Scared of Using Retinol? Get Aquatinted With Bakuchiol — a Natural Alternative

Updated on 7 April 2019 at 16:15

Unsplash | Christin Hume

While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

When it comes to the most talked about skincare ingredients of 2018, retinol took the top prize. Beauty fans are smitten with this form of vitamin A thanks to its ability to increase cell turnover and consequently reduce fine lines, combat acne, and tackle pigmentation. However, there's a new ingredient set to give retinol a run for its money in 2019: bakuchiol.

An ingredient derived from babchi leaves and seeds, it's been used by Chinese and Indian medical practitioners for decades. More recently, it's been discovered that this 100 percent natural ingredient may have antiageing properties for the skin, so much so that it's being dubbed a natural alternative to retinol or even "herbal botox". Research suggests that bakuchiol works much like retinol and increases cell turnover to improve both skin clarity and texture. However, unlike retinol, which can sometimes be irritating on this skin, bakuchiol is much more gentle. It's therefore a great option for those with sensitive skin, as well as pregnant women who should avoid retinol but don't want to compromise on results. Read on to see our favourite products that harness the potential power of bakuchiol.

Indeed Bakuchiol Reface Pads

These handy Indeed Bakuchiol Reface Pads (£20) are packed full of bakuchiol and plenty of other powerful actives, helping to clear the skin without irritation. They're ideal for stashing in your hand luggage or carrying on the go.

Indeed Bakuchiol Reface Pads

From

£20

Bybi Bakuchiol Booster

One percent bakuchiol oil and 99% squalane, this simple yet effective Bybi Bakuchiol Booster (£12) from clean beauty experts Bybi is a simple and affordable addition to any nighttime skincare routine.

Bybi Bakuchiol Booster

From

£12

Ren Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Cream

A powerful yet nonirritating moisturiser, Ren Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Cream (£45) uses bakuchiol alongside other ingredients, such as white beggar's tick flower extract, which can improve the skin's texture, and microalgae extract, which is said to help to lift the skin.

Ren Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Cream

From

£45

Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Creme

Ole Henriksen's Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Creme (£40, originally £46) is formulated with AHAs and bakuchiol to exfoliate and increase cell turnover while you sleep.

Ole Henriksen's Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Creme

From

£40

Rodial Retinol Booster Drops

Can't decide between retinol and bakuchiol? Get the best of both with these Rodial Retinol Booster Drops (£75). Simply massage two to three drops onto a cleansed face and neck underneath your normal skincare routine.

Rodial Retinol Booster Drops

From

£75

Allies Of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum

If you're looking for a high performance do-it-all serum, Allies Of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum (£88) is just the ticket. Containing three types of acid alongside a plethora of hydrating and renewing ingredients (including bakuchiol), it will tackle blemishes, pores, pigmentation, and uneven texture.

Allies Of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum

From

£88

Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil

Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil (£82) contains a cocktail of skin-loving ingredients including bakuchiol to stimulate the skin's repair and renewal processes. Expect plumper and glowier skin.

Omorovicza Miracle Facial Oil

From

£82

Bioderma Sebium Global Cream

Bakuchiol works well in acne products too. Bioderma Sebium Global Cream (£14) uses the ingredients for a powerful acne treatment.

Bioderma Sebium Global Cream

From

£14