Bakuchiol

What it is

A plant-derived compound extracted from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant. It has gained popularity as a natural, gentler alternative to retinol.

How it works

Despite having no structural similarity to retinoids, bakuchiol has been shown to function as a retinol analogue. It interacts with retinoid receptors and modulates gene expression similarly to retinol, leading to increased collagen synthesis, reduced collagen-degrading enzymes (MMPs), and improved cell turnover.

Formulation notes

Safety

Ratings