Plant meroterpene from Psoralea corylifolia seeds. Marketed as a "plant-based retinol alternative" – activates the same receptor pathways without retinoid irritation.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
A small RCT (2018) showed comparable efficacy to retinol for wrinkles and pigmentation with better tolerability. Evidence is limited by small sample size and predominantly industry-sponsored trials. Independent large RCTs are lacking.
0.5–2%
Bakuchiol is a natural compound from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia (bakuchi), traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Structurally a meroterpenoid unrelated to retinol, but it produces a comparable signal in skin cells via activation of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR). Where applied. Anti-aging serums and creams (0.5-2%), positioned as a "natural retinol alternative". Popular in Beauty Pie Plantastic Bakuchiol, Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow, Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturizer. Evidence base. A double-blind study by Dhaliwal et al. (Br J Dermatol, 2019) in 44 patients compared 0.5% bakuchiol with 0.5% retinol – both produced comparable wrinkle and pigmentation reductions over 12 weeks, but bakuchiol with less irritation, peeling, and photosensitization. Long-term data (>1 year) are limited. Safety. CIR has not yet assessed. Allergic reactions are rare. Some eczema patients may develop contact dermatitis. Non-comedogenic. Does not photosensitize – can be applied in the morning. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. Bakuchiol activates retinoic acid receptor – may theoretically cause retinoid effects in the fetus. Spanish derm-OBGYN consensus (SEGO 2023) recommends avoidance in pregnancy and lactation pending longer-term data. Alternatives – niacinamide, ascorbyl glucoside, peptide complexes. Advantages and limitations. Less irritation than retinol – suitable for sensitive skin and starting anti-aging therapy. Does not photosensitize. However, the effect is weaker than 0.3-1% retinol and tretinoin – in patients with marked photoaging, tretinoin remains the standard.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
UnknownThe Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Safety data for Bakuchiol during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
Bakuchiol suits: sensitive, dry, normal, combination.
Plant meroterpene from Psoralea corylifolia seeds.
The INCI name is Bakuchiol. It may also appear as: Бакучиол.
0.5–2%
Published: · updated:
Suitable for