What Is Another Name for Bakuchiol? Exploring the Natural Retinol Alternative

Bakuchiol is primarily derived from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, which has been a staple in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. It is also widely known as babchi, a name that comes from the plant's Sanskrit name, bakuchi. The ingredient has gained immense popularity in modern skincare as a gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol.

Quick Summary

Bakuchiol, also known as babchi, is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It provides similar benefits to retinol but with a much lower risk of irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Key Points

• Bakuchiol's Common Names: Bakuchiol is also known as babchi and Babchi seed extract, derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant.

• Gentle Retinol Alternative: It offers anti-aging benefits similar to retinol—promoting cell turnover and boosting collagen—but without the associated irritation, redness, or dryness.

• Non-Photosensitizing: Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is photostable, allowing for safe use during the day, though sunscreen is always recommended.

• Suitable for Sensitive Skin: Due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, bakuchiol is well-tolerated by sensitive skin types and can be a good option for those with rosacea or eczema.

• Multi-functional Benefits: In addition to fighting signs of aging, bakuchiol has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can help with hyperpigmentation and acne-prone skin.

• Safe for Use During Pregnancy (with doctor's advice): While more research is ongoing, bakuchiol is considered a safer alternative to retinol for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, but medical consultation is advised.

Origins: From Babchi Plant to Skincare shelves

Another common name for bakuchiol is babchi, referencing the Psoralea corylifolia plant from which it is extracted. The name 'bakuchi' in Sanskrit, which means 'skin disease destroyer', highlights the plant's long-standing use in traditional Eastern medicine to treat various dermatological issues. While the babchi seeds and leaves were used for medicinal purposes for centuries, bakuchiol was first isolated from the plant in 1966. However, it wasn't until the 21st century that it gained widespread recognition in the cosmetic industry as a gentle, effective substitute for retinoids.

How Bakuchiol Mimics Retinol's Effects

Despite having no chemical resemblance to retinoids, bakuchiol functions as a functional analog, activating key pathways in skin cells that regulate collagen production and promote cellular turnover. Instead of binding to the same retinoic acid receptors as retinol, bakuchiol influences gene expression to produce similar anti-aging effects. This distinct mechanism of action is why bakuchiol can deliver comparable results to retinol, such as reduced fine lines and wrinkles, without causing the typical side effects like dryness, redness, and irritation.

Key Benefits of Bakuchiol for Skincare

Bakuchiol offers a wide array of benefits, making it a versatile ingredient suitable for many skin types, including those that are sensitive or prone to acne. The key benefits include:

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: By boosting collagen production, bakuchiol helps to improve skin firmness and elasticity, resulting in a more youthful and plump appearance.
• Improves skin tone and texture: It has been shown to minimize hyperpigmentation and fade dark spots, leading to a more even-toned and radiant complexion.
• Acts as a potent antioxidant: Bakuchiol provides robust antioxidant protection, helping to combat the free radical damage caused by environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.
• Possesses anti-inflammatory properties: Its soothing and calming effects make it ideal for individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea and eczema, as it reduces inflammation and redness.
• Fights acne-causing bacteria: With its antibacterial properties, bakuchiol helps to regulate sebum production and target acne-causing microorganisms, making it a suitable treatment for acne-prone skin.
• Is non-photosensitizing: Unlike retinoids, bakuchiol is photostable, meaning it does not break down in sunlight and does not increase the skin's sensitivity to UV rays. This allows for both daytime and nighttime use.

Bakuchiol vs. Retinol: A Comparison

Choosing between bakuchiol and retinol often comes down to individual skin tolerance and preference. Here is a side-by-side comparison to help illustrate the key differences.

