What does bakuchiol do for skin?

What bakuchiol may do for skin

Potential cosmetic effects include improving skin laxity, or looseness, reducing the appearance of sun damage and dark spots, helping prevent clogged pores, and improving skin tone and texture. These are possible benefits, not guaranteed results.1

Bakuchiol is also described as having antioxidant activity.13

What the evidence can tell you

One 2019 study found that bakuchiol worked as well as retinol for signs of aging and was less likely to cause itching, redness, and irritation. Another comparison describes bakuchiol as better tolerated but slightly weaker than retinol on some measures, so the evidence does not support a simple claim that the two always perform alike. One study is a clue, not a verdict; product copy would surely enjoy a courtroom where the other evidence did not get to testify.14

A research comparison used bakuchiol and retinol alongside a milk thistle extract called SME. Products were applied twice daily for 56 days by 57 volunteers, and the reported result was a stronger wrinkle effect from SME than from bakuchiol. Those 56 days describe that trial schedule, not a proven wait time for results from a bakuchiol product.4

Who might consider bakuchiol

People who want a retinol like option but are concerned about irritation may consider bakuchiol. It is considered gentler and may be more suitable for sensitive skin, including skin affected by rosacea or eczema, but irritation or an allergic reaction can still happen. If you use other active skin products or have a skin condition, check with a dermatologist or healthcare provider before adding it.1

How to use bakuchiol

1. 1Apply it once or twice daily. If you use it twice, apply it once in the morning and once in the evening.
2. 2Layer a bakuchiol serum before moisturizer. Apply a bakuchiol cream after your other serums.
3. 3Bakuchiol can be used with vitamin C, and the ingredients may complement each other.

Sun protection and side effects

Bakuchiol does not seem to thin the outer skin layer or raise sun sensitivity in the way retinol can, but sunscreen is still recommended with either ingredient. Stop using the product if irritation or an allergic reaction develops, and contact a healthcare provider if you are concerned about symptoms or how it fits with other products.1

Bakuchiol during pregnancy

Research has not established bakuchiol's safety during pregnancy, so talk with your healthcare provider before using it if you are pregnant. Retinoids, including skin care products containing retinol, should not be used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, tell your obstetrician and dermatologist about skin care medications and prescriptions you use.15

Bakuchiol vs retinol

Retinol is available over the counter in many products, enough options to make a simple family tree request a map. The concentrations in the table are from one study setup, not a universal guide for choosing a product.24

• Consider bakuchiol if you want a retinol alternative and irritation is a concern, especially if your skin is sensitive.
• Consider retinol for uneven tone, pigmentation, or texture if you are choosing an over the counter vitamin A ingredient and can follow nighttime use with sun protection.
• Do not treat bakuchiol as a proven substitute for prescription retinoids; more research is needed to compare them.