Bakuchiol

Extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, commonly called babchi, bakuchiol is a natural antioxidant that's native to India and also grows in China and parts of Africa. In skincare, it supports skin restoration, brightens a dull complexion, and appears to reduce discoloration, including post breakout marks, while improving overall tone. Research also points to real soothing effects and a measurable reduction in wrinkles.

It's often marketed as a natural alternative to retinol, and while the two aren't chemically identical, that comparison holds up reasonably well. Bakuchiol engages several of the same skin pathways retinol does, sometimes by the same mechanism and sometimes by an entirely different route, but the end results, fewer wrinkles, better elasticity, smoother texture, look similar.