Feature	Bakuchiol	Retinol
Origin	Plant-derived (from the babchi plant)	Vitamin A derivative (synthetic or animal-derived)
Mechanism	Activates gene expression pathways similar to retinoids, but without binding to the same receptors.	Binds to retinoic acid receptors, directly influencing gene expression and cell turnover.
Irritation Potential	Low. Generally well-tolerated with minimal redness, dryness, or peeling.	High. Commonly causes irritation, dryness, and flaking, especially when first introduced.
Sun Sensitivity	None. Photostable, can be used day and night (still requires SPF).	Increases skin's photosensitivity, making it best for nighttime use.
Speed of Results	Gradual improvements over time, typically visible after 4-8 weeks.	Can provide quicker, more noticeable results, but often with a purging period.
Pregnancy/Breastfeeding	Considered safer, but always consult a healthcare provider.	Not recommended due to potential risks.
Compatability	Highly compatible with most other skincare ingredients, including vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.	Can be inactivated or poorly combined with certain ingredients like strong acids.

Integrating Bakuchiol into Your Skincare Routine

Incorporating bakuchiol into your daily regimen is simple due to its gentle and stable nature. It can be used twice daily, morning and night, after cleansing and before moisturizing. This allows for a more flexible routine compared to retinol, which is usually reserved for nighttime use. For those with sensitive skin, it can serve as a primary anti-aging active, while others may choose to alternate it with retinol to minimize irritation or even use them together for compounded benefits. Bakuchiol is available in various product forms, including serums, oils, and moisturizers. While typically gentle, it is always recommended to perform a patch test with any new product to ensure no adverse reaction occurs.

Conclusion

Bakuchiol, also known as babchi, is a powerful plant-derived compound that has cemented its place in modern pharmacology and skincare as a superior alternative to retinol for many users. Its unique ability to deliver anti-aging benefits, such as reducing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, without the associated irritation and photosensitivity, makes it an ideal option for sensitive skin types, pregnant women, and those seeking natural or vegan products. While decades of research back retinol's efficacy, bakuchiol's growing body of clinical evidence and favorable side-effect profile continue to drive its market growth and popularity. For a gentle yet effective approach to combating the signs of aging and improving overall skin health, babchi's modern namesake is an ingredient worth considering.

References

• Typology, "Bakuchiol: All you need to know about this active ingredient", us.typology.com, 2023.

• ISDIN, "What Is Bakuchiol and How Does It Stack Up To Retinol?", isdin.com, 2025.

• Medik8, "Bakuchiol vs Retinol and Retinoids — Which Is Better for You?", medik8.com, 2025.

• Root Science, "Bakuchiol vs Retinol: Which is better? Expert Insight", shoprootscience.com, n.d.

• Westlake Dermatology, "Skin Care Ingredient Focus: Bakuchiol", westlakedermatology.com, 2025.

• Mistia Shop, "Bakuchiol: Gentle Retinol Alternative & K-Beauty Guide", mistia.shop, 2025.

• Medik8-US, "A Guide to Bakuchiol: The Natural Retinol Alternative", us.medik8.com, 2024.

• Polaris Market Research, "Bakuchiol Market Trends, Growth and Report Overview 2034", polarismarketresearch.com, n.d.

• Additional reading on bakuchiol's clinical evidence can be found in the Journal of Integrative Dermatology: https://jintegrativederm.org/doi/10.64550/joid.9jag0x17.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plant does bakuchiol come from?

Bakuchiol is extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, which is commonly known as the babchi plant.

Is bakuchiol the same as retinol?

No, bakuchiol and retinol are not the same. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative, while bakuchiol is a plant-based compound. They have different chemical structures but can produce similar results by acting on similar cellular pathways.

Is bakuchiol good for sensitive skin?

Yes, bakuchiol is generally considered a better option for sensitive skin than retinol. It provides anti-aging benefits with a much lower risk of causing irritation, redness, or peeling.

Can you use bakuchiol during the day?

Yes, bakuchiol is photostable and does not increase skin's sun sensitivity, allowing for both day and night use. You should still apply sunscreen as part of your daily routine.

How long does it take to see results from bakuchiol?

For most people, it takes around 4 to 8 weeks of consistent, twice-daily use to see noticeable improvements in skin tone, texture, and fine lines. Results often continue to improve over time with continued use.

Can pregnant women use bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is generally considered a safe alternative to retinoids for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it is essential to consult with a doctor or midwife before incorporating it into your routine.

Can bakuchiol be used for acne?

Yes, bakuchiol can be beneficial for acne-prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It helps regulate sebum production and can reduce the appearance of lesions and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.