Ingredient glossary
Bakuchiol
On your shelf ✓What Bakuchiol does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Bakuchiol · Also: Psoralea Corylifolia Extract
In short: Bakuchiol delivers anti-aging support and brightening, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate. One thing to know: clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently.
- What it does
- Anti aging, brightening
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Watch out
- Clear it with your doctor if pregnant; introduce it gently
- Evidence
- Moderate
The Glow take
One of the ingredients I trust most.
When your goal is softening fine lines and keeping skin firm, Bakuchiol delivers, with a solid amount of evidence behind it. Introduce it gently, and pair it with something soothing if your skin runs sensitive.
— Maya
What it does
- anti aging
- brightening
- antioxidant
moderate evidenceRandomized double blind trials show point five percent bakuchiol twice daily reduces wrinkle area and hyperpigmentation similarly to point five percent retinol with better tolerability.
On a label: usually effective at 0.5-1%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- normal
- dry
- combo
- photoaged
- pigmentation
- sensitive
Approach with care
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- very sensitive
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskModerate
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveTake care
Often chosen for photoaged, pigmentation. Take extra care if any of these apply to you: pregnancy, breastfeeding.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- retinoids
- niacinamide
- ceramides
- antioxidants
Bakuchiol, answered
Is Bakuchiol safe during pregnancy?
Clear it with your doctor first. Bakuchiol is flagged as use-with-caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so check with your doctor or midwife before adding it.
Who should avoid Bakuchiol?
Approach Bakuchiol with care if any of these apply to you: pregnancy, breastfeeding, and very sensitive. Its irritation risk is moderate, so introduce it slowly and patch test first.
What concentration of Bakuchiol actually works?
Bakuchiol tends to do its job in the 0.5 to 1% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
During pregnancy
Treat Bakuchiol as a maybe rather than a yes for now. It is flagged as one to use with caution while pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is worth clearing before you carry on.
When in doubt, check with your doctor or midwife. They outrank any website, including this one.
Commonly confused with
- RetinolBakuchiol is a plant ingredient sold as a natural retinol alternative. It is gentler, but it is not a true retinoid and works differently.
Compare Bakuchiol with
Can you mix Bakuchiol with
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