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BAKUCHIOL: What it is + The Skin Benefits We LOVE

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Bakuchiol is known to make skin look younger because it acts like retinol but without the irritation. Can Bakuchiol really make skin look young?

Read this Bakuchiol Guide: What it Is + The Skin Benefits We Love

About Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol comes from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant. It is also called babchi. It is a plant-based phenol that decreases wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Studies show that gentle, natural bakuchiol holds its’ own against Retinol. Structurally, babchi is nothing like retinol. While it can technically cause redness and irritation, it is rare.

Unlike retinol, you can use it during the day. It is still important to use sunscreen.


Why Use Bakuchiol Not Retinol

Retinol is the gold standard of skincare ingredients. It quells acne, age spots, and wrinkles. It leaves skin dewy, refined, refreshed, and younger. But before the dewy, youthy, fabulous skin phase, there’s the dreaded irritated skin phase. And for those of us with sensitive skin that phase of retinol use is torture. In fact, many stop using retinol altogether because they cannot tolerate that phase of intense skin irritation. There are some ways how to buffer retinol for sensitive skin:

  1. Applying a moisturizer first, wait 10 minutes then apply retinol.
  2. Use Retinol only for a few hours then washing it off is another option.
  3. A third option is using retinol only one or two nights a week.
  4. Some prescription retinols, such as Atralin, contain built-in buffers that allow many sensitive skin types to finally experience retinol.
  5. Some over the counter retinol products contain buffers to soothe irritation.

But some people prefer a natural alternative with less fuss.

Bakuchiol Skin Benefits We Love

  • Bakuchiol is a natural retinol alternative. It is non-irritating.
  • It improves photoaging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation equally as well as retinol, but is better tolerated. [1]
  • Stimulates collagen within the skin, as well as significant improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness without the retinol-associated side effects. [2]
  • Inhibits melanin production on age spots and acne scars [3].
  • Treats acne without skin peeling or redness.[4]
  • NEW Moms: Ask you doctor about Bakuchiol use. It may be okay during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding (retinol is NOT considered safe for either – so plan accordingly).
bakuchiol is an alternative to prescription retinol Prescription Retinols such as Atralin have built-in buffering ingredients that may help some sensitive skin types tolerate retinol use. Others prefer natural ingredient alternatives. [/caption]

Bakuchiol Research Studies

“Our study demonstrates that bakuchiol is comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photoaging and is better tolerated than retinol.” [5]

One randomized, double-blind, clinical study compared retinol and bakuchiol. There was no statistical difference between how each decreased wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. But the retinol users reported facial skin scaling and stinging. [6] A second study confirmed the Retinol-like functionality of bakuchiol. It also documented the stimulation of collagen within the skin. Bakuchiol was used twice a day for 12 weeks. The result was a significant improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness without the retinol-associated side effects. [7]

FeatureRetinolBakuchiol
Anti-aging effectivenessProven to stimulate collagen, smooth wrinkles and improve texture Comparable benefits (wrinkle reduction, elasticity, pigmentation) in clinical trials
Skin toleranceCan cause redness, dryness, peeling, irritation, and sun sensitivityGentler alternative; typically low irritation, suitable for sensitive skin
PhotosensitivityIncreases sun sensitivity must be used at night with SPFStable under sunlight, safe for morning use, no added photosensitivity
Suitability during pregnancyNot recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding (Vitamin A derivative)Considered safe during pregnancy (no retinoid structure) though discuss with your doctor
Speed & potencyFast-acting and potent; noticeable results in weeks but harsher Generally milder and slower; may take longer for visible results
Research & track recordExtensively studied for decades well-established effects and risksPromising clinical results and growing evidence, but shorter history in skincare
Daytime use & integrationRestricted to nighttime; incompatible with many other activesCan be layered with other ingredients, including daytime routines; adaptable integration
Pros and Cons Benefit Chart

Recommended Clean Beauty Skincare with Bakuchiol Benefits

We previously featured two Bakuchiol clean beauty skincare products:

Both give Retinol results without retinol irritation.

24K Carrot Glow also contains Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a clean ingredient that helps skin with premature aging and photo damage (sun damage).

Tropical Melt contains probiotics to clear acne prone skin. Both are great clean beauty skincare options depending on your specific primary skin condition.

