Bakuchiol
Meroterpene phenol from Psoralea corylifolia seeds, marketed as a plant alternative to retinol. It is not a retinoid. In one small RCT, its effect on wrinkles did not differ from 0.5% retinol, and it caused less irritation
Evidence by route
Topical application
One small double-blind RCT found no statistical difference in wrinkles and pigmentation between 0.5% bakuchiol twice daily and 0.5% retinol once daily over 12 weeks. The bakuchiol group had less scaling and stinging. The trial had no vehicle arm and was not designed to prove equivalence. Most other studies are open-label or test combinations
- Dhaliwal S et al. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. Br J Dermatol. 2019;180(2):289-296. PMID 29947134
- Lyons AB et al. Trichloroacetic acid model to accurately capture the efficacy of treatments for postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Arch Dermatol Res. 2020;312(10):725-730. PMID 32253506
- Fanning JE et al. Human Clinical Trials Using Topical Bakuchiol Formulations for the Treatment of Skin Disorders: A Systematic Review. J Drugs Dermatol. 2024;23(4):239-243. PMID 38564402
- Chaudhuri RK et al. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014;36(3):221-30. PMID 24471735
- Na Takuathung M et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Genistein Plus Bakuchiol and Vitamins (GEN(+)) Product for Male Facial Skin: Effects on Skin Appearance and Properties. Skin Res Technol. 2026;32(1):e70310. PMID 41562471
- Malinauskiene L et al. Bakuchiol-A new allergen in cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis. 2019;80(6):398-399. PMID 30644106
- Raison-Peyron N et al. A new case of contact dermatitis to bakuchiol in a cosmetic cream. Contact Dermatitis. 2020;82(1):61-62. PMID 31423588
- Sánchez-Arjona M et al. Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Bakuchiol Used for Photodamage Prevention: A Case Report. Contact Dermatitis. 2026;95(2):229-230. PMID 42014129
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Working concentrations
- Only 0.5% applied twice daily has been tested in a controlled trial (Dhaliwal 2019). There are no dose-finding data
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Unknown
- Suitable for
- Sensitive, Dry, Normal, Combination
About this ingredient
Bakuchiol is a meroterpene phenol from the seeds and leaves of Psoralea corylifolia. Its structure is unrelated to retinoids. In a skin model and in fibroblasts, bakuchiol changed gene expression in a pattern close to retinol and raised collagen levels (Chaudhuri 2014). This is lab work by a raw-material supplier. The sources contain no data on binding to retinoid receptors. It is used in anti-aging creams and serums and marketed as a plant alternative to retinol. In a randomized double-blind trial, 44 people applied 0.5% bakuchiol twice daily or 0.5% retinol once daily for 12 weeks (Dhaliwal 2019). Wrinkle area and hyperpigmentation decreased in both groups with no statistical difference. Retinol users reported more scaling and stinging. The trial was small, had no vehicle arm and was not designed to show non-inferiority. The two products were also applied at different frequencies. In 20 people with skin types IV–VI, bakuchiol outperformed vehicle for TCA-induced hyperpigmentation but not for acne marks (Lyons 2020, non-randomized). A systematic review found 15 trials: 12 open-label without control, 10 with combination products (Fanning 2024). At least three cases of allergic contact dermatitis to bakuchiol in cosmetics have been reported (Malinauskiene 2019, Raison-Peyron 2020, Sánchez-Arjona 2026). There are no data on use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bakuchiol safe during pregnancy?
Safety data for Bakuchiol during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.
What skin types is Bakuchiol for?
Bakuchiol suits: sensitive, dry, normal, combination.
What is Bakuchiol and what does it do in cosmetics?
Meroterpene phenol from Psoralea corylifolia seeds, marketed as a plant alternative to retinol.
What's the INCI name for Bakuchiol?
The INCI name is Bakuchiol.
What concentration of Bakuchiol is effective?
Only 0.5% applied twice daily has been tested in a controlled trial (Dhaliwal 2019). There are no dose-finding data
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