By Hari-Prakash Boyd | Master Aesthetician

In the pursuit of natural, yet effective skincare, bakuchiol is emerging as a standout ingredient. Bakuchiol, has been found to have similar anti-aging and anti-acne benefits as retinol, without the negative side effects. Derived from the leaves and seeds of the bakuchi plant, bakuchiol is known for its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Bakuchiol has gained significant attention in the skincare world as a natural alternative to Retinol. Although it functions similarly to retinol, it is not a retinoid and bears no structural resemblance to retinoids. However, it acts as an analog to retinol, providing similar benefits without the side effects. One of the standout benefits of bakuchiol extract is its ability to stimulate the production of Type I, Type III, and Type IV collagen. Type I collagen provides structure to the skin, Type III collagen is crucial for wound healing and the extracellular matrix of the skin, and Type IV collagen exists between the dermal and epidermal compartments of the skin. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol does not cause sun sensitivity or potential pigment issues, making it suitable for year-round use, even during the daytime.

Bakuchiol's compatibility with other skincare actives is another significant advantage. Despite some misconceptions, bakuchiol can be combined with vitamin C, AHA/BHA, and benzoyl peroxide. These misconceptions arise from a misunderstanding of its function, as bakuchiol is not a retinoid. Research has demonstrated the effective combination of bakuchiol with vitamin C in reducing pigmentation and significantly increasing collagen production by 145%. This combination also showed notable clinical improvement and was well-tolerated over a 12-week study period. Multiple forms of vitamin C, including ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, were used in these studies proving different forms of vitamin C play well with bakuchiol.

Recommended usage:

The regulated usage amounts of bakuchiol in formulations are up to 2%. If you are new to retinoids and their analogs, it's important to start slow as you introduce the active ingredient to your skin. Begin with a bakuchiol complex that is around 0.5% to 1%, using it every other night for a few weeks. Once your skin has acclimated, increase usage to every night. After finishing the initial bottle, look for a 1-2% concentration and start using it every other night for a week or two. Once adjusted, you can then use it nightly. This gradual introduction helps your skin become retinized without irritation.

A versatile and powerful ingredient that provides an abundance of skincare benefits to your routine. Its ability to stimulate collagen production, help compatibility with other skincare actives, and the lack of sun sensitivity make it a valuable and needed alternative to retinol. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties offer a gentle, yet effective solution for acne treatment, because nurturing the skin is a crucial component of the healing process. As a licensed professional, I’m always available for any guidance or questions you may have.

Hari-Prakash Boyd
Founder, formulator, and master aesthetician
love@prakashog.com
Prakash Organics