What is Bakuchiol: Skin Benefits & Uses

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.

Read Time: 7 minutes

What is Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol vs Retinol
8 Benefits of Bakuchiol for Skin
Facts Overview
Bakuchiol and Other Ingredients
How to Use Bakuchiol
Summary
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bakuchiol? Uses and Benefits for Skin

From Bakuchiol’s skin benefits to how to incorporate it into your routine, find out everything you need to know about this natural skincare ingredient.

Woman using Nivea Cellular Expert Lift face cream

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 vs Retinol

What is the difference between Bakuchiol and Retinol?

Bakuchiol is often compared to Retinol because both ingredients support cell renewal and offer anti-ageing benefits, helping to smooth fine lines and support a more youthful-looking complexion. While they work in similar ways, there are some differences in their properties and usage:

Vegan Friendly:

Bakuchiol is plant-based and more likely to appear in vegan-friendly skincare. In contrast Retinol can be synthetic, be produced with animal derivatives, or extracted from natural sources.

Gentle on the Skin:

Bakuchiol is naturally gentle and generally well-tolerated, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Retinol is a potent active ingredient that can be highly effective for more advanced signs of ageing but may be harsher on the skin.

Use During Pregnancy:

Retinol is generally advised against during pregnancy due to potential risks to the baby’s development. Bakuchiol is considered low risk, but it is always recommended to consult your doctor before using any active ingredient during pregnancy.

Flexibility in Use:

Bakuchiol can be incorporated into both morning and evening routines and works well alongside hydrating or plumping ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid. Retinol is typically introduced gradually into a skincare routine to allow the skin to adjust and optimise results.

Young woman using Luminous Skin Glow serum

Bakuchiol Effect on Skin

8 Benefits of Bakuchiol for Skin

Research has shown that Bakuchiol has a range of anti-ageing benefits for skin, like those experienced with Retinol:

1. Helps Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Bakuchiol functions like Retinol to help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful look.

2. Helps to Improve Skin Elasticity

Bakuchiol supports skin firmness and helps improve elasticity, giving the skin a more lifted and toned appearance. It works by promoting Collagen Type I and VII and Elastin production in the skin, which are key proteins responsible for structure and resilience.

3. Help Reduce the Appearance of Sun Damage

Bakuchiol can help reduce the appearance of sun-induced photo-aging and redness contributing to a more even skin tone.

4. Enhances Radiance

By promoting cell renewal, Bakuchiol helps reduce skin pigmentation and gives the skin a fresh, healthy-looking glow.

5. Helps to Reduce Blemishes

Bakuchiol’s gentle, antibacterial properties can help maintain smooth skin and reduce the likelihood of blemishes forming. It works by regulating sebum production and calming inflammation in the skin, which helps prevent clogged pores and the development of dark spots.

6. Provides Antioxidant Protection

Bakuchiol’s antioxidant action helps neutralise free radicals, which can otherwise damage skin cells and accelerate visible signs of ageing.

7. Gentle on Sensitive Skin

Bakuchiol is well-tolerated, even for sensitive skin types such as those with medical skin conditions and is less likely to cause irritation compared to Retinol.

8. Safer Daily Use

Unlike Retinol, Bakuchiol does not appear to increase sun sensitivity, making it suitable for use in both morning and evening routines.

Caution: Even if a product includes a form of Bakuchiol in its formula, it doesn't imply that the product exhibits all the benefits listed above - these will depend on various factors such as the formulation and the concentration of Bakuchiol. Please see the packaging instructions to know the effects of the specific product that you use.

Bakuchiol

Facts Overview

Characteristics: Bakuchiol is a natural skincare ingredient found in the leaves and seeds of the Babchi plant that has origins in Chinese and Indian medicine.

Benefits: Bakuchiol may help to reduce signs of ageing, smooth skin tone, and improve skin elasticity. It is also a natural antioxidant for your skin.

Uses: Bakuchiol is most commonly found in face serums and moisturisers.

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

Bakuchiol and Other Ingredients

Bakuchiol works well alongside other key skincare ingredients, offering complementary benefits for healthier, more resilient skin.

Bakuchiol and Vitamin C

Combining Bakuchiol and Vitamin C can help support smoother, brighter, and more refreshed looking skin: Vitamin C helps even skin tone and enhances luminosity, while Bakuchiol supports cell renewal for a refreshed appearance. Both ingredients can also help maintain skin firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Bakuchiol’s gentle nature makes this combination suitable for sensitive skin, while Vitamin C helps protect the skin barrier against everyday environmental pollutants.

Close up of a woman's face with oily, blemish-prone skin

Bakuchiol and Niacinamide

Another effective pairing is Bakuchiol and Niacinamide. Niacinamide is well-known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and barrier-supporting properties, helping the skin retain moisture and stay resilient against environmental stressors. When used together, they can help improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and promote a more even, hydrated complexion.

How to Use Bakuchiol?

Skincare Routine with Bakuchiol to Boost Collagen and Smooth fine Lines

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, both in the morning and evening. With many benefits including boosting collagen production and smoothing fine lines, explore NIVEA’s skincare routine enriched with Bakuchiol.