About Tropical Melt with Bakuchiol

Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt is an excellent multi-tasker to address wrinkles, acne, discoloration, and acne. Apply this multi-tasking balm to damp skin and use it as a cleanser, makeup remover, mask, or leave-on treatment. We love the retinol results AND how skin still feels so supple, hydrated, and smooth!

Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt
Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt
Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt

More from Caley Cosmetics

Here are some of the other Caley Cosmetics skincare and makeup we love:

Caley Cosmetics Beach Babe Natural Eyes Eyeliner
Why Caley Cosmetics Beach Babe NATURAL EYES Eyeliner is Special


Find Clean Beauty Skincare options featuring Bakuchiol like Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt

References

  1. Dhaliwal, S.; Rybak, I.; Ellis, S.R.; Notay, M.; Trivedi, M.; Burney, W.; Vaughn, A.R.; Nguyen, M.; Reiter, P. (February 2019). “Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing”
  2. British Journal of Dermatology. 180 (2): 289=296. doi:10.1111/bjd.16918. ISSN 0007-0963. PMID 29947134.
  3. Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Jun;36(3):221-30. doi: 10.1111/ics.12117. Epub 2014 Mar 6. PMID: 24471735.
  4. Ohno O, Watabe T, Nakamura K, Kawagoshi M, Uotsu N, Chiba T, Yamada M, Yamaguchi K, Yamada K, Miyamoto K, Uemura D. Inhibitory effects of bakuchiol, bavachin, and isobavachalcone isolated from Piper longum on melanin production in B16 mouse melanoma cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(7):1504-6. doi: 10.1271/bbb.100221. Epub 2010 Jul 7. PMID: 20622433.
  5. Dhaliwal, S.; Prospective, British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
  6. Ibid
  7. Chaudhuri, Bakuchiol, Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014

ABOUT THIS POST

These Caley Cosmetics and Morganna’s Alchemy products were both originally submitted to Style Chicks for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own. See details in the original product reviews. All Ingredient Guide research is our own. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for this Ingredient Guide, please contact us. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Find Clean Beauty Skincare options featuring Bakuchiol like Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt[/caption]

About Bakuchiol Featuring Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt

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We previously featured Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt, a skin-loving combo of Probiotics and Bakuchiol. Today we look closely at how the Bakuchiol in Tropical Melt gives Retinol results without retinol irritation.

About Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is derived from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant.

Bakuchiol is a natural retinol alternative. It is plant-based, non-irritating, and clinically proven statistically as effective as retinol. Bakuchiol improves photoaging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation equally as well as retinol, but Bakuchiol is better tolerated. [1]

It stimulates collagen within the skin, as well as significant improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness without the retinol-associated side effects. [2]

Bakuchiol inhibits melanin production on age spots and acne scars [3]. Bakuchiol helps with acne.[4]

Bakuchiol is a plant-based phenol that decreases wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Studies show that gentle, natural bakuchiol holds its’ own against Retinol.

Retinol looks emollient but dries the skin, whereas bakuchiol hydrates

Retinol looks emollient but dries the skin, whereas bakuchiol hydrates

Bakuchiol Research

“Our study demonstrates that bakuchiol is comparable with retinol in its ability to improve photoaging and is better tolerated than retinol.” [5]

One randomized, double-blind, clinical study compared retinol and bakuchiol. There was no statistical difference between how each decreased wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. But the retinol users reported facial skin scaling and stinging. [6]

A second study confirmed the Retinol-like functionality of bakuchiol. It also documented the stimulation of collagen within the skin. Bakuchiol was used twice a day for 12 weeks. The result was a significant improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness without the retinol-associated side effects. [7]

About Tropical Melt

Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt is an excellent multi-tasker to address wrinkles, acne, discoloration, and acne.

Apply this multi-tasking balm to damp skin and use it as a cleanser, makeup remover, mask, or leave-on treatment. We love the retinol results AND how skin still feels so supple, hydrated, and smooth!

Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt

Caley Cosmetics Tropical Melt

More from Caley Cosmetics

Here are some of the other Caley Cosmetics skincare and makeup we love:

Caley Cosmetics Beach Babe Natural Eyes Eyeliner

References

  1. Dhaliwal, S.; Rybak, I.; Ellis, S.R.; Notay, M.; Trivedi, M.; Burney, W.; Vaughn, A.R.; Nguyen, M.; Reiter, P. (February 2019). “Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing”
  2. British Journal of Dermatology. 180 (2): 289=296. doi:10.1111/bjd.16918. ISSN 0007-0963. PMID 29947134.
  3. Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Jun;36(3):221-30. doi: 10.1111/ics.12117. Epub 2014 Mar 6. PMID: 24471735.
  4. Ohno O, Watabe T, Nakamura K, Kawagoshi M, Uotsu N, Chiba T, Yamada M, Yamaguchi K, Yamada K, Miyamoto K, Uemura D. Inhibitory effects of bakuchiol, bavachin, and isobavachalcone isolated from Piper longum on melanin production in B16 mouse melanoma cells. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2010;74(7):1504-6. doi: 10.1271/bbb.100221. Epub 2010 Jul 7. PMID: 20622433.
  5. Dhaliwal, S.; Prospective, British Journal of Dermatology, 2019
  6. Ibid
  7. Chaudhuri, Bakuchiol, Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014

ABOUT THIS POST

This product was submitted to Style Chicks for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own.

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Why We Love Rustic Maka Ready to Glow

·

Rustic Maka Ready to Glow is an exceptionally dry oil that leaves face and body skin luminous and supple while it promotes collagen production with a cocktail of powerful natural ingredients. 

Ready to Glow

Rustic Maka Ready to Glow

Why Rustic Maka Ready to Glow is Special

Rustic Maka Ready to Glow:

  • Promotes collagen production on face and body skin
  • Is Ideal for Lymphatic Face Massage
  • Contains Organic Ingredients free of Phthalates & Synthetics
  • It is a waterless product, so the treating ingredients are pure and not diluted.  Formulations not diluted with water have the ability to be far more effective.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients in this formulation:

Key Ingredients

Kakadu plums are the highest natural source of vitamin C

Kakadu plums supports collagen synthesis in face and body skin

Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract

Kakadu plums are the highest natural source of vitamin C to support collagen synthesis and provide antioxidant support. It reduces acne, fades scars, and reduces fine lines.

Kakadu plums are also high in gallic acid and ellagic acid to fight free radicals, hydrate the skin and prevent the skin from damage.

Spirulina Platensis Extract

Rustic Maka Ready to Glow contains Spirulina to nourish skin

Spirulina provides nutrients to the skin

Spirulina is a plant-based protein full of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. Spirulina contains anti-aging tyrosine, vitamin E or tocopherol, and selenium.

Spirulina applied topically removes darkness around the eyes and works as a natural toner. It can also be applied topically to the skin within a product or in a facial mask for skin nourishment and softness.

Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil

Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil

Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil

Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil smooths rough skin patches and repairs the skin barrier.

Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil

Meadowfoam Seed Oil is a very stable oil that lubricates skin without leaving a residue.

Prunus Armeniac (Apricot) Kernel Oil

An emollient that softens and smooths. Apricot Kernel oil is a light oil.

Apricot Kernel oil contains antioxidant vitamin E and nourishing fatty acids (mostly oleic acid 54-74%, linoleic acid 12-35%. It has nourishing and moisturizing properties. It is quite easily absorbed into the skin.

Oenothera Biennis (Primrose) Oil

Evening Primrose Oil restores a glow to the skin. It is excellent as a topical ingredient to provide moisture without clogging the skin. It is helpful for eczema and acne. It supports elastin, moisture, and skin firmness. [1]

Full of Omega-6 fatty acids, Evening Primrose Oil keeps skin healthy.

Prunus Domestica (Plum) Seed Oil

A hydrating anti-inflammatory, rich in omegas and Vitamin E. It heals skin, while the Vitamin A refines the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while improving elasticity.

Calendula promotes skin regeneration

Calendula promotes skin regeneration

Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flowers

Calendula Extract comes from the Calendula flower, better known as marigold.

Calendula promotes the regeneration of new tissue and soothes damaged skin.

Studies have shown that calendula can increase collagen production and stimulates epithelial cell growth to promote cell turnover [2].

Tocopherol

Better known as Vitamin E.

Chamomile

Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile) Flowers

Chamomile is an antioxidant with potent skin-soothing action. [3] It contains Terpenoids, bisabolol and chamazulene.

Chamomile Extract is excellent in a formulation with powerful actives because it contains flavones. These flavones inhibit the production of inflammation, even in deeper skin layers. [4]

Meanwhile, The apigenin in Chamomile protects the skin barrier. [5] This gentle and hypoallergenic extract soothes skin, heals burns, and is great for helping skin recover and benefit from chemical peels. Chamomile Extract also kills acne-causing bacteria while soothing the skin. [6]

Plantago Major (Plantain) Leaf

A starchy cousin of the tropical banana. They are sometimes called cooking bananas.

