Wednesday, 26 August 2020

Lets talk about bakuchiol...




Lets talk about Bakuchiol (pronounced buh-koo-chee-all)

This wonder ingredient is having a bit of a moment! Dubbed as a natural alternative to retinol, it seems to be cropping up everywhere. Balance Me, Bybi, and Indeed Labs are just some of the brands that have launched bakuchiol based products. So, lets talk about it.

What does it claim to do?

  •  Stimulate cell turnover resulting in brighter skin

  • Improves texture and tone of skin, reducing UV induced skin damage such pigmentation and fine lines

  • Helps minimise issues associated with sensitivity and reactivity due it’s calming and soothing properties

  •  Can be used AM or PM as it doesn’t make skin photosensitive

Where does it come from?

Bakuchiol has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine for centuries, it naturally occurs in the seeds and leaves of the plant Psoralea Corylifolia which can be found throughout the plains of India. It’s been used in herbal remedies and as a skincare ingredient for years due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Where the similarities with retinol come in …

It seems to stimulate the retinoid receptors responsible for the production of collagen type 1 in the dermis. There is still extensive research that needs to take place, but studies have shown it stimulates cell renewal without any irritation. This is why people with sensitive skin are seeking it as an alternative to retinol.

To be honest I am uncomfortable with it appearing in the same sentence as retinol, as they are structurally and chemically two completely different things. It’s not a form of retinol so don’t let marketing fool you. Although I understand how the comparisons have come about, they can’t be thrown in the same boat as the evidence is just not strong enough. Labmuffin has a wonderful article on her blog which talks about this link here

Now let’s get straight to the facts as you just want to know if it’s worth adding to your routine, right?

Well yes, it is…as a partner to retinol not as a replacement! And primarily for its fantastic healing and soothing abilities.

I have been trialing 3 different products and will be reviewing them separately soon but here is some information and my overall thoughts:

  •  It doesn’t replace the effects of retinol but is a wonderful complimentary ingredient to be used alongside it. Bakuchiol has potent calming abilities and stabilising properties which help retinol work better and increase skin’s tolerance. Together they can be a powerhouse for a range of skin concerns such as wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of firmness

  • Bakuchiol is great for sensitive skins as there is no research to show it causes irritation. Despite this, it is a natural ingredient so we have to be aware it may trigger allergic reactions being that it's from a plant substance

  •  It can be used alongside other ingredients without any issues and can improve the results from other treatments. I have been using alongside gentle acids and retinol including other actives such as Niacinamide and Vitamin C. I will talk more about this in my individual reviews

  • It has a wonderful soothing effect on the skin and has helped calm any breakouts Ive had. For that reason alone, I would recommend it

  • My skin seems to behave itself better having included this ingredient consistently into my routine

  •  Skin clarity and radiance is more prominent

 

Have you tried Bakuchiol? I’d love to know your thoughts!

 

*This post advertises PR products that have been sent to me with no obligation to post


Thank you for reading!xx

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