The Latest Ingredient to take the Beauty Industry by Storm
It's safe to say that retinol is one of the most sought after skin care ingredients on the market. It speeds up skin cell turnover and literally renews the skin. It's brightening, smoothing, super supportive of collagen production and it can also help treat acne. It's the ingredient we rely on for great skin. However, retinol doesn't suit every skin type.
It's the natural substitute for retinol that caters to sensitive and easily irritated skins. In addition, unlike retinol, bakuchiol is pregnancy safe. We wanted to look into exactly what it is, why you need to try it and how you can introduce it into your routine.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient that aims to minimise the visible signs of ageing. It's derived from the Psoralea Corylifolia plant. A herb that is commonly used in Chinese medicine for its healing and calming properties. Bakuchiol is enriched with potent antioxidants that support the reduction of discolouration, fine lines and wrinkles caused by external environmental factors. It has grown in popularity thanks to the increased demand for both gentle and vegan formulations that don't compromise on effectiveness.
Benefits of Bakuchiol
The benefits of bakuchiol are very similar to those of retinol. By deeply penetrating the skin, it can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It also stimulates collagen and therefore plumps the skin to refine fine lines and wrinkles. The major benefit of bakuchiol is how gentle it is. Retinol can be drying and irritating for sensitive skin types however, it is a much more forgiving ingredient and pretty much anyone can use it. It not only speeds up skin cell regeneration but it also supports the soothing and healing of the skin in the process. With continued use of bakuchiol, your skin will be glowing and elasticity will be restored.
How To Add Bakuchiol To Your Skincare Routine
The magic of bakuchiol is that it can be tolerated by most skins! Therefore it's super easy to incorporate into your routine. As an ingredient that directly targets signs of ageing, it's a good idea to start using it in your mid-20s.
Bakuchiol is applied topically in the form of a serum or cream. Retinol enables the skin to become more sensitive to the sun whereas bakuchiol does not. That's why you're safe to use it in the mornings and in the evenings but following up with an SPF is always heavily advised. In addition, due to its natural nature, it can be used with the likes of exfoliators, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid without causing irritation.
Our Bakuchiol Picks
Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides
The Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides is a gentle and potent serum that contains 1.25% bakuchiol. Brightening peptide precursors put a stop to the production of melanin which helps to even out skin tone. The centella asiatica plant stimulates collagen and enables the skin to retain moisture. This is the perfect anti-ageing product for both pregnant or nursing mothers who are unable to use Vitamin A. It works beautifully with sensitive skins and leaves the skin feeling vibrant and renewed.
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CosMedix Bakuchiol Complete
Lightweight and nourishing, the CosMedix Bakuchiol Complete unites Squalane, Bakuchiol, Jojoba Seed and Moringa Seed Oil to target fine lines and wrinkles while deeply hydrating the skin.
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Raww Bakuchiol Boost Face Oil
If a natural formula is what you're looking for, the Raww Bakuchiol Boost Face Oil is formulated using 99% natural ingredients. It mixes 2% bakuchiol with grape seed oil, pomegranate seed oil and avocado oil to calm redness and soothe areas of breakouts. It's youthful and glowing skin in a bottle.
Shop ThisThere is still a lot to learn when it comes to bakuchiol! However, from what we do know, it's the perfect retinol alternative for sensitive skins with just as many amazing anti-ageing benefits.
With a passion for product innovation and professional experience working at a leading global beauty brand, Ella comes well equipped with both the knowledge and love for what's trending and picking out the gimmicks from the must-haves. While Ella has an excitement for all things formulas and textures, she also enjoys walking along the beach and taking in the beautiful Australian sceneries, always with an English Breakfast Tea in hand.