As skincare consumers shift toward gentle, plant-based actives, one ingredient has emerged as a standout: Bakuchiol.
Derived from the seeds of the Babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), Bakuchiol is often referred to as a natural alternative to retinol, but without the common side effects of retinol like irritation, dryness, or peeling.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a meroterpene compound extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries. Despite having a different chemical structure from retinol, Bakuchiol exhibits retinol-like effects on the skin, making it a popular choice in clean and natural skincare lines.
Top Benefits of Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol influences gene expression in a similar way to retinol. It actions lead to smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, and improved elasticity, the core results also associated with retinol.
1. Gentle Anti-Aging Properties
Bakuchiol helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting collagen production and improving skin elasticity. Unlike retinol, it doesn’t cause redness, flakiness, or dryness, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
2. Improves Skin Texture and Tone
Regular use of bakuchiol can smooth rough skin and even out skin tone. It works at the cellular level to accelerate skin renewal, leading to a brighter, more radiant complexion.
3. Fights Acne and Breakouts
Bakuchiol has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make it effective in managing acne. It helps unclog pores and reduce blemishes, without the drying effects of traditional acne treatments.
4. Suitable for All Skin Types
Unlike retinol, which may cause irritation in dry or sensitive skin types, bakuchiol is well-tolerated by most people, even those with eczema, rosacea, or hyperpigmentation concerns.
5. Safe for Daytime Use
Retinol increases sun sensitivity and is typically used at night. Bakuchiol, however, doesn’t photosensitize the skin, making it safe to use both morning and evening, with or without sun exposure.
Bakuchiol for Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women
Unlike retinol, which is not safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks of vitamin A toxicity, Bakuchiol is not a retinoid and does not carry the same warnings.
Many experts and brands consider Bakuchiol safe for use during pregnancy, but it’s still best to:
- Consult a healthcare provider before use
- Choose products with clearly labeled concentrations
- Avoid using alongside other strong actives unless advised
For brands formulating maternity-safe skincare, Bakuchiol is an excellent anti-aging alternative that aligns with consumer safety concerns.
Why Include Bakuchiol in Your Skincare Line?
As an OEM skincare manufacturer, you’re always looking to meet evolving consumer demands.
Bakuchiol have all these:
• Plant-based & clean-label
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Suitable for day and night use
• Maternity-safe formulation potential • Clinically proven anti-aging benefits
From anti-aging serums to day creams, acne solutions, or even pregnancy-safe skincare lines, Bakuchiol is a high-performance, trending active worth adding to your product range.
Develop with Confidence
At Biocoslab, we offer customizable skincare formulations with Bakuchiol as a featured active ingredient. From anti-aging to acne care, our R&D team can help you create high-performance, market-ready products that align with current trends and consumer expectations.
Interested in launching your own Bakuchiol skincare line?
Contact us today to discuss formulation options and start building your brand with ingredients that deliver results
