Is Bakuchiol really a replacement for Retinol?

If you’re into skincare, you know all about retinol. It’s the anti aging heavy weight often found in your no-nonsense skincare regimen. Retinol has earned quite a reputation for its unparalleled effectiveness. It's also notorious for causing dryness and irritation. If you have sensitive skin, listen up. We have newssss for you. There's a new anti aging skincare player in the game. It's vegan, it's gentle and it's the superstar healthy skincare ingredient that can give retinol a run for its money.

What's the deal with Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient that comes from the babchi tree. While it’s becoming more well known for its buzz worthy benefits, Bakuchiol has long been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. This healthy skincare ingredient comes with an impressive lineup of antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-aging properties.

What are the benefits?

Helps minimize the appearance fine lines and wrinkles.
Antibacterial properties that help with acne.
Helps to refine skin texture and restore firmness.
Evens skin tone by helping to diminish dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
Stimulates collagen production.
Helps repair damage and calm skin.
Safe for all skin types.

I know what retinol is but just remind me.

Retinols are vitamin A derivatives commonly found in over-the-counter face creams. They are primarily used to treat anti aging and acne concerns. Retinoids are much more potent and require a prescription.

What's the problem, why is it so risky?

Retinyl palmitate is ranked a 6-9 on EWG, that’s in the red zone high. It’s something pregnant women are told to stay away from. Retinol absorption through the skin has been linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity including birth defects, infertility, and cancers. Okay, scary. That’s enough, we'll stop there.

Retinol (aka vitamin A) has a long list of potential side effects and should be administered with a hefty warning label. Redness, irritation, flakiness, dryness and even breakouts can occur from trying a retinol product. This doesn’t just happen to sensitive skin types either. If you use too much or use it too frequently, irritation can occur. Using it in the morning = huge no no. Sun exposure after applying this type of vitamin A can cause blisters and skin lesions. As you can see, the results of retinol (good and bad) are v-serious.

Tell me more about the difference.

In a nutshell, Bakuchiol is the nice version of retinol. Bakuchiol is natural whereas retinol is synthetic. Bakuchiol products can be used AM and PM while retinol should only be used at night. Bakuchiol is safe for pregnant women to use. It also doesn't dry out your skin like with Retinol products. Basically, there are no risks involved with using Bakuchiol skincare products.

Is Bakuchiol really as good as retinol?

It may be viewed that Bakuchiol is just another trendy option for someone who wants natural beauty products. However, Bakuchiol and vitamin A derivatives have shown to have a similar gene expression. That says a lot considering Retinol is basically the most well-studied ingredient on the market when it comes to minimizing the appearance of wrinkles. Bakuchiol has been shown to increase collagen and cell turnover to the same degree as a retinol. That’s a BFD.

Ready to meet the new star of natural skincare products?

In short, Bakuchiol is able to deliver all the anti aging benefits without overloading the skin. The risks involved with vitamin A means the use of retinol products should be limited. The great thing about Bakuchiol is that you can use it anytime, as many times and as much as you want! We recommend applying twice daily. Slather on the healthy skincare benefits morning and night. Apply to your neck and chest. Always apply SPF before going outside (duh) but you don't need to take extra precautions beyond your general sun protection. That means more smooth skin. Moisturized morning and night.

How do I work Bakuchiol skincare into my routine?

Bakuchiol is definitely having a moment. As more studies are coming out confirming its effectiveness compared to retinol, we’re pretty confident it’ll be here to stay. That’s why we used the optimal levels of Bakuchiol in our natural skincare products. We did not skimp on this healthy skincare ingredient so you get the best non toxic beauty products with skin firming benefits. Get excited for your skincare routine, anti aging beauty products just got a whole lot more fun.

Click here to learn about Island Ambrosia Bakuchiol moisturizer.

Click here to learn about Tropical Melt Bakuchiol cleansing balm.