It seems like every day there's a new beauty buzzword to know, but the latest one is definitely worth paying attention to. It's called bakuchiol (that's buh-koo-chee-all), and it's a retinol alternative that's 100% natural.
Why should you care about retinol, anyway? The vitamin A derivative is a wonder ingredient when it comes to reducing the look of fine lines, and it can even help with treating acne and fading dark spots. We practically bathe ourselves in it every night. But that being said, it also has some drawbacks. For one, retinol can be too harsh for sensitive skin (we've made the mistake of not easing into a new retinol-containing product; cue the redness and flaking), and two, it's on the no-no list for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
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That's why the arrival of bakuchiol is so exciting. It offers all of the same benefits, but it's entirely plant-based, so you won't experience irritation, and it's pregnancy-safe, too. "Bakuchiol has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties," says board-certified Dr. Purvisha Patel of Visha Skincare. "It works like retinol to encourage cell turnover, resulting in new, younger skin cells beneath. The exfoliation tricks the skin into thinking it's wounded, resulting in increased collagen production."
Another bonus? Retinol products make skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so it's best to limit them to evening use, and then follow up with a strong SPF in the morning. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, can be used any time. And with skin-smoothing and anti-aging properties, who wouldn’t want it to be part of both their a.m. and p.m. routines?!
Dr. Patel says that "bakuchiol is not as irritating in the cell turnover process as retinol, resulting in less redness, peeling, and sun sensitivity. It is better suited for sun-sensitive skin ... and it's also a great ingredient in body products, such as Visha Skincare Top2Toe, as it can be applied to the whole body without irritating skin."
We recommend adding a layer of bakuchiol after cleansing your face but before moisturizer. There are multiple forms to choose from, thanks to more and more brands getting on board with the ingredient, so you can get your fix with serums, or even individual face pads.
If bakuchiol sounds like it should be the newest member of your skincare lineup, here are our top recommendations.