Ingredients

Bakuchiol

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

Bakuchiol — a plant-derived compound extracted from the seeds and leaves of Psoralea corylifolia, often described as a gentler, retinol-alternative active. Although it is not a vitamin A derivative, studies suggest it can produce some retinol-like effects on the skin with less irritation.

Key points

  • Bakuchiol is a naturally occurring meroterpene, structurally unrelated to retinoids despite its comparable functional effects.
  • Small studies have compared it to retinol for improving the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone, with better tolerability.
  • It has antioxidant properties and is generally considered gentle and photostable.
  • It is frequently chosen by people with sensitive skin or those seeking a plant-based alternative to retinol.

Frequently asked

Is bakuchiol a retinoid?

No, bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound that is chemically unrelated to vitamin A, but research suggests it can mimic some retinol-like effects. It is often favored for being gentler on sensitive skin.

Can bakuchiol be used during the day?

Bakuchiol is photostable and generally well tolerated, so it is used in both morning and evening products; daily sunscreen is still recommended. As with any active, patch testing can help gauge personal tolerance.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. Multidirectional activity of bakuchiol against cellular mechanisms of facial ageing - Experimental evidence for a holistic treatment approach PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Natural Retinol Analogs Potentiate the Effects of Retinal on Aged and Photodamaged Skin: Results from In Vitro to Clinical Studies PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Prospective, Randomized, Double‐Blind Assessment of Supramolecular Bakuchiol and Terminalia Chebula Extract for Facial Photoaging in Chinese Sensitive Skin… PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Inspired by vitamin A for anti‐ageing: Searching for plant‐derived functional retinoid analogues PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Cosmetic Commentary: Response to "Is bakuchiol the new ’skincare hero’?" PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.