Bakuchiol 101

Retinol has been cited as a skincare superhero. It brightens! It smooths out fine lines! It increases collagen production! However, retinol is quite the fickle ingredient. Skincare formulators and chemists will likely cite issues with formulation stability and skin sensitivity. 

Enter bakuchiol. Isolated from the Indian Babchi tree, the compound has drawn attention because of its uncanny similarity to retinol; appearing to target the same biochemical pathways as retinol, and yielding similar brightening and smoothing properties. 

Better yet, skincare formula development just got easier. Bakuchiol is more stable than its synthetic counterpart, gentler on the skin and packs just as powerful a punch. Studies have shown that there are fewer cases of skin sensitization with the use of bakuchiol compared to retinol, and while also producing results on par with retinol. 

It should be noted that bakuchiol does come with its own drawbacks. As it is plant-derived, there are higher chances for allergic reactions; this is a risk with any plant-based active. The only way to know for sure someone’s sensitivities to bakuchiol would be through trial-and-error or an allergy test at the doctor’s office. 

Bakuchiol is a commonly used ingredient here at Niche Skin Labs. Ingredients like bakuchiol are innovative, interesting and effective. Let’s create something beautiful.