Bakuchiol is one of the most interesting botanical ingredients in modern skincare.
Derived from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, Bakuchiol is a naturally occurring plant compound with antioxidant properties and a growing body of research behind its use in skincare.
Research has investigated topical Bakuchiol for visible signs of ageing, including fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, skin texture and radiance.
So what exactly is Bakuchiol, and what makes it so interesting?
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a naturally occurring compound found primarily in the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, also known as babchi.
It belongs to a class of compounds called meroterpene phenols and has attracted interest in skincare because of its antioxidant activity and its potential effects on several processes associated with visible skin ageing.
Unlike many botanical ingredients used primarily for their traditional associations, Bakuchiol has also been investigated in human clinical studies.
The research is still developing, but the findings so far are encouraging.
What does Bakuchiol do for skin?
Bakuchiol is particularly interesting because it offers more than a single benefit.
Research has investigated topical Bakuchiol for several visible characteristics of ageing skin, including fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, texture and radiance.
Helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Visible signs of ageing are one of the areas where Bakuchiol has attracted the most attention.
In a 12-week randomised, double-blind clinical study, topical 0.5% Bakuchiol significantly improved wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation.
More recent research has added to the evidence. An 84-day placebo-controlled study found significant improvements in wrinkle severity, including crow's feet and under-eye wrinkles, compared with the vehicle formulation.
The practical takeaway is simple: Bakuchiol is an interesting ingredient for supporting smoother, more youthful-looking skin.
Helps improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation
Bakuchiol has also been investigated for its effect on pigmentation.
Clinical research has found improvements in hyperpigmentation following regular topical use. The recent 84-day study also reported significant improvements in hyperpigmentation compared with the placebo group.
This makes Bakuchiol particularly interesting if your concerns include both visible signs of ageing and uneven skin tone.
Supports smoother, more even-looking skin
Skin texture and radiance can have a significant effect on how healthy and youthful skin looks.
The clinical research into Bakuchiol has included measures such as wrinkle severity, pigmentation, pore appearance and radiance, with improvements reported following regular use.
The result we're interested in is skin that looks smoother, more even and more refined.
Provides antioxidant care
Bakuchiol also has antioxidant properties.
Oxidative stress is one of the factors involved in visible skin ageing, which makes antioxidant ingredients an important part of a well-considered skincare routine.
Laboratory research has demonstrated antioxidant activity for Bakuchiol, contributing to the interest in its wider role in skincare.
We use Bakuchiol for what it is: a botanical antioxidant with promising evidence for improving the appearance of ageing skin.
Is Bakuchiol good for ageing skin?
Bakuchiol is particularly interesting for mature skin because the research covers several of the concerns that become more noticeable with age.
These include:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Uneven pigmentation
- Uneven texture
- Loss of radiance
- Loss of firmness
A 2024 systematic review identified human clinical research investigating Bakuchiol for ageing, pigmentation and other skin concerns. The authors concluded that the results were promising, while also noting that the studies vary considerably in their design and quality.
That is a useful distinction. The evidence is promising, but it is not yet as extensive as the evidence base for some long-established skincare actives.
For us, that's not a reason to overlook Bakuchiol. It's a reason to use it for what the evidence actually supports.
Bakuchiol and retinol
Bakuchiol and retinol are different ingredients, with different chemical structures and their own evidence bases.
There is some interesting research comparing their effects on visible signs of ageing. In one 12-week clinical study, 0.5% Bakuchiol and 0.5% retinol both significantly improved wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Participants using retinol reported more scaling and stinging.
But we don't think Bakuchiol needs to be defined by retinol.
It is not a retinol replacement. It is a different ingredient with its own properties and evidence base.
We use Bakuchiol because of what Bakuchiol itself brings to a formula: antioxidant care and promising evidence around the appearance of ageing skin.
Is Bakuchiol an antioxidant?
Yes.
Antioxidant activity is one of the properties of Bakuchiol demonstrated in laboratory research.
This is one of the reasons we find it so interesting for everyday skincare.
Rather than targeting just one visible concern, Bakuchiol can form part of a broader routine focused on maintaining smoother, more even-looking and healthy-looking skin.
Can you use Bakuchiol every day?
Bakuchiol is designed to be used consistently as part of a regular skincare routine.
Our Bakuchiol Antioxidant Serum contains 2% Bakuchiol in a lightweight Kalahari melon seed oil base.
A few drops are all you need. Apply after cleansing and any water-based serums, then follow with moisturiser.
Because the serum is oil-based, it can also be mixed directly into your moisturiser if you prefer a simpler routine.
If you're using it in the morning, finish with broad-spectrum sunscreen.
Can you use Bakuchiol with Vitamin C?
Bakuchiol and Vitamin C can be used together as part of the same skincare routine.
Both have antioxidant properties and both have been investigated for their potential to improve the appearance of visible signs of ageing and uneven pigmentation.
Our Vitamin C + Bakuchiol Serum combines THDA, an oil-soluble form of Vitamin C, with Bakuchiol in a lightweight, water-free formula.
Together, they provide a straightforward antioxidant-focused approach to brighter, smoother and more even-looking skin.
Is Bakuchiol suitable for sensitive skin?
Bakuchiol is often appealing to people who prefer active skincare without a highly complicated routine.
In the clinical comparison of Bakuchiol and retinol, the retinol group reported more scaling and stinging. However, this does not mean Bakuchiol is incapable of causing irritation, and individual skin can respond differently.
If your skin is particularly sensitive, introduce any new active gradually and pay attention to how your skin responds.
Why we use Bakuchiol at Krī
We look for ingredients that earn their place in a formula. Bakuchiol does exactly that.
It is a botanical antioxidant with promising research behind its use in skincare, particularly around the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and uneven skin texture.
Our Bakuchiol Antioxidant Serum contains 2% Bakuchiol alongside lightweight Kalahari melon seed oil. Just two ingredients.
The result is a concentrated, fast-absorbing serum designed to leave skin feeling soft and smooth while supporting a more even-looking, youthful complexion. And that's exactly why we use it.
