Photo: Sunny Ng/Pexels
Cover Photo: Sunny Ng/Pexels

Everything to know about bakuchiol, a new beauty ingredient touted as the better, more natural alternative to retinol

WHAT

Bakuchiol is an extract derived from the leaves and seed of the babchi plant and is an herb that has been long used in Indian Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Like retinol, bakuchiol is growing increasingly popular for its potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that target persistent skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, acne scars, discolouration, fine lines, wrinkles, and more. 

It takes the same skin pathway as retinol, whereby it triggers the genetic pathway in skin cells to create a plumping quality for an anti-ageing effect and youthful rejuvenation of the skin—minus irritation, redness or dryness. 

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HOW

It depends on the formulation of each bakuchiol product but this beauty ingredient pairs best with other hydrating ingredients like squalene and PHAs to brighten the skin. For those with less sensitive skin, bakuchiol can be used with AHA products to smoothen uneven skin texture even faster and more effectively. For best results, we suggest the product be introduced into your skincare routine gradually to allow your skin time to adapt. 

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Photo: Getty Images
Above Photo: Skylar Kang/Pexels

BAKUCHIOL VS RETINOL

Bbakuchiol is a completely natural and a vegan alternative to retinol. And while retinol is commonly used at night as exposure to sunlight destabilises the Vitamin A derivative, bakuchiol is safe for use any time of day, with the added bonus of being less likely to cause skin sensitivity or irritation. Its convenience and ability to deliver the same properties as retinol without the potential irritating side effects is a key factor in its growing popularity. 

If you're pregnant, it is still important to consult your doctor before using. 

See also: Retinol: The Collagen-Boosting Ingredient For Youthful Skin

Here are some of the best bakuchiol products from our favourite beauty brands in Malaysia and around the world. 

Lumi Beauty Bakuchiol Skydew Cloud Moisturiser

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Two years in the making, Lumi's first moisturiser features all-natural ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, amino acid, and of course, bakuchiol to leave skin perfectly soft to the touch. This gentle, daily moisturiser is well suited for those living in warm, humid locales, and pairs well with Lumi's Vitamin Glow Super Serum.

Vitamin C and bakuchiol are two active ingredients that are generally not advised to be layered together as they may cause skin sensitivity, but since both are taken from natural ingredients, they blend together smoothly in this moisturiser for a soft, glowing finish. 

See also: In Conversation with Chryseis Tan, Founder of Lumi Beauty

Handmade Heroes The Ultimate Bakuchiol Booster Oil

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This fragrance and alcohol-free booster oil prevents fine lines, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation by controlling the overpopulation of bacteria and skin sebum production. Containing two per cent bakuchiol extract, it is gentle and non-photosensitive and can be used day and night.

Ole Henriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Crème

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Above Photo: Instagram

With bakuchiol ribbons blended with peptides and orchid stem cells, this double-action eye crème instantly blurs the look of lines around the eyes while improving the skin’s firmness. Apply this product to the entire eye area to achieve an even, radiant skin tone.

Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel

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Above Photo: Instagram

The combination of bakuchiol, rambutan extract, ferulic acid and retinol of this overnight peel act in synergy to equip the skin with the best of retinol, without the barrier disruption that is often associated with the use of harsh retinol. We recommend massaging the peel pad onto clean, dry skin two to three times a week in the evening. For optimal results, complement with Dr Dennis Gross skincare serum and moisturiser. 

See also: Skincare Secrets: Dr Dennis Gross on His Favourite Facial Treatment For Over 20 Years

B&B Labs Super-Calm Treatment Essence

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Homegrown skincare brand B&B Labs has recently its Super Treatment Essences, a collection of five formulations powered by clean Asian plant, fruit and herbal extracts to deliver high doses of active ingredients for healthy, glowing skin. Among them is the Super-Calm Treatment Essence, a powerful skincare solution composed of 100 per cent natural bakuchiol to lessen skin inflammation, squalane from sugarcane to moisturise and fortify the skin, and other natural ingredients including vitamin E and plant-based ceramides. 

See also: 6 Beauty Face Masks By Malaysian Brands For Glowing Skin

Paula's Choice Clinical 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

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The combination of retinol and bakuchiol in this treatment demonstrates how effectively the two works as a pair. This lightweight lotion can be used after cleansing before moisturiser is applied, and has proven to effectively increase collagen production.  

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