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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]

Clinique Non-Aerosol Hairspray News: What to Know Now 2025

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Clinique Non-Aerosol Hairspray is an unscented wonder for those with fragrance sensitivies or work in a scent free office.

But due to lack of availability, some online sources say Clinique Non-Aerosol Hairspray has been discontinued. An exhaustive online search shows this scent-free favorite out of stock everywhere, even our regular trusty sources.

Is Clinique Non-Aerosol Hairspray discontinued?

Clinique Non-Aerosol Hairspray is NOT discontinued at this time.

If it is discontinued in the future, visit our Discontinued Clinique Products Guide with 16 places to buy discontinued Clinique.

Why is Clinique Hairspray out of stock?

According to Clinique, the hairspray is unavailable until summer 2025 due to production issues. Yikes.


Where to Buy Clinique Non-Aerosol Hairspray NOW

During the production issue outage, small independent stores may still have Clinique Hairspray in stock. But currently the best known online option is eBay.

However, it seems sellers know what they got. The few Clinique Hairsprays that are available are currently selling from between $135-195!

If we find it in stock anywhere else online, we will update this article.


About Clinique Non-Aerosol Hairspray

Wondering what all the fuss is about? Not only does this hairspray have no fragrance, it really smells of nothing.

Check out our original product review of this Clinique Hairspray: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT CLINIQUE NON-AEROSOL HAIRSPRAY

Clinique Non-Aerosol Hairspray has it been discontinued
The elusive Clinique hairspray

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Product Review: Philip Kingsley No Scent No Colour Shampoo and Conditioner

A gentle product ideal for distressed hair or those with sensitivities to added fragrance or color. this set impressively smells of nothing.

Product Review: CLINIQUE LINE SMOOTHING CONCEALER WHAT TO KNOW

Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer HAS been discontinued, but some can still be found online.

Other skincare Products for sensitive skin Types

More unscented hair care options great for those with sensitivities or work in mandatory fragrance-free environments.

How Aloe Vera Can Make Your Skin’s Collagen Better

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We all know Aloe Vera can soothe a sunburn or help heal a scraped knee. But exciting research now explains how this well-known wound healer can improve the appearance of skin, namely by ramping up Collagen type III production, enhancing elastin, and restoring moisture to dry, hardened skin.

About Aloe Vera Gel

Did your Grandma keep an Aloe Vera plant in her kitchen? This folklore remedy has been used for a variety of skin conditions ranging from bug bites to sun burn. But this humble plant boasts big beauty benefits.

Aloe Vera gel contains over 75 nutrients to feed the skin. Two important nutrients for younger looking skin are Glucomannan and Amino Acids.

Glucomannan is a big part of why Aloe gel is such a great healer. It is also why Aloe can produce younger looking skin.

THE RESEARCH: Collagen Production and Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contributes to collagen regeneration which is helpful in wound healing.

Topical Aloe Vera gel application causes its’ Glucomannan to interact with skin fibroblasts. That significantly increases collagen synthesis. [1]

But here is the best part:

Studies show aloe gel not only increased the collagen in a wound, but changed the collagen composition to increased collagen type III.

Collagen type III is also known as “baby collagen”. Baby collagen is the best kind of collagen for youthful skin. We lose Collagen type III with age.

Studies also show topical Aloe gel application increased the degree of collagen cross linking. This contracts the skin. Another benefit is it also increases hyaluronic acid synthesis. [2]

What does that mean?

  • Aloe Vera gel on a wound causes optimal scar tissue healing (smaller, tighter, smoother scars)[3]
  • Aloe Vera gel on skin can increase collagen III and hyaluronic acid – two sources of youthful skin

I am SO slathering my face and throat with Aloe gel now.

Moisturizing and anti-aging Benefits

Mucopolysaccharides help in binding moisture into the skin.

Aloe stimulates fibroblast also stimulates elastin fibers. Elastin gives skin its springy bounce back. The more elastic the skin is, the less wrinkled.

It also has cohesive effects on the superficial flaking epidermal cells by sticking them together, which softens the skin.

Aloe Vera, also known as Aloe barbadensis miller, contains ample Amino acids. These amino acids soften hardened skin cells.

One study found wearing aloe vera gel gloves “improved the skin integrity, decreases appearance of fine wrinkle and decreases erythema”. [4]

Summary of How Aloe Vera Can Make Your Skin’s Collagen Better

Topical Aloe Vera gel application can stimulate key younger skin components which we lose with age: collagen type III, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. The Amino acids in Aloe gel can soften hardened skin and improve chronically dry skin, along with decreasing fine wrinkle appearance.

