Bakuchiol is a powerful antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient found in many skincare products. It effectively treats skin discoloration caused by environmental damage and reduces wrinkles, promoting a youthful glow. Unlike retinol, Bakuchiol is gentle, with no harsh side effects, making it ideal for sensitive skin and safe for use during pregnancy. Known in India as bakuchi or babchi, it’s a natural skincare favorite.
Origin
Bakuchiol is derived from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. It is extracted using solvents like ethanol or supercritical CO2, followed by purification methods such as distillation or chromatography. Its chemical formula is C18H24O.
Purpose
Bakuchiol offers powerful antimicrobial properties that help protect the skin by combating harmful bacteria. Its strong antioxidant action neutralizes free radicals, preventing premature aging and maintaining a youthful appearance. Additionally, Bakuchiol supports overall skin health by shielding the skin from environmental damage, making it an excellent ingredient for skin protection and care.
| Feature | Description |
| Name | Bakuchiol |
| Type | Antioxidant, skin conditioning agent, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory |
| Source | Extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant |
| PH | 5-7 |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water |
| Odor | Mild, herbal, slightly woody or nutty scent |
| Color | Pale yellow to light amber |
| Physical State | Viscous oil |
| Concentration | 0.5–2% |
| Boiling Point | 391.4°C |
Plant-Based Alternative to Retinol
Bakuchiol is often referred to as a natural, plant-derived alternative to retinol. It offers similar skin-renewing and anti-aging effects without the common side effects associated with retinoids, such as irritation, redness, or peeling. This makes it especially suitable for individuals with sensitive, reactive, or dry skin who may not tolerate traditional retinol.
Antioxidant-Rich
Bakuchiol is rich in natural antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals generated by UV radiation, pollution, and environmental stress. By protecting skin cells from oxidative stress, it helps prevent premature aging, skin dullness, and loss of elasticity.
Anti-Aging Active
Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated Bakuchiol’s ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and signs of photoaging. It stimulates collagen and elastin production, resulting in firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin. Unlike retinol, it achieves this without causing dryness or irritation.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Bakuchiol exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects, making it an excellent choice for calming sensitive, acne-prone, or inflamed skin. It helps reduce redness, soothe irritation, and prevent acne flare-ups, making it suitable for both anti-aging and anti-acne treatments.
Collagen Booster
One of Bakuchiol’s standout benefits is its ability to stimulate the production of collagen types I and III — the key structural proteins that maintain skin firmness and elasticity. Regular use can improve skin texture, reduce sagging, and restore a plump, youthful appearance.
Non-Photosensitizing
Unlike retinol, Bakuchiol does not increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. It’s considered non-photosensitizing, meaning it can be safely applied in the morning or evening without increasing the risk of sunburn or photodamage. This makes it ideal for year-round, daytime use in skincare formulations.
Skin Conditioning Agent
Bakuchiol helps to condition the skin by enhancing its softness, smoothness, and overall texture. It promotes a balanced, healthy-looking complexion by reducing roughness and improving skin tone and clarity.
Oil-Soluble
Bakuchiol is lipophilic, meaning it dissolves easily in oils and oil-based ingredients, making it an excellent addition to serums, facial oils, night creams, and oil-in-water emulsions. Its solubility ensures even distribution within formulations, enhancing product stability and performance.
Stable in Formulations
One of Bakuchiol’s major formulation advantages is its high stability in the presence of light, heat, and oxygen — conditions that typically degrade traditional retinoids like retinol. This stability ensures long-lasting potency in skincare products, even in clear packaging or warmer climates.
Suitable for Day and Night Use
Because it’s non-irritating and non-photosensitizing, Bakuchiol can be incorporated into both AM and PM skincare routines. It pairs well with sunscreen during the day and hydrators or peptides at night, offering continuous skin benefits without the risk of sensitization.
Well-Tolerated for Sensitive Skin
Numerous studies and anecdotal reports confirm Bakuchiol’s excellent skin compatibility, even among individuals prone to eczema, rosacea, or dermatitis. It offers a safer, gentler alternative to traditional retinoids without compromising results.
Applications of Bakuchiol
Anti-Aging Serums
Bakuchiol is widely incorporated into facial serums targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin firmness. It promotes collagen production and improves skin elasticity without the irritation associated with retinol.
Facial Oils
Due to its oil-soluble nature, Bakuchiol works exceptionally well in facial oils, often combined with other nourishing botanical oils like argan, rosehip, or jojoba oil for added hydration and antioxidant benefits.
Moisturizers and Creams
Bakuchiol is added to day creams, night creams, and anti-aging moisturizers to provide ongoing antioxidant protection, boost skin firmness, and improve skin tone and texture. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
Acne Treatment Products
Formulators use Bakuchiol in acne spot treatments, serums, and lotions to calm breakouts, reduce redness, prevent new blemishes, and maintain overall skin balance, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Brightening and Pigmentation Control Products
Bakuchiol can help reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, making it suitable for inclusion in skin-brightening serums, creams, and facial treatments aimed at evening out skin tone.
Eye Creams
Bakuchiol’s gentle but effective anti-aging properties make it ideal for sensitive areas like the under-eye region. It helps reduce fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles without irritating delicate skin.
Sensitive Skin Treatments
Formulators include Bakuchiol in products for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin because it is non-irritating and well tolerated, delivering anti-aging and soothing benefits without triggering reactions.
SPF and Day Cream Formulations
Formulators incorporate Bakuchiol into day-use products, including lightweight moisturizers and sunscreens, because it is non-photosensitizing and provides antioxidant support and anti-aging care alongside UV protection.
