It’s finally happening: Even after a good night’s rest that fresh face of yours is looking — well — a little less fresh. You can’t really call them “laugh lines,” anymore: They’re just plain wrinkles. Still, just because nature is catching up with you doesn’t mean you have to go down without a fight! There are plenty of new products that are specially formulated to get after fine lines and wrinkles, and the latest, bakuchiol, actually has its roots in ancient Eastern medicine.
You’ve probably already heard of retinol, a topical vitamin A–based medication originally used as an acne treatment. Researchers found that it helped fade age spots, evened out pigmentation, and reduced fine lines and wrinkles by increasing the production of collagen. Of course, the treatments can also cause dryness and irritation, so doctors usually recommend applying the product every other day, slowly building up to daily use.
A Kinder, Gentler Retinol Alternative
Dr. David Shafer, a New York City-based plastic surgeon, explains that bakuchiol works through the same receptors as retinol, but is much gentler.
“Bakuchiol possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties,” says Shafer. “This makes it a great natural alternative to retinols, helping prevent fine lines and wrinkles, firming the skin, and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can also help reduce the appearance of pores, and since guys tend to have thicker, rougher skin, it’s a great option to smooth out uneven skin tone.”
An added benefit; while bakuchiol works similarly to retinols, it doesn’t dry the skin or cause irritation, so it’s safe for virtually anyone to use. Dr. Shafer does advise pregnant women to be cautious. “Retinol has been linked to birth defects in pregnant women, and while there aren’t any studies I’m aware of to indicate a similar issue with bakuchiol, I’d still err on the side of caution.” So if your spouse is in the family way, keep your product to yourself.
Where Does Bakuchiol Come From?
Although retinol really caught on in the 1970s and ‘80s, it can trace its roots back to ancient Egypt. Similarly, bakuchiol has long been used in Indian and traditional Chinese medicine to treat various skin conditions, including rashes and hyperpigmentation.
It was first isolated in 1966 from Psoralea corylifolia seed, and the name is based on the Sanskrit name of the plant, Bakuchi, which has beautiful purple flowers that can sometimes add a slight hue to products that contain the ingredient. The first commercial use in topical products wasn’t until 2007, but by 2018 researchers accepted it as a retinoid alternative.
How Does Bakuchiol Work?
Bakuchiol works by stimulating key anti-aging genes, which help slow the aging process, limiting oxidative damage to cells, and controlling inflammation. In a sense, the bakuchiol talks to the cells by telling them to boost collagen production and cell turnover, which produces healthier, younger-looking skin.
“Retinols should be part of every skincare routine,” says Shafer, “but since they can cause irritation for many, bakuchiol provides a safe alternative with very similar results while limiting harsh side effects such as retinol burn.”
Follow the directions on the product label, but generally speaking, you should be able to use bakuchiol daily, even twice a day if you’re particularly concerned about aging management. Shafer often recommends that patients start by applying it before bed, after they’ve washed their faces; allowing the product to go to work during sleep. Follow up in the morning with a good moisturizer with SPF. Here are a few bakuchiol products we’ve found that you may want to add to your anti-aging regimen.
Best Bakuchiol Skincare Products
Jack Black Nighttime BAK-up Retinol Alternative
Revision Skincare DEJ Night Face Cream
Olehenriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Crème
The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturizer
Frequently Asked Questions
Bakuchiol is a natural compound derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant, used as a gentler alternative to retinol. Like retinol, it stimulates collagen production and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, but it does so without causing the dryness and irritation often associated with retinol.
Bakuchiol offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, making it effective in preventing fine lines, firming skin, reducing hyperpigmentation, and minimizing the appearance of pores. It is suitable for most skin types, including thicker, rougher skin, and does not cause the irritation commonly seen with retinol.
While there are no known studies linking bakuchiol to birth defects, doctors advise caution for pregnant women. Retinol has been associated with birth defects, so it is recommended that pregnant women avoid using bakuchiol products as a precautionary measure.
Bakuchiol can generally be used daily, even twice a day for those focused on anti-aging. It is often recommended to apply it at night after cleansing, allowing it to work during sleep. In the morning, follow up with a moisturizer containing SPF to protect the skin.
Bakuchiol is derived from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, known as Bakuchi in Sanskrit. It has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for centuries to treat skin conditions like rashes and hyperpigmentation before its commercial skincare use began in 2007.
Bakuchiol helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, evens out skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation, firms the skin, and minimizes the appearance of pores. It also soothes skin with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it suitable for sensitive or rough skin types.
Unlike retinol, bakuchiol does not typically cause dryness or irritation, making it a safer option for people with sensitive skin or those who cannot tolerate retinol. Its gentle nature allows for more frequent use without the harsh side effects associated with retinol burn.
Popular bakuchiol products include Jack Black Nighttime BAK-up Retinol Alternative, Revision Skincare DEJ Night Face Cream, Olehenriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Crème, and The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturizer. These products combine bakuchiol with other beneficial ingredients to target aging and skin health.
Bakuchiol stimulates key anti-aging genes that slow the aging process by limiting oxidative damage and controlling inflammation. It promotes collagen production and increases cell turnover, resulting in healthier, younger-looking skin.
Yes, bakuchiol is particularly beneficial for men as it helps smooth out uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of pores. Since men often have thicker and rougher skin, bakuchiol’s gentle yet effective properties make it an excellent option for male skincare routines.