Was this Ingredient Overview helpful? Then you may like other Ingredients Overviews such as:

Find more natural ingredients in the Style Chicks Defining Beauty Glossary. The Defining Beauty Glossary contains many helpful hair and skin care ingredients.

Want to know more about natural ingredients that support Collagen type III production? Read about Shisiedo’s Groundbreaking study in this article.

Thinking about jumping starting your collagen enhancement with an at-home skin device?

You may enjoy reading our interview with ENDYMED, the makers of the FDA-approved NEWA device in our article entitled “ENDYMED ANSWERS QUESTIONS ABOUT NEWA AT-HOME SKIN-TIGHTENING”

References

  1. Chithra R Sajithlal GB, Chandrakasan G. Influence of aloe vera on collagen characteristics in healing dermal wounds in rats. Mol Cell Biochem. 1998;181:71–6.
  2. Heggers J, Kucukcelebi A, Listengarten D, Stabenau J, Ko F, Broemeling LD, et al. Beneficial effect of aloe on wound healing in an excisional wound model. J Altern Complement Med. 1996;2:271–7.
  3. Chithra P, Sajithlal G, Chandrakasan G. Influence of aloe vera on the glycosaminoglycans in the matrix of healing dermal wounds in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 1998;59:179–86.
  4. West DP, Zhu YF. Evaluation of aloe vera gel gloves in the treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure. Am J Infect Control. 2003 Feb;31(1):40-2. doi: 10.1067/mic.2003.12.

Why Love Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Overnight Serum

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Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment Review

Harsh winter weather combined with forced indoor heat can cause luscious locks to quickly turn dry, brittle and blah. So we were excited to try Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment. It provides a no-fuss, overnight remedy to revive hair and build bonds with natural oils. It is especially effective on delicate hair ends.

Aveda Botanical Repair is excellent for delicate and brittle hair strands

What Is Aveda Botanical Repair 

It is an overnight bond builder hair serum that did not leave my hair sticky or greasy

Why Aveda Botanical Repair Is Special

Unlike many bond builders, it is free from silicones, parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, and formaldehyde. 

It is a small package, but you only need to use the tiniest amount for full-size product level results.

The Ingredients

Avocado Oil Ingredient featured on StyleChicks.com

 

Avocado Oil

Using Avo in a formulation imparts the benefits of avocado oil without the heavy oil feel.

Sacha Indci Nuts

Sacha Inchi nuts

Sacha Inchi Oil

Sachi Inchi Oil  has amazing hair friendly properties. It replaces lost protein in the hair shaft. It is another name for  Sacha Inchi Oil has an astounding level of omega-3s, omega-6s and some omega-9s. Omegas feed hair and keep it looking lush and hydrated.

Nangai Oil (CANARIUM INDICUM OIL)

Nangai Oil comes from a nut of the canarium indicum tree. It absorbs quickly and retains precious hair moisture with moisture-enhancing triglycerides. These promote hair shine and texture.

Sunflower Oil

Sunflower Oil is an excellent unscented oil for hair hydration and softening. 

  • Vitamin E promotes scalp health.
  • It blends well with other oils.
  • Ideal for coarse hair because it helps hair retain moisture. It is a light non-polar solvent that prevents water loss. It penetrates the hair shaft to lock and retain moisture.
  • It contains Omega 9, an essential acid needed to stop breakage and stimulate hair growth.

Sunflower Oil benefits all hair types, especially hair needing extra moisture. This includes coarse hair, curly hair, and damaged hair

The Experience

CONSISTENCY

A lightweight consistency similar to a finishing cream. I did not find it at all greasy, especially for a product with multiple heavy oils.

SCENT

There is a faint nutty scent in the tube but I do not find it detectible upon application.

APPLICATION

TIP: Apply sparingly – think lima bean, not grape size dollop for long hair, pea size dollop for short. I find it also doubles as a hair smoother.

It comes is a smaller sample size to try before a bigger investment. It says it is intended to be used as part of the Aveda Botanical Repair system, but also functions as a nice go-to smoother that fits into your bag for a quick frizzy hair fix.

Where to Find Aveda Botanical Repair

Find Aveda Botanical Repair at aveda.com and Nordstrom

Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment

Summary of Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment

Did you like this article Why Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In is Special?

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QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

Have any comments or questions about Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment? Leave a comment or Email Us

ABOUT THIS POST

The Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Leave-In Treatment was submitted to Style Chicks for consideration purposes. All opinions and experiences are 100% our own.

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