Bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, for treating acne and reducing signs of aging
Posted by Ivatherm
Bakuchiol is a natural skincare ingredient, extracted from the leaves and seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant. This plant has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for healing and soothing the skin, as well as for treating acne breakouts.
Bakuchiol has moisturizing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, contributing to wrinkle reduction, improved skin firmness, and minimized pore appearance. It is an effective alternative to retinoids for treating acne and can be used on all skin types, morning and evening.
In this article, you will discover how bakuchiol works, its benefits for skin health, and how to integrate it into your skincare routine.
Table of Contents
How bakuchiol became popular in skincare routines
The natural ingredient has been used in skincare products since the 1970s, but it only began to gain popularity after studies highlighted its effectiveness.
Bakuchiol has two common uses, in treating acne and as an anti-aging active ingredient. In acne, it is used for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and sebum-reducing effects.
Bakuchiol works similarly to retinol, stimulating collagen production and diminishing signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Because of its soothing properties that comfort the skin, bakuchiol helps minimize issues associated with sensitivity. It is a powerful antioxidant, visibly reduces skin discoloration caused by environmental factors, and has a pronounced skin-calming effect. It helps combat signs of aging and protect the skin from pollution and other factors that can affect the complexion.
Bakuchiol: benefits for skin health
Among the benefits bakuchiol has for skin health are:
Reduces signs of aging — Recent studies have shown that bakuchiol stimulates collagen production, thereby reducing fine lines and improving skin texture. Besides helping to replenish skin cells, bakuchiol can also improve skin firmness and reduce pore appearance, providing a smoother, younger-looking complexion.
Evens skin tone — Bakuchiol penetrates deep into the skin and helps reduce the risk of age spots or those caused by prolonged sun exposure.
Helps calm and heal the skin — Due to its ability to support cellular repair, bakuchiol helps calm and heal the skin from the inside out.
Is gentle on the skin — While retinol, one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients, has a high irritating potential, bakuchiol is gentle and has similar efficacy to retinol, as studies show.
Bakuchiol: proven results in acne treatment
Bakuchiol is an effective alternative to retinoids in the fight against acne, being a plant-derived compound, much better tolerated than retinoids.
Acne is one of the most common skin diseases, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents and young adults. It is more common among individuals aged 12 to 24, although it can appear at any time of life.
Acne manifests as both inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, nodules, cysts) and non-inflammatory lesions (comedones).
Formulations with 1% bakuchiol and 2% salicylic acid showed nearly 70% reduction in acne lesions and inflammation
Formulations with 1% bakuchiol reduced acne by approximately 57%
Salicylic acid at 2% concentration reduced acne by only approximately 48%
None of the study participants reported any adverse reactions after using these ingredient combinations. This demonstrates that bakuchiol is an effective ingredient for treating acne, without causing irritation or skin sensitivities, and yields better results when combined with an exfoliating agent, such as salicylic acid.
Among the main factors causing acne are excessive sebum production, hair follicles blocked by oil and dead skin cells, bacteria, and inflammation.
Antibacterial action — Cutibacterium acnes (previously known as Propionibacterium acnes) is the name of the bacteria that lives on the skin and contributes to the appearance of acne lesions. Studies have shown that bakuchiol has excellent inhibitory activity against it and is, at the same time, very effective in inhibiting other microorganisms, such as staphylococcus and candida.
Anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating effects — Also, due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, bakuchiol helps unclog pores and reduce the activity of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme in the sebaceous glands, which prevents pore clogging and, consequently, reduces oil production.
Antioxidant protection — Last but not least, bakuchiol is a powerful antioxidant, effective in preventing damage caused by external aggressors.
Ivatherm uses bakuchiol in products specially created for acne treatment. Ivapur A.I. Akne-Syt Cream for oily skin with severe imperfections acts effectively on all acne mechanisms: it reduces sebum secretion and inflammation and has excellent antibacterial activity.
Bakuchiol and retinol: differences and similarities
Same efficacy, less irritation — The main difference between retinol and bakuchiol is that the latter is less irritating. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology showed that bakuchiol works just as well as retinol in reducing signs of aging but is less irritating. It is, therefore, a natural, non-irritating alternative to retinol. As a result, bakuchiol can be easily introduced into the skincare routine of people with sensitive skin.
A 2019 research highlighted that there is no difference between retinol and bakuchiol in treating wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. However, people who used retinol experienced more dryness and stinging of the skin.
