By Sodashi Skincare
Retinol has been a headline making ingredient in anti-ageing skincare for many years. It’s been touted as an integral must-have to reduce your pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and yes it can do all of this but as the world of skincare evolves another ingredient, a natural alternative is now making waves, and this ingredient is Bakuchiol.
Understanding Retinol and Bakuchiol
Retinol is chemically derived from Vitamin A and has been used in skincare since the 1970’s. It was originally used for acne but through testing and research its benefits for anti-ageing were discovered.
It’s a compound that when applied to the skin converts to retinoic acid and gets to work on your skin. It increases cell renewal, unclogs pores, boosts collagen, improves skin texture and reduces wrinkles. However, it has a tricky relationship with sensitive skin. It often causes side effects such as irritation, redness, peeling, dryness and stinging plus causes an increased sensitivity to the sun and cannot be used during pregnancy.
Bakuchiol on the other hand is a plant-derived extract coming from the seeds of the Bakuchi (Sanskrit) or Babchi plant. This plant native to India has been used in traditional Ayurvedic preparations for many years because of its numerous health benefits.
Despite being completely different in structure to Retinol, Bakuchiol offers the same skin benefits without the irritation, redness or sensitivity to the sun. In fact, it has anti-inflammatory properties along with its ability to reduce lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.
Babchi Plant (Psoralea Corylifolia)
Side by side comparison chart
|
Ingredient Aspect |
Retinol |
Bakuchiol |
|
Derived |
Synthetic/Vitamin A |
Plant derived/ Babchi Plant |
|
Benefits |
|
|
|
Skin irritation |
Common- dryness, peeling and redness |
Rare |
|
Sun sensitivity |
Increases sensitivity to sunlight |
None |
|
Suitable for sensitive skin |
Often can’t tolerate |
Yes, very gentle |
|
Suitable for Oily /Acne skin |
Yes |
Yes, also soothing |
|
Safe during pregnancy |
No |
Yes |
|
Usage |
Evening only |
Morning and night |
Bakuchiol, who would benefit most?
-
Sensitive skin types
-
Sensitive with acne
-
Pregnant/Breastfeeding
-
If you prefer natural ingredients in your skincare
-
Spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun
If you have sensitive skin, acne, or would rather a natural, plant-based skincare routine, Bakuchiol is the gentle yet powerful alternative to retinol you’ve been looking for. Safe for pregnant and nursing mothers, this skin-restoring ingredient boosts collagen production, improving elasticity and firmness, while brightening your complexion and healing breakouts- all without irritation! And unlike Retinol, Bakuchiol won’t increase sun sensitivity, so you can enjoy its benefits without worrying about causing UV damage.
About… Sodashi’s Serum No.21
Sodashi’s youth complex - Serum No.21 is a silky formulation, designed to be suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. It contains 21 nutrient rich botanicals- including Bakuchiol. This fusion of plant oils, essences and actives has clinically proven results having undergone a 21-day study with 21 participants.
Serum No.21 - Study results
-
98% experienced enhanced hydration
-
75% had improved firmness and elasticity
-
94% had increased radiance and brightness
-
88% experienced refined and smoother skin texture
So, what are you waiting for?
Why not embrace the gifts of nature and incorporate Serum No.21 with plant-based ingredients like Bakuchiol- that are both gentle and effective into your routine, you may just discover your most radiant and rejuvenated skin!
Research published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that Bakuchiol is as effective as Retinol in reducing signs of ageing but doesn’t irritate. (Source: Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing - PubMed )
