Bakuchiol is a natural compound extracted from the seeds of THE Psoralea Corylifolia (also known as babchi plant), celebrated in skincare as a gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol, offering anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties without irritation.

Bakuchiol is derived from Psoralea corylifolia, commonly known as the babchi or bakuchi plant, a legume from the Fabaceae family native to India and parts of China. It’s extracted from the plant’s seeds through solvent extraction or purification processes, yielding a yellowish oil or powder rich in the meroterpene compound bakuchiol (chemically distinct from retinoids but functionally similar). It lacks the coumarins (e.g., psoralen) found in raw babchi oil, ensuring it’s non-photosensitizing. In skincare, it appears in serums, creams, oils, and moisturizers, listed as "bakuchiol" or sometimes "Psoralea corylifolia seed extract" (if unrefined). Used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for skin conditions, bakuchiol gained modern fame as a “phyto-retinol,” mimicking retinol’s benefits—collagen stimulation, cell turnover—without the dryness or sensitivity. Its earthy, slightly nutty scent blends into formulations, aligning with clean beauty trends, and its stability makes it suitable for day or night use across all skin types, especially sensitive ones.

Bakuchiol offers several skincare benefits:

Anti-Aging: Stimulates collagen and elastin production, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging for firmer, smoother skin, comparable to retinol but gentler.
Antioxidant Protection: Neutralizes free radicals, protecting skin from environmental damage (UV, pollution) and slowing premature aging signs like dullness.
Anti-Inflammatory: Soothes redness, irritation, and inflammation, calming acne or sensitive skin without the stinging of traditional retinoids.
Brightening: Enhances cell turnover to fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and uneven tone, boosting radiance over time.
Non-Irritating: Offers retinol-like efficacy without photosensitivity, dryness, or peeling, making it ideal for sensitive, reactive, or beginner skin.
Note: Bakuchiol is well-tolerated with minimal irritation risk, even at higher concentrations (e.g., 0.5–2%), but patch testing is wise for those with legume allergies. It’s pregnancy-safe (unlike retinoids), though clinical data is still evolving.

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