Bakuchiol can also be used during the day — While retinol's effectiveness is influenced by light, bakuchiol is photostable, meaning it retains its active properties even under ultraviolet rays. However, it is recommended to apply sun protection factorSPF after applying cosmetic products containing bakuchiol.
Bakuchiol is better tolerated — One of the advantages of bakuchiol is that it is considered safe and effective for most skin types. In clinical studies, bakuchiol was better tolerated than retinol, showing fewer skin flaking and stinging, two side effects that can lead a patient to discontinue an ingredient before it acts deeply.
Immediate results, no waiting — For retinol, a period of skin acclimatization to the ingredient is needed before the effects become visible.
How to use bakuchiol
Forms available — Like other retinol products, bakuchiol can be applied topically either as a serum or as a moisturizing cream. However, unlike retinol, bakuchiol does not exhibit increased sun sensitivity, meaning it can also be used in the morning skincare routine.
Combines excellently with other active ingredients — At the same time, due to bakuchiol's natural composition, it is safe to use alongside other active substances, including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and even retinol. In fact, some studies suggest that bakuchiol has a stabilizing effect on retinol, thus increasing its effectiveness when combined. Another benefit of using products containing both bakuchiol and retinol is that, due to bakuchiol's calming properties, the skin can tolerate retinol in larger quantities.
Test the product first — As with other ingredients used in skincare, it is recommended to perform a sensitivity test before introducing bakuchiol into your daily routine. For this, a small amount of the product is applied to the forearm and left to act for 24 hours. If the skin turns red and itching occurs, the area should be cleaned quickly and the product avoided. If no adverse reactions appear, the ingredient can be used without problems.
Application steps
Skincare products containing bakuchiol extract can be applied to the face and neck.
Before application, the area must be cleaned and toned
If the bakuchiol product is a light serum, it should be applied before the moisturizer
If it is a bakuchiol moisturizing cream, it should be applied after the serum
Also, if bakuchiol is used in the morning routine, sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be applied
Concentration and expected results — Research has shown that products containing bakuchiol at a concentration between 0.5-2% are beneficial for skin health. For products with 0.5% bakuchiol, applied twice daily, visible improvements in skin elasticity and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles can be observed within 12 weeks.
Storage — To achieve the best results, it is important that products containing bakuchiol are stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
In conclusion, bakuchiol is a natural ingredient that helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines, being considered a safe, less irritating alternative to retinol. Due to its calming properties, it can have beneficial effects on the skin health of people suffering from acne.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, for treating acne and reducing signs of aging
Bakuchiol is a natural skincare ingredient, extracted from the leaves and seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant. This plant has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for healing and soothing the skin, as well as for treating acne breakouts.
Bakuchiol has moisturizing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, contributing to wrinkle reduction, improved skin firmness, and minimized pore appearance. It is an effective alternative to retinoids for treating acne and can be used on all skin types, morning and evening.
In this article, you will discover how bakuchiol works, its benefits for skin health, and how to integrate it into your skincare routine.
Table of Contents
How bakuchiol became popular in skincare routines
The natural ingredient has been used in skincare products since the 1970s, but it only began to gain popularity after studies highlighted its effectiveness.
Bakuchiol has two common uses, in treating acne and as an anti-aging active ingredient. In acne, it is used for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and sebum-reducing effects.
Bakuchiol works similarly to retinol, stimulating collagen production and diminishing signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Because of its soothing properties that comfort the skin, bakuchiol helps minimize issues associated with sensitivity. It is a powerful antioxidant, visibly reduces skin discoloration caused by environmental factors, and has a pronounced skin-calming effect. It helps combat signs of aging and protect the skin from pollution and other factors that can affect the complexion.
Bakuchiol: benefits for skin health
Among the benefits bakuchiol has for skin health are:
Reduces signs of aging — Recent studies have shown that bakuchiol stimulates collagen production, thereby reducing fine lines and improving skin texture. Besides helping to replenish skin cells, bakuchiol can also improve skin firmness and reduce pore appearance, providing a smoother, younger-looking complexion.
Evens skin tone — Bakuchiol penetrates deep into the skin and helps reduce the risk of age spots or those caused by prolonged sun exposure.
Helps calm and heal the skin — Due to its ability to support cellular repair, bakuchiol helps calm and heal the skin from the inside out.
