If you know anything about skincare, then you know retinol is a hugely and highly acclaimed resource for good skin. You can find retinol is just about anything: serum, moisturizer, cream, etc. Just about anyone will use it for its strength and benefits. 

However, retinol is a strong ingredient and can be irritating. People with dry or sensitive skin, for example, may not be able to use retinol. So what are they supposed to do instead?

Introducing, bakuchiol! This ingredient is a safe, natural alternative to retinol. It includes all the benefits retinol provides without the harmful side effects. Our blog today will tell you all you need to know about bakuchiol and why you should start thinking about leaving traditional retinol products behind.

A Close Look on Bakuchiol

What’s...Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol comes from the Psoralea corylifolia plant (also known as the “babchi plant”). It’s native to East Asia and has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. If used in products, it can be a gentle and natural alternative to retinol. Bakuchiol products also have the potential to be vegan!

So what are the benefits to bakuchiol? 

Though there have been few studies, bakuchiol is very helpful for stimulating collagen production, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, and any other skin needs. Bakuchiol also has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties that help the skin more than retinol could. 

Looking for some research to confirm bakuchiol’s greatness? A 2018 study pitted the use of bakuchiol and retinol against each other for a 12-week clinical trial. Using bakuchiol twice a day compared to retinol once a day saw improvements in hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and redness in each participant. 

How do you use bakuchiol?

Just like retinol, you can use bakuchiol as a topical product on your skin. Since it’s not as harsh as retinol, you can use bakuchiol day or night. But if you’re combining a bakuchiol product with other skincare products, make sure you combine them in a careful manner. 

Any catches to bakuchiol?

Unlike retinol that can cause irritation and dryness, bakuchiol has no reported side effects. Remember, bakuchiol comes from a plant (the leaves, the seeds, etc.). It shouldn’t pose a problem or create harmful side effects compared to retinol. However, you should always do a patch test just in case there’s a skin allergy! 

Retinol vs Bakuchiol

Though retinol and bakuchiol have similar benefits, they’re actually not alike at all. Think about butter and margarine. These two items look the same but are completely different on a molecular scale. Retinol is a retinoid and a form of Vitamin A. As mentioned before, bakuchiol comes from a plant. Compared to retinol, bakuchiol does not contain the same chemical structure. 

Even though bakuchiol can match up to retinol, there is a small catch. Bakuchiol is not a replacement for all retinoids like adapalene. Only retinol can be compared to bakuchiol on the same level. 

Genie Supply & Bakuchiol

Currently, we do not have any products on our private label page that contains bakuchiol. However, if you’re really interested in bakuchiol, you are more than welcome to request bakuchiol in a custom formula service with us. Fill out a form and get started today!

Bakuchiol isn’t the only amazing ingredient out there.

Check out all our ingredient checks on our blog page!