woman using bakuchiol

What is Bakuchiol? Uses & Benefits for Skin

Learn what Bakuchiol is, why it’s often compared to Retinol, and how it can be used in your daily skincare routine for more radiant-looking skin.

What's in this article:

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol (pronounced “bah-koo-chee-all”) is a plant-based extract derived from the seeds of the Psoralea Corylifolia (Babchi) plant. Bakuchiol has gained popularity in skincare thanks to its natural antioxidant properties. 

 

Often called a gentle alternative to Retinol, it offers similar benefits, such as supporting Collagen production* and encouraging cell renewal, without the irritation that can occur with stronger retinoids.

 

Found in moisturisers, serums, and creams, its plant-based, skin-friendly nature makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to incorporate more natural, effective anti-ageing ingredients into their daily routine.

*in vitro testing

bakuchiol
Bakuchiol vs. Retinol

What is the difference between Bakuchiol and Retinol?

Bakuchiol and Retinol are commonly seen as substitutes to one another due to their similar benefits, these include:

 

  1. Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
  2. The potential to help with acne, although more studies are needed in this area
  3. Smoothing of uneven skin tones
  4. Stimulating Collagen production

The differences between Bakuchiol and Retinol are namely:

1. Vegan Friendliness: 
Although both can come from non-animal sources, Retinol may occasionally be derived from egg yolk or fish liver oil - making it unsuitable for vegan use. As Bakuchiol is plant-based, product formulations containing it may be suitable for vegans (provided all other ingredients and production method is vegan as well).

 

2. Use During Pregnancy: 
It is advised to avoid Retinol and any other Retinoid use during pregnancy due to the potential impact on the baby’s development. At present, the risk of using Bakuchiol during pregnancy is considered negligible. However please consult with your doctor if you plan to use Bakuchiol during pregnancy.

 

3. Better Tolerated by Sensitive Skin: 
Retinol is known to potentially irritate skin - causing dryness or redness. Bakuchiol’s soothing properties reduce these risks of irritation, making it more suitable than Retinol for sensitive skin. However, no ingredient is ever completely without risk of any irritation.

8 Benefits of Bakuchiol for Skin

Bakuchiols benefits are mainly anti-aging. The following are several of the key benefits of Bakuchiol for the face and skin:

  1. Boosts Collagen Production: 
    Dependent on formulations, Bakuchiol has the potential to boost the production of Collagen Type I and VII. Some NIVEA formulations have the potential to do this in as little as 4 hours, although this may vary product-to-product.

    *in vitro testing on skin cells
  2. Stimulates Cell Renewal: 
    Bakuchiol helps to increase cell turnover and renewal, promoting a more radiant complexion.
  3. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles: 
    Regular use of Bakuchiol can help to reduce signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles - even deep ones, helping skin to appear younger.
  4. Improves Skin Elasticity and Firmness: 
    As we age skin naturally loses its ability to snap back into place and can begin to sag. Products containing Bakuchiol can help to stimulate Collagen, therefore potentially increasing firmness and redefining contours.
  5. Counteracts Photo-Aging and Redness: 
    Photoaging is the process of skin prematurely aging due to exposure to the sun. Bakuchiol’s structure helps to reduce the impact of photoaging and can also help to soothe redness.
  6. Reduces Dark Spots and Smoothes Skin Tone: 
    Some studies have shown that Bakuchiol may have the ability to fade dark spots and improve skin tone.
  7. Antioxidant Properties: 
    Thanks to its antioxidant action, Bakuchiol can help neutralise free radicals, unstable compounds that can damage skin cells and accentuate the signs of premature ageing.
  8. Potentially Reduces Blemishes on Acne-Prone Skin: 
    Limited studies have shown that Bakuchiol oil's antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-redness properties can reduce and soothe certain symptoms of mild acne, such as pimples.

Fact Overview

Bakuchiol

Benefits: Stimulates Collagen production, reduces signs of aging, smoothes skin tone, improves skin elasticity and is an antioxidant

Application: Target signs of aging including wrinkles and loss of elasticity

Use: Serums, moisturisers and face masks containing Bakuchiol can be added into both morning and evening skincare routines

Special Features: commonly known as a plant-based alternative to Retinol, with less risk of causing irritation

How to Use Bakuchiol?

NIVEA Skincare Routine with Bakuchiol and Hyaluronic Acid

The easiest way to use Bakuchiol is to adopt a skincare routine that features products containing it. As a gentle ingredient it is suitable for daily use in both the morning and evening, most commonly used in anti-aging routines. It pairs well with ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid to form a powerful anti-age duo.

