If you've been exploring skincare lately, you may have come across an ingredient that's tricky to pronounce but hard to ignore: bakuchiol (say "buh-KOO-chee-ol"). It's turning up in serums, balms, and creams, often described as a gentler route to smoother, firmer-looking skin. So what is it, and is it worth adding to your routine?
What Is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound extracted from the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), which has a long history in traditional herbal practice. In modern skincare, it's valued because it appears to offer many of the benefits people associate with retinol — despite being unrelated to vitamin A.
Why It's Compared to Retinol
Retinol has long been a go-to for anyone wanting to soften the look of fine lines and refine skin texture. The catch is tolerance: retinol is well known for causing dryness, redness, and flaking, especially at first. It can also make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Bakuchiol appears to support a smoother, firmer-looking complexion through similar pathways in the skin, but with far less of the irritation. A frequently cited 2019 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology compared the two and found comparable improvements in the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation, with bakuchiol users reporting less stinging and scaling.
Who Might Love It
Bakuchiol tends to suit people who have found retinol too harsh, those with sensitive or reactive skin, and anyone who prefers plant-derived ingredients. Because it's gentle, it's often comfortable enough for daily use, morning and night.
If you're avoiding retinol for a medical reason, it's always best to check with a healthcare professional before switching, since individual circumstances vary.
How to Use It
Bakuchiol layers nicely with other common ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. As with any new active, introduce it gradually, patch test first, and pair your daytime routine with SPF.
The Bottom Line
Bakuchiol offers a plant-based, low-irritation path toward the kind of results people usually associate with retinol. If your skin is sensitive, or you simply prefer a kinder daily routine, it's well worth considering.
Curious to try it? Explore our Bakuchiol Collagen Volume Multi Balm — a rich, plumping balm powered by bakuchiol and collagen.