The Natural Alternative to Retinol: What Is Bakuchiol and Why Should It Be Part of Your Skincare Routine?

Have you heard of an ingredient that works wonders for your skin in a similar way to retinol, but without the redness and irritation? Meet bakuchiol – a remarkable ingredient that has taken the natural skincare world by storm in recent years.

What Is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient obtained from the seeds of the Asian plant Psoralea corylifolia (Bakuchi or Babchi). In traditional Indian Ayurveda, this plant, with its delicate purple flowers, has been used for centuries to soothe the skin and support its healing. Today, it is enjoying a well-deserved renaissance in modern skincare.

Bakuchiol vs. Retinol

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a renowned anti-ageing ingredient. However, it can irritate sensitive skin and increase its sensitivity to sunlight. Chemically, bakuchiol is not a retinoid at all. So why is it so often referred to as a “natural alternative to retinol”?

Scientific research has found that bakuchiol activates similar processes in the skin and helps promote a youthful-looking complexion, with results comparable to retinol, but without the unpleasant peeling and increased sensitivity.

What Are the Benefits of Bakuchiol for Your Skin?

Using bakuchiol regularly can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine. It offers several wonderful benefits:

• A more youthful appearance: Helps soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• A more radiant complexion: Helps even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of unwanted pigmentation.

• Excellent skin tolerance: Does not dry out the skin and is generally well tolerated, even by very sensitive skin.

Did You Know?

Bakuchiol is photostable. This means that sunlight does not significantly reduce its stability, and bakuchiol is not known to cause skin photosensitivity in the way some retinoids can. You can therefore incorporate it into both your morning and evening skincare routines.

Bakuchiol and SAVON Products

At SAVON, our Slovak natural skincare brand, we have created an elixir your skin will love: RENEW – Bakuchiol Facial Serum with Astaxanthin.

In this luxurious vegan serum, bakuchiol works in synergy with the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin, prickly pear oil, goji, and innovative phytobiotics.

How should you incorporate it into your routine? Apply a few drops to cleansed, slightly damp skin in the morning and evening, then gently massage it in. Follow with a moisturiser, and during the day, remember to protect your skin with SPF.

Scientific Reference

Dhaliwal S. et al. (2019): Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Assessment of Topical Bakuchiol and Retinol for Treatment of Facial Photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology.

This clinical study found that bakuchiol achieved results comparable to retinol in improving the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation, while being better tolerated and associated with less skin irritation.