Bakuchiol or Retinol. Which on is right for you and your skin?

Bakuchiol

What is it?

Bakuchiol, a meroterpene, is a naturally derived retinol alternative that delivers retinol-like results without the irritation sometimes associated with retinol. Bakuchiol is sourced sustainably from the seeds of the Ayurvedic Babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia plant).

What it does and how

The chemical, Bakuchiol, has been around for decades, but thanks to many clinical studies and new technology in the last several years, it is clinically proven to have anti-aging effects.

These studies have shown Bakuchiol stimulates Collagen I, III and IV and is clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation, the look of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, texture and firmness as efficiently as retinol. 

It is an effective ingredient for treating acne-prone skin, as it has been shown to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, and balances natural regulation of oil production.

Bakuchiol is safe to use during pregnancy, great for sensitive skin, and perfect for those that do not follow a regimented skincare routine, but still want the anti-aging benefits.

What’s in a name?

What is the difference between Bakuchi oil and Bakuchiol? 

Bakuchi oil  is a cold pressed oil extracted from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, commonly known as Bogolji or Babchi, an Ayurvedic plant whose seeds and fruit have a long history of use in India. 

Bakuchiol is an active chemical component found in that oil. The chemical, Bakuchiol was first isolated in 1966, from the seeds of Psoralea Corylifolia by G. Mehta, U. Ramdas Nayak, and S. Dev at the National Chemistry Laboratory in Poona, India. 

Not all Bakuchiol serums are the same. Some serums have Bakuchiol in their name, but are using Bakuchi oil, not Bakuchiol.  A company can put Bakuchiol on the name, but it may be referring to Bakuchi Oil, since Bakuchi Oil  contains about 10% of the Bakuchiol concentrate. The primary manufacturer of Bakuchiol is Sytheon. They use a unique method to extract just the Bakuchiol molecule, which allows an exact concentration, 1%, to be added to skincare products. Other companies work with the Psoralea corylifolia plant to produce Bakuchi Oil and Bakuchi Extract, but  not Bakuchiol.

So how can you tell if your serum is using the active Bakuchiol and not just the Bakuchi oil (which has about 10% Bakuchiol concentration in it)? Bakuchi oil will be listed as Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Oil in the ingredients, while Bakuchiol is listed as Bakuchiol in the ingredients. 

---

RETINOL

What it is?

Retinol, a form of Vitamin A, is considered a gold standard in skin care for anti-aging and has been extensively studied for many years. Vitamin A and its derivatives, particularly retinol, are substances that slow the aging process most effectively.

What it does and how

Clinical studies show Retinol speeds cell turnover, improves texture & tone, and stimulates new collagen formation to treat and prevent fine lines & elasticity. Retinol works by diffusing through the cell membrane and binding to receptors on the cell’s nucleus, where it performs like a gene to promote new cell growth. It also blocks the production of collagenase, which is an enzyme that breaks down collagen. Retinol helps neutralize free radicals in the middle layer of your skin. 

Retinol is beneficial for acne-prone skin because the increased cell turnover helps to unclog pores and clear the acne, and keep new acne from forming.

Retinol does have a few contraindications, as it should not be used if you are pregnant. Do not use a retinol product at the same time as Vitamin C, Glycolic acid or benzyl peroxide. When Using a Vitamin C serum, use Vitamin C in the day and Retinol at night. So, If you are pregnant, have sensitive skin, or just want to avoid retinol side effects,  try our Bakuchiol serum, a natural retinol alternative that functions similarly to a retinol in terms of increasing cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and fighting signs of aging.