Bakuchiol is the buzzy new skincare ingredient with a funny name that gets serious results

Well... the secret’s out. Though you may never have heard of Bakuchiol before, you can now (thankfully) say you have.

Bakuchiol is a natural skincare product that is rising to its power in the beauty world, from it's ability to increase collagen production to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, this natural ingredient is proving to be worth it’s hype.
 
Let’s take a closer look at what this product really is and why we’re jumping on the bandwagon.

What is Bakuchiol?
 
Bakuchiol is a natural plant extract, derived from the seeds and leaves of the Ayurvedic babchi plant, or psoralea corylifolia. The plant, found in Eastern Asia, has frequently been usedto heal and soothe the skin in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.
 
Though the plant is not a new wonder of the world, only recently has it been looked at more closely by modern science. And so far, the results are highly encouraging…
 
Nature’s Retinol
 
This nurturing plant carries numerous healing properties, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial benefits to soothe the skin. Now, it’s also been touted as ‘nature’s retinol’, helping to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin in a variety of ways.
 
If you’re unfamiliar with what retinol is, it’s another name for vitamin A. Similar in name, retinoids are products used to help fight acne, hyperpigmentation, aging, and other skin conditions. They can be either prescription or over-the-counter.
 
Though the benefits are measurable, skincare products derived from vitamin A increase sensitivity to the sun and often create moderate to severe dryness and flaking of the skin. Many people don’t tolerate it very well, which is why so many are on the hunt for an alternative to retinol – a natural product that will deliver the same results but without the negative side effects.
 
The Benefits of Bakuchiol
 
And so we say: hello, Bakuchiol! Having garnered such attention and acclaim, it begs the question: do you really live up to your name?
 
Based on what the science is pointing towards, we have to say ‘yes!’ To break it down, here are some recent scientific findings that explain exactly why we’re loving it:
 

• Bakuchiol decreases the prominence of fine lines and wrinkles and significantlyreduces hyperpigmentation. The same study also found that it is better tolerated than retinol.
  
  
• The planthasalsobeen found to offer additional anti-aging benefits by improving elasticity and firmness and reducing photo-damage of the skin.
  
  
• It alsoupregulates collagen production, which is likely one of the primary mechanisms for its ability to deliver younger, smoother looking skin.
  
  
• Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is suitable for sensitive skin. It doesn’t carry the same negative effects as vitamin A-derived products, such as dryness, flaking, and sun sensitivity.
  
  
• Bakuchiol is also believed to helpfight acne through direct mechanisms and/or as a complement to other acne-fighting remedies.