What bakuchiol does

Bakuchiol comes from the seeds of the babchi plant, which has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Over the last decade it has become one of the most studied plant ingredients in skincare, because it does something few plant extracts can: it visibly smooths and evens the skin, in a way that is close to retinol.

What it does to the skin

Studies comparing bakuchiol and retinol over twelve weeks found similar results on fine lines, uneven tone and roughness. It works by encouraging the skin to renew itself a little faster and to make more collagen, which is what keeps it firm.

The difference is in how it feels. Bakuchiol is not a form of vitamin A, and it does not cause the dryness, peeling and stinging many people get in their first weeks of retinol.

Why we did not use retinol

We tested both while developing the overnight renewal cream. Retinol gave faster results for some testers, but almost half of them stopped using it in the first month because of irritation. A product you stop using does nothing at all.

Bakuchiol also has two practical advantages:

• It is stable in daylight, so you can use it in the morning too.
• It is generally considered safe in pregnancy, when retinoids are not recommended. Always check with your doctor first.

How to use it

Apply the cream in the evening after your serum, every night. Most people see smoother skin after four weeks and a more even tone after eight to twelve. There is no need to build up slowly, but if your skin is very reactive, start every other night for the first week.

As with anything that renews the skin, wear sunscreen during the day.