What is bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol?

Hard to say; easy to love. Beauty experts are calling "bakuchiol” (pronounced bah-koo-chee-ol) a natural retinol alternative – which means this quiet achiever is one for your beauty bag.

Bakuchiol is extracted from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia), which grows across the Indian subcontinent in countries including India and Sri Lanka. Used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practices, this plant-derived ingredient has a long history of use and is now valued in skincare for its gentle, antioxidant-rich properties and ability to support smooth, calm-looking skin.

While bakuchiol is by no means new to the skincare world, it has surged in popularity in recent years as a natural-origin ingredient often compared with retinol for its ability to help improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and skin texture.

At a molecular level, bakuchiol bears very little resemblance to retinol. So why are these two skincare ingredients so frequently compared?

Bakuchiol vs retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A and one of the best-known ingredients in modern anti-ageing skincare. Its popularity comes from its ability to help improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and skin texture, leaving skin looking smoother and more refined.

For those seeking visible anti-ageing benefits, retinol has long been considered a skincare staple. However, it may not be the right choice for every complexion.

The downside of retinol

Retinol can be difficult for some skin types to tolerate, particularly when first introduced into a skincare routine. Dryness, redness, flaking, and sensitivity may occur, which is why retinol products are often introduced gradually to give skin time to adjust.

Those with sensitive skin may therefore prefer a gentler approach to achieving smoother, more even-looking skin.

Enter nature’s retinol alternative

This is where bakuchiol skincare comes in. Derived from the babchi plant, bakuchiol is a natural-origin, vegan ingredient that has become a popular alternative to retinol.

So, what are the benefits of bakuchiol? This plant-derived ingredient helps to soften the appearance of fine lines while improving the look of uneven skin tone and texture. Its gentle nature also makes it an appealing choice for those wanting to incorporate an effective anti-ageing ingredient into their everyday skincare routine.

While bakuchiol and retinol are very different ingredients, they are frequently compared because of these similar visible skincare benefits. For those looking for a plant-powered approach, bakuchiol offers a natural alternative for smoother, more refined and youthful-looking skin.

It helps soften the look of fine lines

Bakuchiol is often compared with retinol for its ability to deliver similar visible skincare benefits in a gentle, plant-derived form. It helps to soften the appearance of fine lines while supporting smoother, firmer-looking skin and a more refined texture. With regular use, skin looks fresh, radiant and beautifully smooth.

It helps protect against environmental stressors

Rich in antioxidants, bakuchiol helps protect skin from the visible effects of environmental stressors and free radicals, which can contribute to dullness and signs of premature ageing. Its gentle, skin-supporting properties also make it a popular choice for complexions prone to blemishes or sensitivity, helping skin appear calmer, clearer and more balanced.

It helps brighten uneven-looking skin

Bakuchiol benefits the appearance of dull or uneven-looking skin by helping to promote a brighter, more even-looking complexion. It can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and areas of uneven pigmentation, while refining skin tone and texture for a fresher, more luminous look.

For a smoother, brighter-looking complexion, layer your products from lightest to richest and let each step target a different part of the routine.

Brighten with Glow Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Start with Glow, a lightweight serum that combines brightening, hydration and antioxidant support. Kakadu plum provides natural vitamin C, while bakuchiol helps support smoother, more even-looking skin and plant hyaluronic acid adds hydration.

Apply three to four drops after cleansing and before moisturiser.

Target pigmentation with Diem Vitamin C Pigment-Correcting Water Cream

Follow with Diem, a lightweight water cream with a strong focus on dark spots and uneven skin tone. High-tech Melanostatine 5 peptide helps target melanin production, while Kakadu plum supports brighter-looking skin.

Apply as your moisturiser after serum.

Soothe overnight with Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream

At night, finish with Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream. Its lightweight texture helps hydrate and support stressed skin, while probiotic technology helps support skin balance.

Apply as your final evening moisturising step.