Bakuchiol: a gentler alternative to retinol
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient found in Psoralea corylifolia, also known as the babchi plant. While it is often described as a plant-based alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is not a retinoid and works differently within the skin.
What makes it particularly interesting is the growing clinical research behind it. In a randomized, double-blind 12-week study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, 44 participants used either 0.5% bakuchiol twice daily or 0.5% retinol once daily. Both groups showed significant improvements in wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, while participants using retinol reported more scaling and stinging.
The evidence for bakuchiol is still considerably younger than the decades of research behind retinoids. A systematic review found promising evidence for applications including photoageing and hyperpigmentation, while also concluding that further research is needed.
Bakuchiol in NOREA
NOREA contains 5% bakuchiol, alongside Niacinamide, Polyglutamic Acid and Centella Asiatica, in an Aloe Vera-based formula. It was selected to support the skin within a gentle daily ritual.
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Reference
Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR, et al. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology. 2019;180(2):289–296. doi:10.1111/bjd.16918.
