Ever feel like there’s a new beauty ingredient you can’t stop seeing and hearing about? That all of the sudden it’s in every product and all over your Instagram feed? This is what our Beauty Buzzwords series is all about – to help you learn more about these mysterious ingredients and why everyone is raving about them.

Today we’re exploring a gentle and natural beauty ingredient with big time skin restoring abilities that more than keep up with its synthetic competitors. Read on to discover why Bakuchiol could be your new favourite wrinkle fighting superhero!

What is it?

Bakuchiol [Buh-Koo-Chee-Awl), is a plant-based extract derived from the seeds and leaves of the purple psoralea corylifolia flower. While its a relatively new beauty ingredient in North America, it has long been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. Often bakuchiol is touted as a natural and gentler alternative to retinol due to its similar benefits. Studies suggest that bakuchiol interacts with many of the same areas in skin as retinol, often taking the same pathways to increase cell turnover and stimulate the production of collagen.

What are the Benefits?

Bakuchiol offers many of the same benefits as retinol but without the potential side effects AND its often much gentler on skin. Some of the main benefits include reducing fine lines, improving elasticity, and smoothing skin. It can help with skin tone and pigmentation issues. Plus, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it even soothes irritated skin and can reduce the appearance of breakouts.

Who Should Use It?

It is safe for most skin types and is especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin that sometimes have trouble tolerating harsher ingredients but still want amazing results. Even so, it is always a good idea to do a small patch test before applying any new product to your entire face. It is also a great option for those looking for anti-aging benefits, due to its ability to increase collagen production.

How do You Use It?

Bakuchiol can be found in a variety of products, but my personal favourite methods would be serums and moisturizers, as they really can soak into skin and work their magic. I recommend starting by using it 2-3 times a week and if your skin is responding well, up your usage to nightly and within a month you should be able to use it twice daily if you wish. According to current studies, it does not appear to react with any other active skincare ingredients, however if you have concerns about a certain combination, don’t hesitate to ask a skincare professional or do your own research before using them simultaneously. Look for products that include other hydrating ingredients like, squalane for an extra boost of moisture!

My Favourite Products:

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum – This lightweight, jelly-like serum is the perfect alternative to retinol that soaks in quickly, delivers results and shows off the beautiful lavender colour of the flower it originates from.

Graydon Phyto Clear – Packed with nourishing ingredients, this moisturizer will give you all the benefits of retinol but the power of plants to reveal smoother and brighter-looking skin.

Great additional picks:

Antipodes Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum, get luminous, dewy skin with this light-weight serum.

Acure Rejuvenating Bakuchiol Overnight Treatment will replenish and rejuvenate your skin while you sleep.

Try Bakuchiol in your body cream, Fitglow Beauty Bakuchiol Body Cream, this ultra-hydrating body cream will brighten, restore, renew and replenish your skin.

Have you heard of Bakuchiol before? Let us know your experience in the comments!