5 Bakuchiol Skincare Products to Combat The Signs of Aging

Whether you want to age gracefully or like fine wine, one thing is certain – nobody wants to age like milk. Unless you hit the gene pool, fine lines start creeping up mid-twenties, with wrinkles around your mid-forties. If you want to present your best self, and that includes nixing harsh skincare products, then Bakuchiol will have your complexion on cloud wine.

Although it has a fancy name like most vinos, bakuchiol (pronounced bah-koo-chee-all) is a plant-based (not from grapes) alternative to retinol with impressive anti-aging benefits that are remarkably like retinol, but without the unpleasant side effects.

So, if you’re in these age ranges, read on to learn the opulent origins of bakuchiol, and take in its sweet anti-aging and free-radical combatting notes. You’ll also be able to savor why it’s gaining full-bodied popularity among beauty aficionados for natural eternal youth.

Like a glass of red or white, not all skincare products are for everyone – and we’re running our finger around the rim of retinol. It’s not just that we have different palates; we have different skin types, concerns, and preferences. If we had a taster’s choice award for the best in anti-aging, retinol would have the metal. However, if we pop the cork on the vitamin A derivative, any skin type can experience dryness and irritation from using it, especially sensitive skin.

With increased negative side effects from retinol, many people are turning to plant-based bakuchiol as a safer alternative. Derived from the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), bakuchiol’s origin is deeply rooted in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Babchi seeds were often ground into a paste and applied topically to address various skin issues, such as skin discoloration, rashes, and inflammation.

In Ayurvedic medicine, these super seeds were used to treat multiple health issues like skin disorders, slow digestion, weak immune system, and brittle hair. These traditional applications laid the foundation for the modern skincare exploration of bakuchiol oil.

When it comes to the competition between retinol and bakuchiol, the best in show for many beauty aficionados – especially sensitive and mature types- goes to the super plant for how well it plays nicely with everyone and their skin ‘palate’. Bakuchiol has a winning reputation as a natural and gentler alternative to chemical-based retinol. It offers similar benefits - promoting skin rejuvenation and reducing fine lines - but without the undesirable effects of retinol.

The active properties of bakuchiol lie in its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin elasticity and firmness. It's rich in antioxidants, helping to combat free radical damage that leads to premature aging. Bakuchiol has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for soothing sensitive or irritated skin.

If there was a (wine) decanter’ or skin awards show for best in bakuchiol, these products would be in the top five for their impressive anti-aging benefits for more youthful, radiant skin. These clean and vegan formulas offer a gentle and plant-based alternative to retinol that is a match made in skincare-palates heaven for anyone, especially sensitive and mature types.

#1. 100% PURE Bakuchiol Cleanser

About: This creamy-dreamy cleanser gently and effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin. This powerful cleanser provides a safer and more natural alternative to retinol to stimulate cellular turnover for a smoother, clearer complexion. Gently massage it onto damp skin, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Key Ingredients: Lemongrass, purifies for more even skin; Licorice, soothes and brightens skin; Kojic acid, naturally brightens skin.

How to Use: As the first step in your skincare routine, gently massage the cleanser onto damp skin to create a foam, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Gentle enough to use in the AM and PM.

#2. 100% PURE Bakuchiol Serum

About: Using a natural toner after cleansing is optional but can be beneficial for some individuals. Next,

apply a serum. Made with the clinically recommended maximum bakuchiol concentration, this super serum is a must-have for those who are looking for long-lasting hydrating. It penetrates deep into the skin for a soft and supple feel.

Key Ingredients: Lemongrass, purifies for more even skin; Licorice, soothes and brightens skin; Kojic acid, naturally brightens skin; Aloe, hydrates and soothes skin.

How to Use: Apply a few drops of the serum onto your fingertips and gently massage it into your face, neck, and décolletage. Focus on areas where you want to target signs of aging or improve skin texture. Allow the serum to fully absorb into the skin before moving to the next step. Use on cleansed skin both AM and PM.

#3. 100% PURE Bakuchiol Moisturizer

About: Follow up with a natural moisturizer to provide additional hydration and seal in the benefits of the serum and bakuchiol. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalane, this powerful botanical offers intense hydration to boost collagen production and lessen the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Kojic acid lightens age and sun spots for clear, glowing skin.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, encourages collagen production and improves skin hydration; Licorice, soothes and brightens skin; Kojic acid, naturally brightens skin; Niacinamide, tones and firms skin.

How to Use: Apply a small amount to your face, neck, and décolletage, and gently massage it in using upward motions. Can be used AM and PM.

#4. Seaberry Moisturizer

About: If you’re looking to boost elasticity and firmness, this moisturizer can also be used after your natural serum. It features bakuchiol and multiple plant stem cells and peptides to help trigger the production of collagen and elastin for firmer and suppler skin. Seaberry’s reparative benefits and hydrating aloe nourish skin while fortifying it with anti-aging antioxidants from grape and sea buckthorn.

Key Ingredients: Seaberry, fortifies and repairs skin; Plant Stem Cells, increases collagen, elastin, and ceramide production; Aloe, hydrates and soothes skin; sunflower seed oil, enriches with fatty acids.

