In the world of skincare, an ingredient with a name that sounds like it could be a witch’s spell tends to be a good sign–and bakuchiol is no exception.
Pronounced ‘bah-koo-chee-ol', this ancient medicine marvel is almost as magical as it sounds. With antibacterial and antifungal properties and a track record for anti-ageing, the ingredient is a skincare favourite for a reason.
Never heard of it? You’re in luck. Here’s your briefing on all things bakuchiol.
What is bakuchiol?
Bakuchoil is a natural compound that comes from the babchi plant (also known as psoralea corylifolia). Native to warm climates, the use of babchi dates back to ancient times, with traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda long relying on the babchi for its healing effects.
Extracted from babchi seeds, bakuchiol is much newer to the scene than its parent plant–only first being synthesised around 60 years ago. With antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, bakuchiol has since become a popular, and very powerful, addition to our skincare.
Thanks to its skin-healing ability, bakuchiol has garnered a reputation as the ‘natural’ alternative to retinoids.
What does bakuchiol do?
Much like retinoids, bakuchiol is a skincare jack-of-all-trades–willing and able to tackle a bunch of skin issues.
Bakuchiol is known to:
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Reduce acne thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties
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Relieve redness by soothing inflammation
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Minimise the appearance of blocked pores
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Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
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And do all this while not stripping the skin of its natural oils (yay!)
It’s for these (very great) reasons, we formulated our blemish-targeting Clarifying Face Hero with 1% bakuchiol.
What skin types can use bakuchiol?
Unlike retinoids, bakuchiol is a gentle ingredient that doesn’t cause any irritation or sensitisation–making it a great choice for all skin types. Particularly if you find retinoids just a bit too hardcore.
Better yet, as a natural compound, bakuchiol (and its skin healing benefits) are pregnancy and breast-feeding safe. Of course, we always recommend checking with your doctor before using a new product when expecting.
This all sounds great! But are there any ingredients you shouldn’t use bakuchiol with? As we said, bakuchiol is a gentle soul so it plays great with others.
Although there are no ingredients to totally steer clear from, it’s always best to be cautious when bringing a new ingredient into your routine. So please please please patch test your products before covering your face in them.
What plays well with bakuchiol?
Since it's practically the social butterfly of skincare, bakuchiol is known for complimenting many skincare favourites like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and exfoliants–but it’s proven to work best alongside salicylic acid.
Consider bakuchiol and salicylic acid a skin-clearing power couple with studies showing significant reduction in acne when they team up.
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