1. Cleanse (AM & PM)

Cleansing is an important first step in any skincare routine as it helps to clear away dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin’s surface. It also helps other products work more effectively, by improving their absorption into the skin.

NIVEA offers a range of gentle yet effective cleansers to suit all skin types, from nourishing creams to refreshing Micellar Waters. Each is designed to lift away impurities while caring for your skin’s natural barrier, so you can choose the texture and formula that feels best for you.

Discover NIVEA Face Cleansers

Young woman using Nivea Cleansing Mousse

2. Apply Serum (AM & PM)

The NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift 3-Zone Lifting Serum contains the highest pure Bakuchiol concentrated formula of any NIVEA product. It helps stimulate cell renewal and supports your skin’s own Collagen production in just 4 hours*.

For use on the face and neck 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.

^{*Tested in vitro on skin cells}

NIVEA offers a wide range of face serums tailored to different skin needs - from hydration to firming and anti-ageing care. Each serum is designed to deliver targeted, high-performing ingredients deep into the skin for visible results.

Explore NIVEA Face Serums

3. Hydrate your skin (AM & PM)

After your serum, the NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift Anti-Age Day Cream SPF30 helps lock in moisture while helping to boost Collagen. Its carefully selected actives include Pure Bakuchiol which has been shown to boost your skin’s own Collagen production by +48% in just 4 hours*. Macro and Micro Hyaluronic Acid intensively hydrate and smooth both the surface and deeper layers, delivering long-lasting plumping to the skin.

In the evening, the Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol Anti-Age Night Cream works overnight to improve firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Its advanced formula contains Pure Bakuchiol, which helps boost Collagen production in just a few hours**. With regular use, skin feels more resilient, lifted, and visibly revitalised.

^{*Tested on skin cells. 4-week study, 2021

**4 hours, tested on skin cells. 4-week study, 2021}

Explore NIVEA Face Cream

NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler SPF50+ Daily UV Serum Fluid

4. Apply SPF Protection (AM)

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.

The NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler SPF50+ Daily UV Serum Fluid offers high-level sun protection combined with powerful antioxidant benefits. This lightweight serum not only shields skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays but also deeply hydrates, thanks to two types of Pure Hyaluronic Acid. Enriched with Licochalcone A, a potent antioxidant, it combats pollution-related oxidative stress, further defending skin against early signs of ageing.

NIVEA's Face Sunscreens offer tailored protection with formulas designed to moisturise and defend delicate facial skin. From lightweight, non-greasy options to anti-ageing solutions, each product combines high SPF protection with skin care benefits for a radiant complexion under the sun.

Explore NIVEA Face Sunscreen

5. Weekly Face Masks

Incorporating a face mask into your weekly routine can also provide targeted, intensive care to support your skin’s anti-ageing needs. The NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol Face Sheet Mask is infused with Pure Bakuchiol and Hyaluronic Acid, to help leave your complexion feeling refreshed and revitalised.

For best results, apply twice per week: unfold the mask onto a cleansed face, leave on for 10 minutes, then gently massage any remaining serum into the skin. Dermatologically approved and suitable for all skin types, it’s the perfect complement to your Bakuchiol anti-age routine.

^{*Self-Assessment Study 2018}

Discover NIVEA Face Masks

NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol Face Sheet Mask

Explore The Cellular Expert Lift Range

If you’re ready to add a fresh ingredient to your skincare routine, Bakuchiol is a gentle yet powerful choice. Unlike Retinol, it’s suitable for daily use while still helping to boost Collagen production, smooth fine lines, and visibly lift skin contours. The NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift range showcases Bakuchiol, with targeted creams and serums that work to help strengthen and plump skin to reveal a firmer, refreshed look over time.

Explore the NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift

Summary

Bakuchiol is a plant-based, gentle alternative to Retinol, known for its anti-ageing benefits. Derived from Babchi seeds, it helps support Collagen production, stimulate cell renewal, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Suitable for sensitive skin and daily use, Bakuchiol works well with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. Its versatility and scientifically supported benefits make it a valuable addition to any skincare regime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you mix Bakuchiol and Niacinamide?

Yes. Bakuchiol and Niacinamide can be used together in your skincare routine. Both are gentle, plant-friendly ingredients that support anti-ageing and can help improve skin texture.

Are there any side effects of Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is generally well-tolerated, even on sensitive skin. Adverse reactions are rare, but as with any active ingredient, it’s best to patch-test new products and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Is Bakuchiol better than Retinol?

Bakuchiol is not necessarily “better” but offers a gentler, plant-based alternative to Retinol, with similar anti-ageing benefits like supporting Collagen production and cell renewal.

Can Bakuchiol be used every day?

Yes. Bakuchiol is suitable for daily use. Its gentle nature means it can be incorporated consistently without the irritation sometimes associated with Retinol.

Can Bakuchiol be used during pregnancy?

Bakuchiol is considered low risk for use during pregnancy. However, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before introducing any active skincare ingredient while pregnant.

Is it better to use Bakuchiol in the morning or night?

Bakuchiol can be applied safely both in the morning and at night, via moisturising creams and serums.

Is Bakuchiol the same as Vitamin A?

No. Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient often called a natural alternative to Retinol (a form of Vitamin A), but it is chemically distinct.