Bakuchiol is a promising and highly effective anti-wrinkle and skin-smoothing agent. However, studies on it are still few.
Being attentive to the health of your skin means getting adequate information about the substances contained in the products you use. In every cream, in every foundation, in every serum, in every mask, there are a wide variety of chemical compounds and it is difficult to navigate, especially if they are relatively recent.
One of these compounds is bakuchiol: those who use it in cosmetics claim that it is a plant-based (and vegan) alternative to retinol, and as such allows for smooth and radiant skin.
What is bakuchiol?
Bacucciol is an ingredient that is increasingly found in serums, creams or face scrubs. The product based on this substance should be applied up to twice a day after washing and drying the face and applying a moisturizer. After applying bakuchiol, it is good to apply sunscreen as the substance stimulates the turnover of epidermal cells.
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The substance is derived from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, commonly called babchi, and comes from a long tradition associated with oriental medicine, specifically Ayurvedic medicine. According to some experts, bakuchiol is believed to be more effective at improving skin tone and texture than topical retinoids, and it is also a natural compound.
Retinoids, although wrinkle-smoothing and skin-brightening, can cause burning, flaking, redness, and dryness. This makes them unsuitable for acne sufferers, for example, or those with sensitive skin. These side effects are not found in bakuchiol, but detailed studies in this regard are still lacking.
Properties and benefits of bakuchiol
What is currently known about bakucciola is the following:
– delays the appearance of wrinkles;
– reduces skin hyperpigmentation;
– can counteract acne;
– has fewer side effects than more “traditional” substances.
Despite the lack of large studies on the subject, online reviews of bakuchiol-based products are actually quite promising. That is why we believe that we will find this substance more and more often in the composition of our favorite cosmetic products.
Are there any contraindications?
Contraindications for bakuchiol, due to the lack of studies, can be the same as for retinol and therefore burning, peeling, redness and dryness. These effects may occur especially when you first start using it, so gradual use is recommended.
The European Medicines Agency advises not to use retinol in pregnant women, but it is also good to avoid bakuchiol due to the lack of reliable scientific information: it is better to ask your gynecologist or dermatologist for advice.
