Bakuchiol vs Retinol - Which Is Better For You?

Bakuchiol is a great retinol alternative for anyone sensitive to retinoids. We quite often hear skinfluencers and beauty bloggers talk about Retinol and Bakuchiol Cream. While some of them recommend both, some of them choose one over the other. We understand that both ingredients might be fairly new for skincare newbies and people who are venturing into anti-aging skincare routines. Worry not! We have you covered. Here is an extensive blog on the Retinol vs Bakuchiol talks!

A form of vitamin A, added to skincare, Bakuchiol is an active ingredient that is added to skin creams, lotions, and serums. This is known to treat acne, fine lines, and wrinkles, and is also said to have anti-ageing properties. Readily available as skincare products, retinol is also said to cause skin purging and other concerns as a side effect. Bakuchiol, also known as the retinol alternative, is made of natural ingredients and offers similar results for aging skin, but they don’t cause skin purging, dryness, or irritation that retinol-based skincare is said to cause.

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is a vegan skincare ingredient that is found in leaves and seeds of an Ayurvedic plant, colloquially known as Babchi in the Indian and Chinese regions. Also, known as Kushtanashini, which translates to skin disease destroyer in Sanskrit, this product has been widely used in skincare for centuries now. Derived from this plant the potent antioxidant, Bakuchiol reduces wrinkles and, appearance of pores, and improves overall skin texture.

Bakuchiol Benefits

Based on several studies and trials, it is said that Bakuchiol has multiple benefits. Using bakuchiol regularly for 12 weeks or more is said to have reduced wrinkles on skin. It also minimizes and fades hyperpigmentation and blemishes. It also acts on other aging symptoms like fine lines and age scars. Furthermore, bakuchiol is also said to treat acne upon regular, consistent usage. When coupled with spot correction treatments, the acne also seem to fade faster and the acne scars are healed quicker due to bakuchiol usage. Also, upon regular use of bakuchiol, the skin is said to be smoother and more plump. In short, it offers similar benefits as that of retinol, without the associated dryness, purging, irritation, and sensitivity. Owing to the moisturizing properties of bakuchiol-based creams, your skin will also be well-nourished and glowing.

How does Bakuchiol work?

Due to its soothing and relaxing properties, Bakuchiol fights acnes, signs of aging, and other skin issues. Since Bakuchiol is a potent antioxidant, it targets free radicals, which cause skin sagging and wrinkles. Furthermore, Bakuchiol based products, when used regularly, can act as a barrier between your skin and external environmental stressors, like dust and pollution, which causes skin damage.

What does Bakuchiol do for your skin?

Bakuchiol, made from plant seed extract, has soothing properties. These help to help in comforting the skin, and it also minimises issues that occur commonly on sensitive skin when using active ingredients. Furthermore, bakuchiol is a great product that keeps in mind the sensitivity and reactivity of your skin. What’s more, it is also a potent antioxidant, which helps in fighting several signs of ageing, such as fine lines , wrinkles, and loss of firmness by targeting free radicals on your skin.

How long does it take Bakuchiol to work?

For most skincare products to show some changes on your skin, it may take at least 4-6 weeks, and Bakuchiol also takes somewhere between 4-8 weeks for noticeable changes to occur. By around the third month mark, one can see the skin benefits clearly. It is necessary to stick to a regular skincare routine and use bakuchiol and your other regular skincare products consistently for the changes to be prominent and long lasting. While bakuchiol isn’t an instant gratification skincare product, the results will be more long lasting & healthier.

What are the skincare benefits of Bakuchiol Cream? How often can you use a Bakuchiol Cream?

In addition to the benefits of anti-aging, reducing signs of skin aging, and healing acnes, Bakuchiol cream also cools your skin down making it calmer, soothed, and more healed. It is also said to be a great skincare choice for sensitive skin. You can use a Bakuchiol cream twice a day after cleansing your skin well.

Is Bakuchiol better than retinol?

The Bakuchiol vs Retinol, Bakuchiol vs Tretinoin, Bakuchiol vs Squalane kind of debates have been ongoing in the skincare industry for a while now. While Retinol is the highly marketed product for anti-aging and skin improvement, there is more that what meets the eye. Retinol is a type of Retinoid that is made from Vitamin A. While it is used to treat concerns of mature skin, it has heavy exfoliating properties that may causes skin peeling, dryness, itchiness, and redness. It is quite not advisable to be used on sensitive skin. Also, even for normal skin, Retinol should be used along with a calming moisturizer or serum to help skin from purging. However, Bakuchiol is naturally calming as well as healing. Therefore, it is safe to say that Bakuchiol is definitely better than Retinol.

Does Bakuchiol cause purging?

Unlike Retinol, Bakuchiol doesn’t cause skin purging and it can be used twice a day on all skin types.

Who should use Bakuchiol?

Anyone in their 20s and above can use Bakuchiol cream for a variety of their skin concerns. It suits all skin types, colors, and textures.

Can you use Bakuchiol daily?

Since Bakuchiol is a vegan skincare product, creams like Refixion Sans Retinol Creme are made from plant-based ingredients, it is advisable to use it every day for better results. You can use this as part of your regular skincare regime, both in the mornings as well as in the night. After cleansing your skin & applying your other necessary serums, you can apply bakuchiol products like Refixion Sans Retinol Cream on the face, neck, and décolleté to hydrate skin and moisturize.

Is Bakuchiol safe during pregnancy?

Many studies and surveys have shown that Bakuchiol is safe to be used during pregnancy. Some studies even show that Bakuchiol can be used as a Retinol alternative during pregnancy & breast feeding.

How Can You Incorporate Bakuchiol Cream Into Your Skincare Routine?

If you are using only Bakuchiol cream, the steps are simple. Cleanse your face well, apply a good Bakuchiol cream product like Refixion Sans Retinol Creme by Sonage. This product has the soothing and healing properties of Bakuchiol, without any purging retinoids and is safe for all. Finish off your daycare regime with moisturizer and sunscreen that has at least an SPF of 30 or above. During night time, you can incorporate some facial massage and also eye creme along with Bakuchiol cream & finish the routine off with your favorite moisturizer.

Read More:

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• Does Arginine Make You Look Younger?