Does bakuchiol cause sun sensitivity?

Does "retinol alternative" mean the same side effects?

No. Bakuchiol can affect some of the same skin processes as retinol without being structurally similar to retinoids, the vitamin A family of skincare ingredients. Retinoids can cause dryness, burning, peeling and sun sensitivity. Bakuchiol is generally gentler, though irritation is still possible. Calling bakuchiol a "retinol alternative" does not give it retinol's research history, however efficient the name tag.23

How should you use bakuchiol during the day?

1. 1Apply bakuchiol once daily, or morning and evening if using it twice daily.
2. 2Apply a bakuchiol serum before moisturizer. If your bakuchiol comes in a cream, apply the cream after other serums.
3. 3Include sunscreen in your daytime routine, whether you use bakuchiol or retinol.

These are general directions for bakuchiol, not instructions for every finished formula. Bakuchiol products often contain other ingredients, so follow your product's directions rather than assuming every serum or cream has the same routine.3

Does bakuchiol protect against sun damage?

Research has explored bakuchiol's effects on damage caused by ultraviolet radiation, including laboratory work with bakuchiol and vanilla extract. Those experiments found protective effects in cells and skin samples. For your routine, the distinction is straightforward: an ingredient being studied for sun related aging is not a substitute for wearing sunscreen.14

What results can you expect?

Bakuchiol is promising for fine lines and uneven skin colour, but its research base is much smaller than retinol's. A comparison involving 44 participants found similar improvements with less peeling and burning; seven participants dropped out. Bakuchiol's marketing is more settled than its research, which is a familiar division of labour in skincare.3

There is no single established timetable for results from bakuchiol alone. One combination cream containing bakuchiol, melatonin and a vitamin C derivative improved wrinkles and firmness after 12 weeks of daily use. Because several ingredients contributed to that formula, do not treat 12 weeks as a promised result for any bakuchiol product.3

Who should be careful?

Bakuchiol can suit sensitive skin, but it can still cause irritation or an allergic reaction. Contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction after contact with a substance, has been reported. Stop using a product that irritates your skin and ask a healthcare professional about a suspected reaction. If you have a skin condition or use other active skincare products, discuss adding bakuchiol with your dermatologist.12

Pregnancy safety remains uncertain. Bakuchiol being gentler than retinol does not make it an established pregnancy safe option. Speak with your healthcare provider before using bakuchiol while pregnant.1