Bakuchiol: Everything You Need to Know about Skincare’s Must-Have Ingredient
Retinol, who?
Is bakuchiol the new retinol? We’re diving into the skincare ingredient that has been giving retinol a run for its money.
You’ve probably heard of retinol: the holy grail of skincare for smoothing wrinkles, brightening skin, and keeping breakouts at bay. While it’s highly effective, it’s not for everyone. Its potency can cause irritation, dryness, and sensitivity, especially for those with reactive skin.
Enter bakuchiol. Purported to be a natural, plant-based alternative, this compound has been making waves in the beauty world for delivering similar anti-ageing benefits—supposedly, without the harsh side effects of traditional retinoids.
ARE BAKUCHIOL AND RETINOL THE SAME THING?
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In short, no. But they do have similar effects on the complexion. For starters, bakuchiol is much gentler on the skin. If you’ve experienced the dreaded “retinol purge”—flaking, redness, and irritation—you’ll be relieved to know that bakuchiol is far less likely to come with that baggage.
Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, converts into retinoic acid and binds to receptors that speed up cell turnover. While this process has myriad benefits for your skin, it can also cause irritation. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, comes from the Psoralea corylifolia plant and is naturally anti-inflammatory. As a result, it works in sync with your skin to deliver similar rejuvenating results, albeit at a slower, more balanced pace.
WHAT DOES BAKUCHIOL ACTUALLY DO?
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In short, plenty! If hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone top your list of skincare concerns, bakuchiol is here to help. By regulating melanin production, it gradually fades discolouration and boosts your skin’s natural radiance. Whether you’re tackling stubborn acne scars or sun-induced dark spots, bakuchiol works to smooth and even out your complexion while supporting your skin’s renewal process for a healthy, long-lasting glow.
READ: Don’t pop that spot! This dermatologist-approved acne hack will prevent your skin from scarring
Beyond brightening, bakuchiol is a must-have for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin types because it helps calm redness, inflammation, and breakouts. As an anti-ageing powerhouse, it also stimulates collagen production to smooth fine lines and keep your skin feeling firm, plump, and bouncy.
TRY: LUMI Beauty Bakuchiol Skydew Cloud Moisturiser (RM138)
WILL IT CAUSE SUN DAMAGE TO MY SKIN?
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No! In fact, it does quite the opposite. Bakuchiol packs a punch of antioxidant protection, shielding your skin from pollution and UV damage. While it’s no substitute for sunscreen, using it with your regular SPF adds an extra layer of protection to keep your complexion healthy and resilient.
READ: 7 Mineral sunscreens that won’t irritate sensitive skin
CAN I USE BAKUCHIOL DURING PREGNANCY?
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While retinol is off-limits during pregnancy, bakuchiol offers a safe and effective alternative because it does not contain the high levels of vitamin A that can harm fetal development. As such, expectant mothers can still enjoy the benefits of great skincare without harming their little ones. Of course, if you’re still unsure, it’s always best to consult your healthcare professional just to be safe.
HOW CAN I USE BAKUCHIOL IN MY SKINCARE ROUTINE?
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If you’ve been hesitant about adding bakuchiol to your skincare routine, fret not—it’s easier than you think! Whether you’re pairing it with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or boosting your skin barrier with niacinamide, bakuchiol fits right in. And unlike retinol, it gets along perfectly with actives like AHAs and benzoyl peroxide.
TRY: Handmade Heroes The Ultimate Bakuchiol Booster Oil (RM118)
This versatile ingredient gets along with almost everything, so there’s no need to worry about compatibility—you just need to know how to layer it. Simply apply it after your cleansing and toning routine, and before your moisturiser, to enjoy all its calming and rejuvenating benefits.
READ: The dos and don’ts of layering skincare: An easy guide to skincare chemistry
For more skincare tips, head here.
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