Is bakuchiol safe for sensitive skin?

Bakuchiol can be a gentler alternative if retinol irritates your skin. If you have eczema, rosacea or concerns about combining active skincare ingredients, speak with a dermatologist before adding it. Stop using the product and seek medical advice if you develop irritation or suspect an allergic reaction.1

How should you use bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol comes in serums, creams and moisturizers, so a new ingredient does not have to mean another bottle taking up residence.1

  1. 1Apply a bakuchiol serum before moisturizer, or a bakuchiol cream after your other serums.
  2. 2Use bakuchiol once or twice daily. For twice daily use, apply it in the morning and evening.
  3. 3Wear sunscreen during the day, even though bakuchiol does not appear to increase sun sensitivity.
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Bakuchiol and vitamin C can be used together. If your routine already includes other active products, ask a dermatologist about the combination rather than assuming that a gentler ingredient makes the whole routine gentle.1

Is bakuchiol safe during pregnancy?

Bakuchiol's pregnancy safety needs more research. Talk to your healthcare provider before using it while pregnant. Check the full ingredient list of the product you plan to use: avoid retinol and other retinoids during pregnancy, including products that also contain bakuchiol.12

If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, tell your obstetrician and dermatologist about all medications and prescription skincare you use. They can update your treatment plan for pregnancy and breastfeeding. A basic pregnancy routine can consist of gentle cleansing, regular moisturizer and sun protection. Choose a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher; zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are recommended during pregnancy to reduce irritation.2

What can you expect from bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and uneven tone, which is a more reasonable job description than abolishing birthdays.1

Laboratory testing has found antioxidant activity and effects on collagen and other proteins involved in skin structure. A bakuchiol formula also increased a skin support protein called fibronectin after four weeks of application. That protein change is different from a timetable for visible wrinkle improvement.3

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Bakuchiol: Retinol Alternative for Sensitive Skinhealth.clevelandclinic.org
  2. 2Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin careaad.org
  3. 3Multidirectional activity of bakuchiol against cellular mechanisms of facial ageing ‐ Experimental evidence for a holistic treatment approachpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov