How to use bakuchiol oil

How should you apply bakuchiol?

Follow the directions for your actual formulation, because a bottle name is not an application manual.1

1. 1Choose one daily application in the morning or evening, or apply twice daily, once at each time.
2. 2If your bakuchiol product is a serum, apply it before moisturizer. If it is a cream, apply it after your other serums.
3. 3Wear sunscreen during the day. Bakuchiol does not appear to increase sun sensitivity, but sunscreen still belongs in the routine.

Bakuchiol can be used with vitamin C. If you use other active skincare products or have a skin condition, ask a dermatologist about the combination before adding bakuchiol.1

What does bakuchiol oil do for skin?

Bakuchiol may improve fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, tone and texture. Research comparing bakuchiol with retinol found similar improvements in signs of aging and fewer irritating effects with bakuchiol. It is a gentler option to consider if retinol irritates your skin, rather than a replacement for prescription retinoids.1

Who should be careful?

Bakuchiol can still cause irritation or an allergic reaction. If you are pregnant, speak with your healthcare provider before using it: pregnancy safety needs more research.1

What is the difference between bakuchiol and bakuchi oil?

Bakuchiol is an extract used in skincare. Bakuchi or babchi oil is a herbal preparation from the same plant, with a different safety concern. Babchi contains psoralens, substances that can trigger a reaction when skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. This reaction is called phytophotodermatitis: skin inflammation caused by plant contact followed by light exposure.12

Babchi oil followed by sunbathing has caused severe pain, redness and blistering requiring hospital care. Previous use without that reaction does not make a new preparation safe; concentrations can differ. Speak with a healthcare professional before using babchi oil. Stop using it and seek medical care for painful redness or blistering after sun exposure.2

Is bakuchiol oil organic?

Plant origin alone does not make a cosmetic organic. In the US, USDA organic standards cover agricultural production, certification and labeling based on the proportion of organic ingredients, so the word requires more than a leafy typeface. Look for the individual product's organic labeling rather than assuming all bakuchiol oils qualify. Organic ingredients are not inherently safer: plants can contain toxic or allergenic substances whether organically grown or not. Cosmetics carrying organic claims must still meet cosmetic safety and labeling requirements.3