Bakuchiol is often compared to retinol, a vitamin A derivative, in the category of anti-aging skincare ingredients.
Skincare products often use three vitamin A derivatives—retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid—as they are considered the gold standard in anti-aging skincare. Hence, the comparison of bakuchiol to these vitamin A derivatives is significant.
Bakuchiol is extracted from the seeds of a plant called psoralea corylifolia.
How does bakuchiol help with anti-ageing?
Bakuchiol helps in 2 ways:
1. By being antioxidant
An antioxidant neutralises free radicals, compounds formed on the skin due to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, pollution, and allergens. Free radicals damage good cells, ageing the skin.
2. By boosting collagen production
Collagen is a protein responsible for the skin’s firmness. Unfortunately, the amount of collagen in our skin reduces due to age and exposure to environmental irritants. As the amount of collagen decreases, the skin loses its firmness and elasticity, starts to sag, and fine lines and wrinkles start appearing.
Bakuchiol boosts the production of collagen in our skin. An increase in collagen reduces fine lines and increases skin firmness and elasticity.
Bakuchiol Vs Retionol
Retinol and other retinoids…
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative. Let me explain retinol before I compare it with bakuchiol.
Retinoids are a class of compounds that are derived from Vitamin A. Three types of retinoids are used in skincare products.
The effectiveness of these retinoids on the skin varies. Retinoic acid is the most effective, retinal’s effectiveness is in the middle, and retinol is the least effective.
When applied to the skin, retinal and retinol first convert to retinoic acid and then start their work.
Retinoids are highly regarded in skin care for their anti-aging properties. This regard is mainly because the effectiveness of retinoids on the skin is backed up by a lot of studies. Being backed up by studies is not very common for skin care ingredients. Most skincare ingredients lack enough scientific studies to support their effectiveness.
When applied to the skin, retinoids enter the cells and bind to certain structures. This binding mechanism is followed by several actions, which increase collagen production. Collagen makes skin firm and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
Retinoids, though quite good for our skin, can be a bit harsh. They lead to inflammation, dryness, and flaking. Some people’s skin can become very sensitive to these side effects and not react well.
Bakuchiol…
Bakuchiol is not a vitamin A derivative. It does not belong to the same class of compounds as retinol and the other two retinoids. Its chemical structure is different.
When applied to the skin, Bakuchiol cannot bind to certain structures like retinoids, but it somehow triggers these structures. This triggering is followed by a series of steps, and finally, this results in an increase in collagen production.
Bakuchiol, when applied on the skin, does not convert to retinoic acid like retinol and retinal do.
Bakuchiol is less effective than all three retinoids. Though less effective, it boosts collagen production as much as it can. Bakuchiol, however, does not have the side effects that retinoids have. This makes bakuchiol a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, using bakuchiol along with retinoids can be helpful for your anti-ageing skin regime. They can be used together in the same routine or at different times.
One of the benefits of bakuchiol is its anti-inflammatory properties. Bakuchiol soothes and reduces skin redness. When used with one of the retinoids, it can reduce the inflammation the retinoid causes.
A few more questions about Bakuchiol answered…
Does bakuchiol stimulate collagen?
Yes, it does. Bakuchiol boosts the production of collagen.
Is bakuchiol better than retinol for anti-aging?
No, it is not. Though bakuchiol is not as potent as retinol, it does not have the side effects that retinol has.
If you have sensitive skin, you might prefer bakuchiol over retinol.
If you don’t have sensitive skin, using bakuchiol and retinol works well. The final benefit is more significant than if only one ingredient were used.
Is bakuchiol good for eye wrinkles?
Yes, it is.
Bakuchiol can help address the fine lines in the under-eye area.
Apart from this anti-ageing benefit, bakuchiol can also reduce inflammation in the eye region. This reduces puffiness, a common problem in the under area.