RETINOL VS. BAKUCHIOL: Which is the right one for you? - Bees & Trees

There is no question that retinol is a well-studied ingredient with many benefits for the skin, but it is also associated with skin irritation and peeling. Therefore, finding a gentler natural alternative is good news for all skin care enthusiasts.

What's bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is a compound found in the leaves and seeds of the plant Psoralea corylifolia. It is widely used in Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practice due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, it is also widely used in skin care products because it has shown anti-aging effects similar to retinol.

Is bakuchiol really that effective?

In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that this ingredient has the ability to repair the skin and revitalize it. A 2018 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology shows that retinol and bakuchiol reduced wrinkles and hyperpigmentation to the same extent in the participants, but those who used bakuchiol had no skin peeling and burning.

Why is Bakuchiol considered 'natural retinol'?

This ingredient is considered a natural alternative to retinol because, despite following different paths of action on the skin, the results are the same: it reduces wrinkles and fine lines, brown spots, increases skin elasticity.

Should I use retinol or bakuchiol for my skin?

The benefits of retinol are widely known by now, but they come with numerous side effects. Many users report skin irritation and burning, and above all, it is phototoxic and cannot be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

With bakuchiol, you can get all the ‘good’ benefits of retinol without the bad side effects, as it is also soothing on the skin and it’s recommended for sensitive skin. Some online sources indicate that bakuchiol may be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but as always, consult your doctor first. It can be used up to twice a day, even in the morning because it is not degraded by sunlight and does not make the skin photosensitive.

Where do I find products with Bakuchiol?

At Bees & Trees, you can find Bakuchiol in the Regenerating Serum, which is formulated with 1% Bakuchiol and rich in many antioxidant plant extracts. It nourishes, moisturizes and revitalises the skin with 2-3 drops, without leaving an oily feeling.

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