Active ingredient
Bakuchiol
INCIBakuchiol
Last reviewed by BIOSAR Scientific Team, PharmD, Cosmetic Chemistry, Pharmacy practice on .
Bakuchiol is a meroterpenoid extracted from Psoralea corylifolia seeds, used as a retinol-functional analogue without retinoid molecular structure. It modulates retinol-pathway gene expression, smooths the appearance of fine lines, and evens tone. Pairs well with most actives, including vitamin C and niacinamide. Not a true vitamin A derivative: different molecular family.
Use with caution — consult your clinician.
Despite frequent marketing as a pregnancy-safe retinol alternative, human pregnancy data for bakuchiol are limited. Mother to Baby and IJWD reviews recommend consulting an obstetrician before use during pregnancy or lactation.
What Bakuchiol does
Plant-derived compound positioned as a gentler alternative to Retinol. Used in night care for sensitive or pregnancy-aware routines.
What the research says
- 12 weeksLines, tone and firmness improved against baselineAn open-label 12-week test of a bakuchiol product used twice daily on the face found significant improvement in lines, pigmentation, elasticity and firmness against baseline. No control group; the authors work for the ingredient's supplier.Read the study →Int J Cosmet Sci 2014 (Chaudhuri & Bojanowski)
Where it helps
Concerns Bakuchiol addresses
From the BIOSAR catalog
