What is Bakuchiol:
Skin Benefits & Uses
What is Bakuchiol?
Uses and Benefits for Skin
Bakuchiol (pronounced "bah-koo-chee-all") is a plant-based extract derived from the seeds of the Psoralea Corylifolia (Babchi) plant. Bakuchiol has gained popularity in skincare thanks to its natural antioxidant properties.
Often called a gentle alternative to Retinol, it offers similar benefits, such as supporting Collagen production* and encouraging cell renewal, without the irritation that can occur with stronger retinoids.
Found in moisturisers, serums, and creams, its plant-based, skin-friendly nature makes it ideal for you if you have sensitive skin or if you're looking to incorporate more natural, effective anti-ageing ingredients into your daily routine.
*in vitro testing
What is the difference between
Bakuchiol and Retinol?
Bakuchiol is often compared to Retinol because both ingredients support cell renewal and offer anti-ageing benefits, helping to smooth fine lines and support a more youthful-looking complexion. While they work in similar ways, there are some differences in their properties and usage that you might want to keep in mind:
- Vegan friendly:Bakuchiol is plant-based and more likely to appear in vegan-friendly skincare. In contrast, Retinol can be synthetic, be produced with animal derivatives, or extracted from natural sources.
- Gentle on the skin:Bakuchiol is naturally gentle and generally well-tolerated, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Retinol is a potent active ingredient that can be highly effective for more advanced signs of ageing but may be harsher on the skin.
- Use during pregnancy:Retinol is generally advised against during pregnancy due to potential risks to the baby's development. Bakuchiol is considered low risk, but it is always recommended that you consult your doctor before using any active ingredient during pregnancy.
- Flexibility in use:
Bakuchiol can be incorporated into both morning and evening routines and works well alongside hydrating or plumping ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid. Retinol is typically introduced gradually into a skincare routine to allow the skin to adjust and optimise results.
8 Benefits of
Bakuchiol for Skin
Bakuchiol functions like Retinol to help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful look for your skin.
Bakuchiol supports skin firmness and helps improve elasticity, giving the skin a more lifted and toned appearance. It works by promoting Collagen Type I and VII and Elastin production in the skin, which are key proteins responsible for structure and resilience.
Bakuchiol can help reduce the appearance of sun-induced photo-aging and redness, contributing to a more even skin tone.
By promoting cell renewal, Bakuchiol helps reduce skin pigmentation and gives the skin a fresh, healthy-looking glow.
Bakuchiol's gentle, antibacterial properties can help you maintain smooth skin and reduce the likelihood of blemishes forming. It works by regulating sebum production and calming inflammation in the skin, which helps prevent clogged pores and the development of dark spots.
Bakuchiol’s antioxidant action helps neutralise free radicals, which can otherwise damage skin cells and accelerate visible signs of ageing.
Bakuchiol is well-tolerated, even for sensitive skin types such as those with medical skin conditions, and is less likely to cause irritation compared to Retinol.
Unlike Retinol, Bakuchiol does not appear to increase sun sensitivity, making it suitable for use in both morning and evening routines.
Facts Overview
Characteristics: Bakuchiol is a natural skincare ingredient found in the leaves and seeds of the Babchi plant that has origins in Chinese and Indian medicine.
Benefits: Bakuchiol may help to reduce signs of ageing, smooth skin tone, and improve skin elasticity. It is also a natural antioxidant for your skin.
Uses: Bakuchiol is most commonly found in face serums and moisturisers.
Special features: Bakuchiol is commonly known as a plant-based alternative to Retinol, with less risk of causing irritation.
Bakuchiol and
Other Ingredients
Skincare routine with bakuchiol to boost
Collagen and Smooth fine Lines
Cleansing is an important first step in any skincare routine, as it helps to clear away dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin's surface. It also helps other products work more effectively by improving their absorption into the skin.
NIVEA offers a range of gentle yet effective cleansers to suit all skin types, from nourishing creams to refreshing Micellar Waters. Each one is designed to lift away impurities while caring for your skin's natural barrier, so you can choose the texture and formula that feels best for you.
The NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift 3-Zone Lifting Serum contains the highest pure Bakuchiol concentrated formula of any NIVEA product. It helps stimulate cell renewal and supports your skin's own Collagen production in just 4 hours*.
For use on the face and neck, the serum penetrates deeply into the skin, working to immediately provide a lifting effect, visibly reducing wrinkles, and lifting contours. Regular use over time helps to visibly improve skin elasticity and fortify its structure.
*Tested in vitro on skin cells
NIVEA offers a wide range of face serums tailored to different skin needs – from hydration to firming and anti-ageing care. Each serum is designed to deliver targeted, high-performing ingredients deep into the skin for visible results.
After your serum, the NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift Anti-Age Day Cream SPF30 helps lock in moisture while helping to boost Collagen. Its carefully selected actives include Pure Bakuchiol, which has been shown to boost your skin's own Collagen production by +48% in just 4 hours*. Macro and Micro Hyaluronic Acid intensively hydrate and smooth both the surface and deeper layers, delivering long-lasting plumping to the skin.
In the evening, the Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol Anti-Age Night Cream works overnight to improve firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Its advanced formula contains Pure Bakuchiol, which helps boost Collagen production in just a few hours**. With regular use, skin feels more resilient, lifted, and visibly revitalised.
*Tested on skin cells. 4-week study, 2021
**4 hours, tested on skin cells. 4-week study, 2021
Make sure to always apply SPF on your face at the end of your morning skincare routine, to provide your skin with full protection against UV rays.
The NIVEA Cellular Expert Filler SPF50+ Daily UV Serum Fluid offers high-level sun protection combined with powerful antioxidant benefits. This lightweight serum not only shields skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays but also deeply hydrates, thanks to two types of Pure Hyaluronic Acid. Enriched with Licochalcone A, a potent antioxidant, it combats pollution-related oxidative stress, further defending skin against early signs of ageing.
NIVEA's Face Sunscreens offer tailored protection with formulas designed to moisturise and defend delicate facial skin. From lightweight, non-greasy options to anti-ageing solutions, each product combines high SPF protection with skin care benefits for a radiant complexion under the sun.
Incorporating a face mask into your weekly routine can also provide targeted, intensive care to support your skin's anti-ageing needs. The NIVEA Cellular Expert Lift Pure Bakuchiol Face Sheet Mask is infused with Pure Bakuchiol and Hyaluronic Acid to help leave your complexion feeling refreshed and revitalised.
For best results, apply twice per week: unfold the mask onto a cleansed face, leave on for 10 minutes, then gently massage any remaining serum into the skin. Dermatologically approved and suitable for all skin types, it's the perfect complement to your Bakuchiol anti-age routine.
*Self-Assessment Study 2018
Summary
Suitable for sensitive skin and daily use, Bakuchiol works well with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C. Its versatility and scientifically supported benefits make it a valuable addition to any skincare regime you follow.
