We get this question more than almost any other. So instead of just telling you bakuchiol works, we're showing you the research behind it - the actual studies, what they measured, and what the results mean for your skin.
The study everyone's talking about
The most cited research here is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial published in the British Journal of Dermatology. Researchers had one group apply 0.5% bakuchiol twice daily and another apply 0.5% retinol once daily, over 12 weeks. Here's what they found:
- Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation
- Both groups saw meaningful gains in skin firmness and overall photodamage
- The retinol group experienced significantly more scaling and stinging
- The bakuchiol group reported no adverse effects
Same results. Different (and much better) experience getting there.
What's actually happening at the cellular level
Bakuchiol isn't chemically related to retinol, and it doesn't bind to the same skin receptors. What it does instead is activate similar gene expression pathways - the ones responsible for collagen production and cell turnover - through a gentler mechanism.
Research published on bakuchiol's cellular activity has found it:
- Stimulates collagen types I, III, and IV in human dermal fibroblasts
- Shows antioxidative effects that retinol doesn't share
- Supports epidermal regeneration, including in wound-healing models
- Increases fibronectin, a key structural protein tied to skin firmness, after just 4 weeks of use
Retinol works by forcing skin to turn over faster. That's effective, but it's also why it can leave skin raw before it looks better. Bakuchiol gets to a similar place without asking your skin to go through that.
What this means for your routine
If you've tried retinol before and gave up a week in because of peeling and sensitivity you're not alone, and you're not doing anything wrong. Retinol's side effects are a known, well-documented part of how it works, not a sign you're using it incorrectly.
With bakuchiol, which you'll find in our Bio-Retinol Serum most people see:
- Smoother texture and improved radiance within 6-8 weeks
- More visible changes in fine lines by 8-12 weeks
- Continued improvement over 4-6 months of consistent use
- No irritation phase to push through first
It asks for a little more patience up front. It doesn't ask you to tolerate discomfort to get there.
Who this is especially good for
- Sensitive or reactive skin that's never tolerated retinol well
- Anyone who wants active skincare they can use morning and night, without sun sensitivity to plan around
- Skin that's dealing with more than one concern at once - bakuchiol's anti-inflammatory activity means it's working on redness and irritation while it's also working on fine lines
- Anyone pregnant or nursing who's been told to avoid retinoids can use bakuchiol! It doesn't carry that same restriction, though we'd always recommend checking with your doctor first
Building it into your routine for the fastest results
A few small additions make a real difference in how quickly you'll see change:
- Prime your skin first. Using the Microderm Exfoliating Mint Facial Polish 2-3 times a week clears the way for better absorption - bakuchiol works best on skin that isn't buried under buildup.
- Layer the Plumping Hyaluronic Acid Serum for a deeper dual-layer of hydration before applying our Bio-Retinol Bakuchiol Serum
- Cleanse daily before every application. The Botanical Oil Cleanser removes the day (or night) without stripping the barrier bakuchiol is working to support.
- Apply Night Infusion Barrier Therapy Cream as your final step to seal in your serums and support barrier repair.
The bottom line
Bakuchiol is a clinically proven path to a lot of the same destination, smoother, firmer, more youthful ooking skin - and one that doesn't require you to trade comfort for results. The research backs it. Your will notice the difference.
Sources
- Dhaliwal S, et al. "Prospective, randomized, double‐blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing." British Journal of Dermatology. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9328396
- "Multidirectional activity of bakuchiol against cellular mechanisms of facial ageing." ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9328396
- "A comprehensive review of topical bakuchiol for the treatment of photoaging." Journal of Integrative Dermatology. jintegrativederm.org/doi/10.64550/joid.9jag0x17
