Skincare Spotlight: Bakuchiol

If you love skincare but struggle with sensitive skin, you’ve probably heard about Bakuchiol—the buzzy, plant-based ingredient creating a stir in the beauty world. Hailed as the gentle, natural alternative to retinol, Bakuchiol is popping up in everything from serums and face oils to day and night creams. But what exactly is Bakuchiol, and why are so many women making the switch?

Let’s break down why this ingredient deserves a spot in your routine.

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol comes from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia) and is completely vegan and cruelty-free. Traditionally used in Indian and Chinese medicine for its healing powers, Bakuchiol has found its way into modern skincare for its ability to calm, soothe, and restore the skin. As a natural antioxidant, it helps fight visible signs of ageing, supports your skin barrier, and leaves your complexion looking healthy and radiant.

Quick Facts

Main benefits:  

• Smooths fine lines and wrinkles

• Protects against environmental stress

• Restores firmness and elasticity

• Evens out skin tone and texture

Who can use it:  

Bakuchiol is gentle enough for all skin types—but it’s especially loved by those with sensitive or reactive skin who can’t tolerate retinol.

How to use it:  

Apply Bakuchiol to clean skin, ideally at night before your moisturiser. If you use it in the morning, always follow with SPF—just like you would with retinol.

Can be used with:  

Bakuchiol pairs beautifully with Vitamin C, squalane, niacinamide, and any hydrating serums or creams, making it super easy to incorporate into your existing routine.

Bakuchiol vs. Retinol

Here’s where Bakuchiol really shines: unlike retinol, it’s not a vitamin A derivative, but it still delivers many of the same anti-ageing benefits—without the harsh side effects. Multiple studies, including one from The British Journal of Dermatology, found that after 12 weeks, Bakuchiol users saw major improvements in wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin elasticity—without the peeling, redness, or burning that can come with retinol. Another study in 2019 showed that Bakuchiol and retinol are equally effective, but retinol users had more irritation. That’s why Bakuchiol is a game-changer for sensitive skin or anyone worried about irritation.

This is great news for those with sensitive skin! If you are unable to use retinol or other anti-ageing products, then Bakuchiol might be what you need for sensitive skin, tackling breakouts, anti-ageing, or healing a damaged skin barrier.

Benefits Breakdown

Bakuchiol offers a variety of skincare benefits, from anti-ageing to achieving an even skin tone and promoting healthy cell regeneration.

Let's break down the benefits of Bakuchiol.

Anti-ageing Properties:  

As we age, our body produces less collagen. However, regular use of Bakuchiol can help boost collagen production, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance skin elasticity. Bakuchiol also encourages healthy cell turnover and renewal, promoting a more youthful and radiant-looking skin barrier.

Even skin tone:  

When used as part of a regular skincare routine, Bakuchiol’s antioxidant properties can deeply penetrate the skin to help areas of free radical damage and hyperpigmentation.  

Soothes Skin:  

Bakuchiol can help deeply heal and soothe skin from the inside out by promoting cell turnover and a healthier skin barrier.  

Suitable for all skin types:  

Bakuchiol is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin. Its soothing properties help reduce inflammation and redness and soothe mild forms of acne.