You’ve probably seen videos of women talking about how retinol has been a game-changer in their skincare routine. They rave about smoother skin, fewer fine lines, and a healthy glow. And that’s all true – retinol is a natural skincare ingredient that nourishes the skin.
But the biggest downside is that it’s been known to cause issues, especially for those with sensitive skin. Bakuchiol pretty much works the same way and offers similar benefits without the harshness. It is a gentler alternative to retinol.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a botanical extract from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia (or "babchi"). The plant has been a staple in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries and is celebrated for its ability to promote skin health and rejuvenation.
Like retinoids, bakuchiol helps stimulate collagen-producing receptors in the skin. However, it doesn’t come with the risk of irritation, peeling, or increased sun sensitivity commonly associated with retinoids. According to a 2019 study, bakuchiol works as well as retinol to reduce signs of aging—but it's less likely to cause adverse effects than retinol. This makes it an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin or anyone seeking a gentler anti-aging solution.
Bakuchiol is commonly found in serums, creams, and moisturizers. It’s often combined with other skin-loving ingredients like rosehip oil, seaweed extract, and antioxidants.
Is Bakuchiol Better Than Retinol?
Bakuchiol gets a lot of love for delivering retinol-like results without the irritation, but here’s the thing—you don’t have to pick just one. Some skin care products combine bakuchiol with retinoids, giving you the best of both worlds: powerful anti-aging benefits with a lower risk of dryness and sensitivity.
That said, there are times when sticking to bakuchiol alone might be the smarter move:
- You’re super sensitive to the sun. Retinol can make your skin more vulnerable to UV damage, so bakuchiol is the safer choice if you burn easily or spend a lot of time outside.
- Retinol has irritated your skin before. If you’ve tried retinol and have redness, peeling, or discomfort, bakuchiol gives you similar benefits—without the struggle.
- Your dermatologist says no to retinoids. Whether it’s due to pregnancy, a skin condition, or another reason, bakuchiol lets you keep up with your skincare goals without any of the risks that come with retinoids.
So, if your skin hasn’t responded well to retinol, bakuchiol is absolutely worth a try. And no matter what you use, don’t forget your sunscreen—healthy skin always starts with protection!
The Benefits of Bakuchiol: Why Your Skin Will Love It
If you’re looking for a skincare ingredient that delivers real results without irritation, it’s time to start paying attention to bakuchiol. It’s one of the best things you can add to your routine, and here’s why.
1. Smooths Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Aging is natural, but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your skin looking its best. Bakuchiol helps support collagen production, essential for keeping skin firm and plump. More collagen means fewer fine lines, better elasticity, and a smoother texture. If you want to maintain a youthful look without the irritation that often comes with strong anti-aging products, bakuchiol is precisely what your skin needs.
2. Evens Out Skin Tone
Dark spots, discoloration, and uneven tone can make your skin look dull and tired. Bakuchiol helps speed up cell turnover, which means your skin naturally sheds damaged, pigmented skin cells and replaces them with fresh, even-toned ones. Over time, this can help fade dark spots and brighten your overall complexion.
3. Gentle on Sensitive Skin
If you’ve ever tried an active ingredient only to end up with redness, peeling, or irritation, you know how frustrating it can be. Bakuchiol is different. It delivers powerful skin benefits while being incredibly gentle. Whether your skin is sensitive, reactive, or prone to redness, bakuchiol works without causing discomfort. You get the results—without the struggle.
4. No Sun Sensitivity
One of the biggest drawbacks of traditional anti-aging ingredients is that they make your skin more vulnerable to the sun, meaning you must be extra cautious about exposure. Bakuchiol doesn’t do that. You can use it morning and night without worrying about extra sun damage, making it easy to incorporate into your routine without added stress.
5. Protects Against Environmental Damage
Every day, your skin is exposed to pollution, UV rays, and other environmental stressors that cause premature aging. Bakuchiol is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals and protect your skin from this daily damage. This means fewer signs of aging, better skin resilience, and a healthier-looking complexion.
6. Soothes and Calms the Skin
Redness, irritation, and inflammation can make your skin uncomfortable and uneven. Bakuchiol has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help calm and soothe the skin. Whether you deal with occasional irritation or ongoing sensitivity, bakuchiol keeps your skin balanced and happy.
7. Works for All Skin Types
It doesn’t matter if your skin is dry, oily, combination, or sensitive—bakuchiol is one of those rare ingredients that works for everyone. It hydrates without being greasy, smooths without stripping, and balances the skin without causing irritation. If you’ve struggled to find an anti-aging product that works for your skin type, bakuchiol is worth a try.
8. Pairs Well with Other Skincare Ingredients
Bakuchiol isn’t just effective on its own—it also plays well with other skincare ingredients. Whether you use hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening, or niacinamide for barrier support, bakuchiol fits right in. You don’t have to overhaul your routine to get the benefits—it works seamlessly with what you already use.
9. A Natural Alternative for Effective Skincare
If you prefer plant-based skincare, bakuchiol is a must-have. It offers powerful results without relying on synthetic chemicals or harsh ingredients. It’s proof that natural skincare can be just as effective as traditional options—without the downsides.
How to Use Bakuchiol in Your Skincare Routine
You can use bakuchiol in the morning before applying sunscreen, but if you want to get the most out of it, nighttime is the best time. While you sleep, your skin naturally repairs itself, making your evening routine the perfect opportunity to apply rejuvenating ingredients. A bakuchiol serum is one of the best ways to incorporate it into your routine, delivering its benefits in a potent, easy-to-absorb formula. With consistent use—typically around 12 weeks—you’ll start noticing smoother, firmer skin with improved texture and tone
Where to Find High-Quality Bakuchiol Products
If you’re serious about giving your skin the best, Pure Treesy has a skincare lineup that makes it effortless to harness the power of bakuchiol—without worrying about irritation or unwanted side effects. Their products are designed to work with your skin, using high-quality, natural ingredients that restore balance, boost hydration, and support long-term skin health.
One product you’ll love is Puur Ingrid’s True Eyelove, a targeted eye treatment infused with bakuchiol to smooth fine lines and brighten your under-eye area. It’s lightweight, absorbs beautifully, and works seamlessly with other natural skincare staples like rosehip oil and seaweed extract. You can layer it with your favorite serum or use it on its own.
Pure Treesy’s lineup is all about high-quality, plant-based ingredients that work with your skin, not against it. With carefully crafted formulas designed to nourish, protect, and restore, these products make it easy to get the benefits of bakuchiol without worrying about dryness, peeling, or sensitivity.