In addition to the comfrey-plantain collagen-producing and healing action described above, Plantains contain magnesium for muscle cramp relief.

Lavender

Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flowers

Lavender Oil softens and conditions skin.

Lavender’s anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties keep skin healthy. It has soothing properties to calm any inflammation, dry skin or flaking.

The linalyl acetate in lavender enhances cell growth in the skin.

Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) Leaf

Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract is lemon balm leaf.

It contains caffeine & ferulic acid. It counteracts sun damage when applied topically within a skin formulation.

Sage

Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf

Sage is an herb with medicinal and beauty value. It reduces blemishes and swelling.

Sage also moisturizes and conditions the skin, soothing dryness and irritation.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil

Sunflower Seed Oil is hydrating, nourishing, and an excellent supporting oil base. It retains moisture in the skin and is also rich in vitamin E.

Sunflower Oil softens skin irritated by drying topicals. It works well with Retinol because it hydrates and calms red, irritated skin.

Linoleic acid Gives sunflower seed oil anti-inflammatory properties. It is a natural treatment for atopic dermatitis. [7]

Bamboo Sprout

Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo) Extract

Bamboo Stem Extract has flavones, a source of natural antioxidants. Since the skin on both face and body is a major target of oxidative stress, the antioxidant protection provided by bamboo extract is excellent within this formulation. [8]

Bamboo extract contains glycosides, phenolic acids, and amino acids. These hold skin nourishing and soothing properties.

Bamboo extract is also hydrating.

Get your glow on with Ready to Glow

Ready to Glow gives a soft, supple look and feel to skin

Ready to Glow gives a soft, supple look and feel to skin

The Rustic Maka Ready to Glow Experience

One pump is enough for face and throat. Nicely emollient on chapped lips.

There is a very light, pleasant scent of fresh plums, perhaps a hint of apricot.

It absorbs and leaves a finish more like a cream than an oil, I am not greasy at all.

Sunscreen and makeup can be applied immediately without piling or running. Mixing a few drops of Ready to Glow with my foundation gives a soft, luminous look.

While intended for face AND body, there is such good ingredients, we use it primarily on face, throat and décolletage. It also works well on hands and dry cuticles. It absorbs exceptionally well.

It is drier than hemi-squalene oil, so if you chose to use it on body and legs, you would not have to wait to dry down before getting dressed.

My skin looks supple after use, not “wet”.

TIP: Try it with your Gua Sha tools, it gives the perfect slip!

Where to Find Rustic Maka Ready to Glow

Find Ready to Glow at Rustic Maka

References

  1. Muggli, R. (2005), Systemic evening primrose oil improves the biophysical skin parameters of healthy adults. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 27: 243-249. doi:10.1111/j.1467-2494.2005.00274.x)
  2. Naveed, Akhtar & Zaman, Shahiq uz & Khan, Barkat & Khan, Haji M. shoaib & Ahmad, Mahmood & Rasool, Fatima & Mahmood, Tariq & Rasul, Akhtar. (2011). Evaluation of various functional skin parameters using a topical cream of Calendula officinalis extract. African journal of pharmacy and pharmacology. 5. 199-206
  3. Merfort I, Heilmann J, Hagedorn-Leweke U, Lippold BC. In vivo skin penetration studies of camomile flavones. Pharmazie. 1994;49(7):509-511.
  4. Hou M, Sun R, Hupe M, et al. Topical apigenin improves epidermal permeability barrier homoeostasis in normal murine skin by divergent mechanisms. Exp Dermatol. 2013;22(3):210-215. doi:10.1111/exd.12102
  5. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, January 2009, pages 404
  6. Lopez Perez G, Torres Altamirano M. Indications for sunflower oil concentrate in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Rev Alerg Mex. 2006;53(6):217-25
  7. Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Jun;36(3):221-30. doi: 10.1111/ics.12117. Epub 2014 Mar 6. PMID: 24471735.
ABOUT THIS POST

Rustic Maka Ready to Glow was submitted to Style Chicks for consideration purposes.

The Style Chicks team personally tests and thoroughly evaluates each product before it is featured.

Style Chicks independently researches product ingredients to understand how every featured product works.

All opinions and experiences are 100% our own.

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