Bakuchiol (say it “buh-KOO-chee-ol”) has become one of the most talked-about plant ingredients in skincare. It is the star of our Grow & Glow Bakuchiol Serum, so here is what it is — and what it isn’t.
Where it comes from
Bakuchiol is a natural compound found in the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant, Psoralea corylifolia. The plant has a long history in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine. Today, bakuchiol is extracted and purified for use in skincare.
Why it’s called a “gentle alternative to retinol”
Retinol is well known for helping skin look smoother and more even, but it can cause dryness, peeling and stinging, especially at the start. Bakuchiol is not a retinoid — its chemical structure is different — yet research suggests it can work in some similar ways.
In a small 12-week study published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2019, people using a bakuchiol cream saw improvements in fine lines and uneven pigmentation similar to people using a retinol cream, and reported less dryness and stinging. It was one small study, so we share it as an encouraging sign rather than a promise.
How to use Grow & Glow
- Cleanse first — for example with Kind! Oil to Milk Cleanser — and pat skin dry.
- Press a few drops onto your face and neck in the evening.
- Follow with your moisturiser.
- If your skin is sensitive, start every other night and build up.
Whatever serums you use, wear sunscreen every morning. It is the single best habit for protecting your glow — especially for melanin-rich skin, where uneven tone can linger.
Pregnant or breastfeeding? Bakuchiol hasn’t been widely studied in pregnancy. Please ask your doctor or midwife before adding new active ingredients to your routine.
The truth, simply
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient with promising early research and a reputation for being gentle. Like every skincare ingredient, it works best with patience: give it several weeks of steady use, and let your skin grow into its glow.