How to Use: Apply a quarter-sized amount to your face, neck, and décolletage, and gently massage it in using upward motions. Can be used AM and PM.

#5. 18.3% Active Ingredients Vitamin C Glow Max Bright Mask

About: This brightening mask will turn dull skin into a refreshed, luminous, and hydrated complexion. Featuring skin-enriching vitamin C, this concentrated treatment delivers age-correcting bakuchiol, moisturizing vitamin E, and other glow-enhancing nutrients to brighten and tighten, and will leave your skin utterly radiant.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, brightens skin and boosts collagen production; vitamin E, restores skin and protects from free radical damage; sunflower seed oil, enriches with fatty acids; rosehip seed oil, reduces dark spots and scars.

How to Use: Spread a generous amount onto cleansed skin, avoiding the immediate eye area. Rinse off with warm water in circular motions. Can be left on overnight (protect pillowcase to avoid staining). Use 2-7 times a week or as needed.

Among Bakuchiol’s plethora of skin-efits and anti-aging magic, its versatility in your skincare routine also gives it a huge toast. As opposed to retinol’s usage for nighttime due to its propensity to increase sun sensitivity, bakuchiol can be used during the day. Of course, with any regimen, you’ll want to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. You can also use this product at night or opt for a natural nighttime treatment – or alternate between both products if you have super-sensitive skin.

To optimize the benefits of bakuchiol, it can typically be used in conjunction with other natural skincare products. These ingredients often synergize seamlessly, harmonizing their properties for enhanced efficacy. Their compatibility can lead to a balanced blend that addresses multiple skincare needs, including heightening the results of your anti-aging routine.

However, while bakuchiol is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, there are a few ingredients that may not work well when used with bakuchiol for sensitive skin. These include exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs and some vitamin C derivatives. Always patch test part of your skin for any adverse reactions.

To maintain youthful skin, it’s essential to keep your precious dermis maintained with natural skincare and a consistent routine. This includes keeping it moisturized and protected from the sun to lessen the effects of aging. Remember to be patient with bakuchiol, as it can take a few weeks for its maximum potential and results to shine!

In addition to quality natural skincare products and a routine, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help pave the golden path to radiant, more youthful skin. Here are a few tips to help get you there!

Smoking: Refrain from this habit, as it releases harmful chemicals that accelerate collagen breakdown and impair the skin's natural repair processes.

Alcohol: Limit alcohol consumption – no hurt in a little wine. Wine is fine to dine, and it plays nicely with the analogy of bakuchiol.

Diet: Establish healthy eating habits and a diet, including getting essential nutrients and antioxidants from fruits and vegetables to feed and flourish skin.

Stress: Stress can weaken the skin's barrier function and impair its ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and accelerated aging. Get adequate exercise to help release stress and maintain a healthy body.

Lifestyle Factors: Get adequate sleep. Inconsistent snooze schedules lead to a whole host of problems, including panda eyes, and tired, dull complexions. Another tiny tip: Be kind and make time for yourself.

Is bakuchiol suitable for sensitive skin?

Bakuchiol is considered safe for most skin types. It is less likely to cause skin sensitivity compared to other active ingredients like retinol. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. However, individuals with specific allergies or sensitivities should exercise caution and conduct a patch test skin to check for any adverse reactions.

How long does it take to see the effects of bakuchiol?

With regular use of bakuchiol, individuals can typically expect to see noticeable improvements in their skin within approximately four weeks but can start seeing improvements in skin tone and texture in as little as two weeks. Continued use may reveal more significant changes, such as a reduction in wrinkles and pesky dark spots, as well as an overall smoother, firmer, and more youthful complexion

Can bakuchiol be used during the day?

Absolutely! A huge advantage of bakuchiol over retinol is that it can be used during the day. Of course, with any regimen, you’ll want to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. You can also use this product at night or opt for a natural nighttime treatment – or alternate between both products if you have super-sensitive skin.

Is bakuchiol safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

Bakuchiol is considered a safer alternative to retinol due to its lack of adverse side effects on the skin. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is unrelated to vitamin A, which makes it a viable option for pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, providing a safer choice for skincare during these periods. But it’s also recommended to let your doctor know of all medicines, including vitamins, that you’re taking, as well as what skincare ingredients and products you’re using or interested in starting.

How does bakuchiol interact with other ingredients in skincare products?

Bakuchiol can typically be used in conjunction with other natural skincare products. These ingredients often synergize seamlessly, harmonizing their properties for enhanced efficacy and effectiveness. However, for sensitive or easily irritable skin, it’s best to perform a patch test to check for any adverse reactions.

Bakuchiol has emerged as a promising skincare ingredient with a range of potential benefits. Whether you're seeking to combat the signs of aging or simply maintain a healthy complexion, bakuchiol offers a natural, gentle, and effective option and an attractive alternative to other active anti-aging all-stars like retinol.

If aging like fine wine is on your mind, bakuchiol is the anti-aging ingredient that you can toast for its sweet benefits and results that your skin will savor. As the skincare industry continues to evolve, it's exciting to explore new ingredients like bakuchiol that can contribute to healthier, more youthful skin for all. Now, that’s a skin win.