
| Research | Very well researched | Fewer studies, but promising results |
| Irritation | Often causes dryness and peeling | Usually gentler |
Who is bakuchiol for?
- sensitive skin for which retinol is too harsh;
- those who choose natural, certified cosmetics;
- those who want to start caring for fine lines gently.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend consulting your doctor before using any active ingredients.
Skimelìn bakuchiol serum
Our Nº 06 Bakuchiol – Face Oil Serum combines bakuchiol with rosehip, jojoba, evening primrose, strawberry, raspberry and blueberry seed oils. It is ECOCERT certified to the COSMOS ORGANIC standard: 99% ingredients of natural origin, of which 61% are organic. The formula is vegan and dermatologically tested.
How to use: apply a few drops to clean facial skin, preferably in the evening. During the day, as always, use sunscreen.
