What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol Explained
Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to Retinol that is formulated at the maximum recommended concentration of 1% into both our Phyto Radiance Concentrate and Bakuchiol-Phyto Retinol Cream. Bakuchiol comes from the Psoralea corylifolia plant which has short spiky pale-purple flowers. Bakuchiol is extracted and isolated from the "seeds" of the Psoralea corylifolia plant using a robust scientific process that removes unwanted impurities from the extract to yield high-purity Bakuchiol which is amber yellow in color.
Bakuchiol has been studied in clinic trials, one of which was recently published by Dhaliwal in the British Journal of Dermatology (Dhaliwal et al, Br J Dermatol 180(2):289-296, 2019). This prospective, randomized, double-blind study directly compared the ability of Bakuchiol and Retinol to improve the appearance of facial wrinkles and pigmentation over a 12 week period where participants applied Retinol nightly or Bakuchiol twice daily. They found that Retinol and Bakuchiol affected wrinkles and pigmentation similarly, but Bakuchiol application resulted in less scaling, stinging, burning and itching (Lev-Tov, Br. J Dermatol 180(2):253-254, 2019). Although the study was a single‐site clinical study involving only 44 participants, the scientific quality was high, as the authors used a vehicle control and objective measurements were made using validated computerized imaging systems. The results suggest that Bakuchiol can be used as a viable skincare option for those seeking natural, non-medicated, products.
In addition to being just as good as Retinol in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation, Bakuchiol does not react to sunlight like Retinol and thus is safe for daytime use and can be applied morning or night.
Who Manufactures Bakuchiol?
The main manufacturer of Bakuchiol (Sytenol® A) is Sytheon. They use a very scientific method to extract, isolate and reduce unwanted impurities from the "Babachi seeds" of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. The result - Bakuchiol with over 99% purity. While Sytheon does not formulate and manufacture the final cosmetic products, they are the main supplier of high-purity Bakuchiol.
Benefits of Bakuchiol
- Bakuchiol - Natural alternative to retinol, has retinol-like benefits without the associated and unwanted side effects of retinol (eg, scaling, stinging, burning and itching).
- Daylight stable face moisturizer
- Low irritation potential
- Helps to improve elasticity and firmness
- Softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Softens and smooths rough skin patches
- Revitalizes and brightens dull, lack-luster skin
