Are you searching for an anti-ageing ingredient that is safe and has no side effects? If you are experiencing any side effects or are afraid of using retinol on your skin, then you might need to switch to a safer plant-based ingredient. There’s a new skincare ingredient “bakuchiol” making wonders in the skincare industry. It is known for its amazing anti-ageing properties with less to no irritation/purging. Now you may be thinking is it safer than retinol? By the end of this blog post, you will have complete knowledge of bakuchiol and completely understand whether you need it or not.

What is Bakuchiol?

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, while Bakuchiol is a plant-based skincare ingredient. This makes it even more suitable for sensitive skin types. It is derived from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Because it is totally plant-based, it doesn’t cause any irritation, itching, or redness on the skin.

Why Are People Switching From Retinol to Bakuchiol?

Several studies have shown that retinol causes dryness, peeling, purging and irritation. It leads to discomfort specifically for people having sensitive skin. On the other hand, bakuchiol is very gentle on the skin, it treats pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles without causing any adverse side effects. 

According to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, bakuchiol showed similar anti-ageing effects as retinol with significantly fewer side effects.

So, it's a win-win to reverse your ageing process using bakuchiol based serum!

Key Benefits of Bakuchiol

• Anti-Aging Power: Bakuchiol boosts collagen production in our skin which has great anti-ageing properties.

• Gentle on sensitive skin: Bakuchiol is also safe if you have a damaged skin barrier because unlike retinol it doesn’t cause itching or peeling.

• Hyperpigmentation treatment: Bakuchiol fights pigmentation and brightens the skin tone. It is proven to be effective for lightening dark spots.

• Safe to use in the daytime as well as at night: Unlike retinol, it is safe to use in the daytime as well. But don’t forget to apply sunblock.

How to Use Bakuchiol?

Start by using bakuchiol on alternate days. No matter how safe the product is it is always advised to patch-test the product before starting it. You can test it on the back of your arm or the back of your ear. If there is no significant redness, itching or irritation within 24 hours you can then use it on your face. Following a basic skincare routine first cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser. After that, tone the face with a mild toner and then apply the serum containing bakuchiol. Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer according to your skin type.

Famous Bakuchiol Serums

A famous brand, Paula’s Choice, has a serum that contains both retinol and bakuchiol. It has retinol in a lesser amount (0.3%) and bakuchiol (2%). But because of its retinol content, it can still be irritating for sensitive skin types. So, a safer option can be serums containing only bakuchiol. Medik8 can be a great choice. Their bakuchiol serum is mild for people having sensitive skin types.

Conclusion

Now the real question that would come to your mind would be, should I switch to bakuchiol? Bakuchiol is proven to offer comparable and similar results to retinol without causing any serious side effects. It is a miraculous anti-ageing ingredient that can treat pigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines. It can help you get that amazing anti-ageing benefits even if you are someone having sensitive and acne-prone skin. So are you ready to level up your skincare game with this gentle yet powerful ingredient? If this guide towards using Bakuchiol was helpful for you, do let me know in the comments. Also, what would you like to hear from me next?