There’s no doubt when it comes to anti-ageing ingredients retinol is regarded as the holy grail. Beauty fans are smitten with this form of vitamin A thanks to its ability to increase cell turnover and consequently reduce fine lines, combat acne, and tackle pigmentation.
However, some people can find it is too strong for their skin and become worried about using it – especially those who are just starting out with a skincare routine. There is also a lot of misunderstanding on how and when to use it and if its suitable for those with sensitive skin, which is why more and more people are searching for natural alternatives.
Research by Absolute Collagen found searches for ‘natural retinols’ are up 50% this year, showing the growing demand for products that mimic the effects of retinoids with less risk of irritation.
One of these powerful, plant-based alt-retinols garnering particular attention is bakuchiol, with a 200% surge in searches for ‘bakuchiol benefits for skin’ this year. An ingredient derived from babchi leaves and seeds, it’s been used by Chinese and Indian medical practitioners for decades. More recently, it’s been discovered that this 100% natural ingredient has anti-ageing properties for the skin, giving it the moniker “herbal botox”.
This research suggests that bakuchiol works much like retinol by increasing cell turnover to improve both skin clarity and texture. However, unlike retinol, which can sometimes be irritating on this skin, bakuchiol is much more gentle. It’s therefore a great option for those with sensitive skin, as well as pregnant women who should avoid retinol but don’t want to compromise on results.
Experts Featured in This Article
Darcy Laceby Skincare expert and co-founder of Absolute Collage
Darcy Laceby, skincare expert, is a big fan of this alternative ingredient. “Due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing properties, bakuchiol has become a powerful and popular skincare ingredient,” she explains. “It’s these properties that can have an amazing impact on your skin, helping to improve the appearance of wrinkles, even skin texture, and support skin firmness. Another great perk of bakuchiol is that it is a very gentle ingredient, suitable for sensitive and dry skin types.”
“A lot of bakuchiol’s benefits are similar to retinol, particularly its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” she tells PS UK. And while these ingredients are comparable, there are a number of reasons why bakuchiol might be a better choice for your daily skincare routine. “For starters, retinol can come with a string of irritating side effects, which include increased skin sensitivity and redness, often known to #skintok followers as the ‘retinol purge’. You actually need a build up a tolerance to retinol, which is a far cry from the gentle, soothing nature of bakuchiol serum.
“Retinol isn’t suitable for everyone, either,” she adds. “Firstly, it shouldn’t be used in the daytime, and it’s also not suitable for frequent use by those pregnant or breastfeeding. In contrast, bakuchiol oil or serum is safe when both pregnant and breastfeeding.”
Read on to see our favourite products that harness the potential power of bakuchiol.
Related: Is Vitamin C Over? We Ask the Experts
Bybi
Bybi Bakuchiol Booster
One percent bakuchiol oil and 99% squalane, this simple yet effective Bybi Bakuchiol Booster (£13) from clean beauty experts Bybi is a simple and affordable addition to any night time skincare routine.
spacenk.com
Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptide Serum
Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptide Serum (£55) is an oil-based serum which contains 1.25% pure bakuchiol, to improve collagen production and help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is ideal for those unable to use vitamin A who are looking for a high strength targeted option.
cultbeauty.co.uk
Bondi Sands Fountain of Youth Bakuchiol Serum
Better known for its self tan products, Australian brand Bondi Sands has entered the skincare chat with some pretty hardworking, targeted products such as this Bondi Sands Fountain of Youth Bakuchiol Serum (£10) aimed to tarhget fine lines and wrinkles it’s enriched with bakuchiol, sunflower seed and rosella extract to hydrate, fade pigmentation and soften your skin.
Unsplash / Christin Hume
Ole Henriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Creme
If you struggle with fine lines around your eyes or crows feet and worry retinol could be too strong for this thin sensitive area then you should consider giving Ole Henriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Creme (£39, originally £46) a go. This double-action eye cream instantly blurs the look of lines around the eyes, whilst improving skin’s firmness, elasticity and the look of dark circles. Plus, it also helps even out the appearance of eyelid skin tone.
Cult Beauty
Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil
Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil (£90) contains a cocktail of skin-loving ingredients including bakuchiol to stimulate the skin’s repair and renewal processes. Expect plumper and glowier skin.
Unsplash / Christin Hume
Absolute Collage Deep Lift Seru,
Clinically proven to increase skin firmness by 27%, Absolute Collagen Deep Lift Serum (£35) is aimed at improving the appearance and texture of mature skin. It contains targeted ingredients, designed to boost and reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well make skin appear tighter and lifted.
victoriahealth.com
Dose by VH Super Bakuchiol Serum
Dose by VH Bakuchiol Serum (£18) is a vegan formula which contains a patented pure Bakuchiol oil found to be non-irritating and effective. The serum also contains squalane to improve skin texture and lock moisture in.
lookfantastic.com
The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturiser
If you’re looking to dabble with Bakuchiol and don’t want to invest in a heavyweight serum or switch out your regular retiniol products then this The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturiser (£13) is a good option. Packed with the plant-derived alternative to retinol, it also contains omega-3 packed sacha inchi oil, glycerin and squalene, to replenishes lost moisture and lock in lasting hydration.
boots.com
Botanics Bakuchiol Concentrated Serum
This Botanics Bakuchiol Concentrated Serum (£8) is ideal used alone or adding to your current moisturiser. It contains 1% Bakuchiol as well as an essential oil blend with notes of bergamot, lemon & basil to help enhance holistic well-being. This natural alternative to retinol can be used as a supplement for your skincare, simply mix the potent serum to your go-to moisturise or use directly on the skin for a potent hit of natural nourishment.
Cult Beauty
Allies Of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum
If you’re looking for a high performance do-it-all serum, Allies Of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum (£98) is just the ticket. Containing three types of acid alongside a plethora of hydrating and renewing ingredients (including bakuchiol), it will tackle blemishes, pores, pigmentation, and uneven texture.
Unsplash / Christin Hume
Lauren Ezekiel is an associate editor at PS UK, where she writes about all things beauty and wellness. With a degree in journalism and 12 years’ experience as a beauty editor at a leading Sunday supplement, she is obsessed with skincare, hair and makeup, and is often found offering advice to innocent bystanders. Her work has been published in Grazia, OK, Health and Beauty, The Sun, ASDA, Dare and Metro.