Is gentle on the skin — While retinol, one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients, has a high irritating potential, bakuchiol is gentle and has similar efficacy to retinol, as studies show.
Bakuchiol: proven results in acne treatment
Bakuchiol is an effective alternative to retinoids in the fight against acne, being a plant-derived compound, much better tolerated than retinoids.
Acne is one of the most common skin diseases, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents and young adults. It is more common among individuals aged 12 to 24, although it can appear at any time of life.
Acne manifests as both inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, nodules, cysts) and non-inflammatory lesions (comedones).
Clinical studies have shown that bakuchiol reduces acne and is more effective when combined with salicylic acid:
None of the study participants reported any adverse reactions after using these ingredient combinations. This demonstrates that bakuchiol is an effective ingredient for treating acne, without causing irritation or skin sensitivities, and yields better results when combined with an exfoliating agent, such as salicylic acid.
Among the main factors causing acne are excessive sebum production, hair follicles blocked by oil and dead skin cells, bacteria, and inflammation.
Antibacterial action — Cutibacterium acnes (previously known as Propionibacterium acnes) is the name of the bacteria that lives on the skin and contributes to the appearance of acne lesions. Studies have shown that bakuchiol has excellent inhibitory activity against it and is, at the same time, very effective in inhibiting other microorganisms, such as staphylococcus and candida.
Anti-inflammatory and sebum-regulating effects — Also, due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, bakuchiol helps unclog pores and reduce the activity of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme in the sebaceous glands, which prevents pore clogging and, consequently, reduces oil production.
Antioxidant protection — Last but not least, bakuchiol is a powerful antioxidant, effective in preventing damage caused by external aggressors.
Bakuchiol and retinol: differences and similarities
Same efficacy, less irritation — The main difference between retinol and bakuchiol is that the latter is less irritating. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology showed that bakuchiol works just as well as retinol in reducing signs of aging but is less irritating. It is, therefore, a natural, non-irritating alternative to retinol. As a result, bakuchiol can be easily introduced into the skincare routine of people with sensitive skin.
A 2019 research highlighted that there is no difference between retinol and bakuchiol in treating wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. However, people who used retinol experienced more dryness and stinging of the skin.
Bakuchiol can also be used during the day — While retinol's effectiveness is influenced by light, bakuchiol is photostable, meaning it retains its active properties even under ultraviolet rays. However, it is recommended to apply sun protection factor SPF after applying cosmetic products containing bakuchiol.
Bakuchiol is better tolerated — One of the advantages of bakuchiol is that it is considered safe and effective for most skin types. In clinical studies, bakuchiol was better tolerated than retinol, showing fewer skin flaking and stinging, two side effects that can lead a patient to discontinue an ingredient before it acts deeply.
Immediate results, no waiting — For retinol, a period of skin acclimatization to the ingredient is needed before the effects become visible.
How to use bakuchiol
Forms available — Like other retinol products, bakuchiol can be applied topically either as a serum or as a moisturizing cream. However, unlike retinol, bakuchiol does not exhibit increased sun sensitivity, meaning it can also be used in the morning skincare routine.
Combines excellently with other active ingredients — At the same time, due to bakuchiol's natural composition, it is safe to use alongside other active substances, including niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and even retinol. In fact, some studies suggest that bakuchiol has a stabilizing effect on retinol, thus increasing its effectiveness when combined. Another benefit of using products containing both bakuchiol and retinol is that, due to bakuchiol's calming properties, the skin can tolerate retinol in larger quantities.
Test the product first — As with other ingredients used in skincare, it is recommended to perform a sensitivity test before introducing bakuchiol into your daily routine. For this, a small amount of the product is applied to the forearm and left to act for 24 hours. If the skin turns red and itching occurs, the area should be cleaned quickly and the product avoided. If no adverse reactions appear, the ingredient can be used without problems.
Application steps
Skincare products containing bakuchiol extract can be applied to the face and neck.
Concentration and expected results — Research has shown that products containing bakuchiol at a concentration between 0.5-2% are beneficial for skin health. For products with 0.5% bakuchiol, applied twice daily, visible improvements in skin elasticity and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles can be observed within 12 weeks.
Storage — To achieve the best results, it is important that products containing bakuchiol are stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
In conclusion, bakuchiol is a natural ingredient that helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines, being considered a safe, less irritating alternative to retinol. Due to its calming properties, it can have beneficial effects on the skin health of people suffering from acne.
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.