 

Follow the below routine featuring products from NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift range, containing Pure Bakuchiol, Micro and Macro Hyaluronic Acid to boost skin’s Collagen production and redefine facial contours: 

*in vitro testing

woman using NIVEA cream

1. Cleanse
It is important to start your routine by cleansing your face in order to remove any make-up, pollution or sebum residue which may otherwise accumulate and cause excess oiliness. Cleansing also primes the face for the latter steps in your routine. Find the ideal cleanser for your skin within the NIVEA Cleanser range.

 

2. Apply serum
The NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift 3-Zone Lifting Serum contains the highest pure Bakuchiol concentrated formula of any NIVEA product. For use on the face, neck and décolleté the serum penetrates deeply into the skin working to immediately  provide a lifting effect, visibly reducing wrinkles and lifting contours. Regular use over time helps to visibly improve skin elasticity and fortify its structure.

 

3. Hydrate your skin
Make sure not to miss the moisturising step of your routine. Moisturising your face with products that combine hydration with anti-aging effects is a good way to protect against dryness and encourage cell turnover.

Apply a moisturiser to give your skin maximum hydration with the Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol anti-Age Day Cream SPF 30. For evening skin care routine, you could use the Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol Anti-Age Night Cream instead.

4. Apply SPF 
Make sure to always apply SPF on your face at the end of your morning skincare routine, to provide your skin with full protection against UV rays. 

 

5. Weekly Face Masks
These can be worked into your weekly routine to provide targeted benefits for skin.The NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol Face Sheet Mask completes your advanced Bakuchiol anti-age routine, featuring a powerful serum infused formula that boosts Collagen, remodels, plumps and smooths skin. For best results use twice per week.

Summary

Bakuchiol Summary

Often referred to as the gentler plant-based alternative to Retinol, Bakuchiol offers numerous anti-aging benefits for skin. Most often infused into moisturisers and serums and paired with ingredients such as Hyaluornic Acid, it makes a wonderful addition to any skincare routine. 

 

So if you are looking for a fresh new ingredient to add to your routine to rejuvenate skin, Bakuchiol may well be your answer. The NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift products hero Bakuchiol as the anti-age active in formulas carefully created to stimulate Collagen production whilst visibly reducing wrinkles, lifting and restructuring skin.

NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift

FAQs

What is Bakuchiol, and how is it different from Retinol?

Bakuchiol is a natural, plant-based alternative to Retinol, known for its gentleness on sensitive skin. Derived from the Babchi plant it offers similar anti-aging benefits to Retinol, with less risk of undesirable effects.

Can Bakuchiol be used with Retinol?

Bakuchiol and Retinol can work together because Bakuchiol has calming and stabilising properties, which could increase skin’s tolerance to Retinol. Together they could be used to help reduce signs of aging.

Can Bakuchiol be used with Hyaluronic Acid?

Yes, Bakuchiol pairs exceptionally well with other anti-aging ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid helps to lock in moisture and plump skin, whereas Bakuchiol works as an anti-age active, helping to boost Collagen production. When combined their anti-aging benefits can be enhanced, helping skin to appear visibly younger and feel more supple.

Can I mix Bakuchiol with Vitamin C?

You can use Bakuchiol and Vitamin C together, with some precautions. If you are using two different products containing those ingredients, wait a few minutes in between each application to give the product time to penetrate the skin and avoid potential interaction between the product.

When used properly, these ingredients can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, while also improving your skin's texture and tone.

What are the benefits of Bakuchiol in skin care?

Bakuchiol offers numerous anti-aging benefits for skin as well as helping to smoothe its tone. It's also a powerful antioxidant and anti-redness, protecting the skin from free radicals.

Can Bakuchiol be used every day?

Yes, Bakuchiol can be used daily in both morning and evening routines. However when introducing any new ingredient into your skincare routine always listen to how your skin is responding. Bakuchiol is a gentle ingredient but if irritation occurs, consult a specialist for further advice. The Bakuchiol tolerance of NIVEA products has been tested under dermatological control and can be used for all skin types.

Can Bakuchiol be used during pregnancy?

At present, Bakuchiol has not shown any negative impact on pregnancy, but because the data regarding humans is not yet available, it is necessary to be cautious. If you wish to use Bakuchiol during pregnancy, always ask your doctor’s advice, in order to weigh risks and benefits. 

How can Bakuchiol be incorporated into a skincare routine?

The easiest way to use Bakuchiol is to add skincare products like serums, oils, face masks, and moisturisers that contain it to your routine. Apply them after cleansing, preferably in the morning and evening for best results.

Products with Bakuchiol

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