What’s got anti-aging benefits, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, works great for all skin types and is plant-based? It’s bakuchiol! That’s right baby, this new kid on the block rivals some of the same great benefits as a traditional retinoid. Could this mean bakuchiol will be giving retinol a run for its money? Now, let's not get too ahead of ourselves here. We all know vitamin A/retinoids are the luxury standard when it comes to anti-aging skin care benefits. It has been well studied, well researched and well loved by skin care experts and enthusiasts. But, thanks to the ever growing and expanding beauty industry, advancements in science and technology may have just found a possible vegan alternative to retinoids, called bakuchiol.

Learn more about Bakuchiol

So what is bakuchiol? Bakuchiol is a plant-based extract from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant native to Eastern Asia, where historically, it has been a staple in Indian and Chinese medicine for many years. In a recent 2019 study of the naturally derived ingredient, it resulted in a very little difference in the way bakuchiol and retinol treated skin aging conditions like fine lines and wrinkles and skin discoloration due to age spots and hyperpigmentation. The results were quite similar with the exception of retinol users experiencing more dryness and irritation. Could bakuchiol be a gentler and more natural alternative to retinol?

Is Bakuchiol better than Retinol?

When it comes to anti-aging, retinoids hold the gold standard. Improving skin tone, texture, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and acne breakouts, retinol has been clinically proven to improve and heal many skin conditions. With decades of science to back up its claims, it’s hard to believe a newcomer such as bakuchiol could even begin to make similar skin beneficial comparisons.

According to Chicago dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, retinol and bakuchiol may offer very similar results, but are in fact, very different on a molecular level. This makes it all the more surprising that these two different ingredient compounds could yield similar properties when it comes to improving various skin conditions.

Benefits of Bakuchiol

Because this ingredient is still quite new to the market, there is very limited research on any concrete effects and results. But that hasn’t stopped the skin care industry. Bakuchiol is popping up everywhere from small indie brands to mainstream popular brands in all forms of products including creams, moisturizers, serums, toners and cleansers. For those beauties looking for more natural and plant-based ingredients that will give the same effects as retinol, this may be the ingredient for you. A few studies have shown bakuchiol works with the skin to create several types of collagens useful for skin healing and anti-aging. Meaning users can expect to see an improvement in wrinkles, skin firmness, skin cell regeneration and even a reduction in the appearance of large pores. You basically get retinol-like results without all the harsh and irritating side effects. Making this great for all skin types, especially sensitive skin beauties.

The Products With Bakuchiol

Let’s take a look at some products that have begun to incorporate this newbie ingredient into their skin care catalog.

The Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-Alt Sleeping Creme retails for $58 and helps condition and retexturize the skin overnight. It is formulated with other busy actives such as glycolic acid and lactic acid to really give you that glowing skin overnight.

The Biossance Squalane + Phyto Retinol Serum retails for $72 and is great for sensitive skin beauties. Formulated with squalene and niacinamide, the lightweight serum keeps the skin plump and hydrated while visibly brightening the complexion.

The BYBI Beauty 1% Bakuchiol + Olive Squalane Olive Booster retails for $10 and is formulated with just two ingredients: bakuchiol and squalane. This oil is a super natural alternative that can be incorporated into any other skin products to add as a booster for a healthier complexion.

Despite all the amazing benefits of this new cat in town and any claims for making a run for mayor of the anti-aging market, retinoids do not have too much to worry about, just yet.