Natures Most Powerful Ingredient - Bakuchiol ( Retinol)
Posted on October 27, 2023
Some people find irritation can occur when using active vitamin A. This can look like dryness, acne, hyperpigmentation and inflammation. What’s frustrating for most users is the unwanted effects of fast acting retinol like purging where it seems like there is a surge in acne. Although some skincare experts suggest the purging should only last for approximately 4-6 weeks, should the symptoms persist it might be worthwhile considering the skin might be irritated, or if you have eczema or sensitivities may have flared. This can be disheartening, but thankfully, the green beauty world has your alternative…Bakuchiol. Bakuchiol is derived from the leaves of the bakuchiol plant. In the skincare world, it is the gentle, more tolerable alternative to retinol.
Mechanism of action
Bakuchiol exhibits antioxidant activity by increasing protein levels in the skin and reenforcing the epidermis, thereby promoting skin elasticity and resilience. This can be effective for damaged skin. However, should your skin be experiencing redness and inflammation we recommend calming the skin first and then introducing a new active agent.
Bakuchiol can be an effective treatment for many of the skin concerns retinol aims to treat, such as hyperpigmentation, oxidative stress, acne, congestion, dehydrated skin and skin texture.
Use Bakuchiol as you would your retinol, as part of your night skin routine. Products are generally in an oil form, so it can be use over your water based serums like Hyaluronic acid. Earlier studies (2014), trialled this ingredient as a twice daily treatment and saw success for anti-ageing effects in 12 weeks. However, we suggest a slower once per day introduction followed by sun protection, as always, the following day.
There have been recent suggestions that Bakuchiol is safe for use during pregnancy, as it does not act the way retinol does. However a 2022 study did not come to this conclusion as there is no understanding of how it’s absorption may effect a pregnancy. We suggest consulting your care provider.
Our Top 3 Bakuchiol Products you will love
Evolve Bio-Retinol + C Skin booster
Odacite Renewing serum Retinol + Hyaluronic acid
Shop the full range of Organic skin, hair and beauty products at The Lab Organics or come visit us at our Melbourne natural & organic beauty store where you can experience the best in natures most powerful Retinol skincare products and speak to our experienced team of Green Beauty experts amongst the largest range of Natural beauty in Australia
References
Bluemke A, Ring AP, Immeyer J, Hoff A, Eisenberg T, Gerwat W, Meyer F, Breitkreutz S, Klinger LM, Brandner JM, Sandig G, Seifert M, Segger D, Rippke F, Schweiger D. Multidirectional activity of bakuchiol against cellular mechanisms of facial ageing - Experimental evidence for a holistic treatment approach. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022 Jun;44(3):377-393. doi: 10.1111/ics.12784. Epub 2022 Jun 9. PMID: 35514037; PMCID: PMC9328396
Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Jun;36(3):221-30. doi: 10.1111/ics.12117. Epub 2014 Mar 6. PMID: 24471735.
Putra IB, Jusuf NK, Dewi NK. Skin Changes and Safety Profile of Topical Products During Pregnancy. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 Feb;15(2):49-57. PMID: 35309882; PMCID: PMC8884185.