Ingredient spotlight: Bakuchiol

Backuchiol Ask Patty

The beauty industry’s obsession with retinol is showing no sign of letting up. So, as lovers of all things natural and vegan, we’re talking about bakuchiol (the more natural alternative to retinol) with our resident beauty expert, Pat.

What Pat doesn’t know about beauty isn’t really worth knowing. So we’re getting her expert insight into one of this rising star of vegan and natural skincare. Read on for everything you need to know about this plant-based alternative to retinol (including how to pronounce it).


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What is bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is a more gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol. It can help with reducing wrinkles and fine lines and increase skin firmness, but it doesn’t come with the skin irritation that usual retinol can sometimes cause. And it’s pronounced ba - koo - chee - all in case you were wondering!


Where does bakuchiol come from?

Bakuchiol is derived from the seeds and leaves of Eastern Asia’s ‘babchi’ plant. While it doesn’t come from vitamin A like retinol, bakuchiol’s effect on skin is remarkably similar. Some studies suggest it could be just as effective!


What does bakuchiol do for your skin?

A better question might be ‘what can’t bakuchiol do for your skin?’! Here are the main benefits:



    • Helps boost collagen production

    • Helps reduce hyperpigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles

    • Exfoliates the top layer of your skin to improve brightness and evenness

    • Fights damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure

    • Minimises enlarged pores

    • Boosts firmness

    • Less skin irritation than usual retinol

  • Antibacterial effect and increased cell turnover from bakuchiol can also help manage acne


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Who should use bakuchiol? Can you use bakuchiol when pregnant?

Bakuchiol is great for all skin types but it’s ideal for those who can’t tolerate retinol and have very sensitive skin or are pregnant/breastfeeding.


When to use bakuchiol?

Unlike retinol, bakuchiol won’t break down in the sun or make your skin more sensitive to UV rays so can be used both morning and night. No more excuses :) Go try it out!


Which bakuchiol is best?

Luckily for you, we have plenty of amazing options (no matter your budget):





Can bakuchiol be used with retinol?

Yes, in fact bakuchiol is thought to help stabilise retinol!


Can bakuchiol be used with salicylic acid?

Yep. There are no known issues with combining these ingredients in your routine.

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Can bakuchiol be used with niacinamide?

Yep!


Can bakuchiol cause purging?

No. Bakuchiol is very gentle and non-irritating and won’t cause skin purging.

Pat

Can bakuchiol cause acne?

No, in fact, bakuchiol has the ability to treat acne!

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So by now you might be able to see why I’m obsessed with this vegan ingredient. Do yourself a favour and add some bakuchiol to your basket now (and let your skin thank you later).

And if you want to know my favourite bakuchiol product? It’s hard to pick, but you really can’t go wrong with the BYBI Beauty booster (I use it everyday!):

Booster Bakuchiol Oil & Olive Squalane



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