In the ever-evolving world of skincare, new ingredients are constantly being discovered and celebrated for their transformative benefits. One such ingredient that has been making waves recently is bakuchiol. Often referred to as a natural alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is gaining popularity among skincare enthusiasts in Malaysia and beyond. But what exactly is bakuchiol, and why should you consider incorporating it into your skincare routine? In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the untold story about bakuchiol, its benefits, and why it’s becoming a must-have in the Malaysian skincare market.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol — or the so-called natural alternative of retinol that is extracted from the seeds and leaves of Psoralea corylifolia (babchi plant) — is an interesting and rising ingredient. Many people are starting to pay attention to Bakuchiol, since it is claimed to provide a similar effect on the skin without the associated side effect. Let’s learn more about some fun facts related to bakuchiol that you should know about that may make you fall in love even more with this one plant extract.
Quick fun fact about bakuchiol:
- Benefit : Antioxidant, Brightening, Well-aging, Acne-care
- Who is it for : All skin type, All skin concern
- How to use : Anytime, day and night
- Pairs well with : Niacinamide, Peptide
#1 Bakuchiol has potential benefit for acne-prone skin
Bakuchiol has shown potential benefits for acne-prone skin. For their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and retinol-mimicking benefit to improve cell turnover, it shows promising potential to manage acne, although the response may vary for different people.
#2 Bakuchiol is safe to use for pregnant and breastfeeding mom
Unlike retinol and other retinoid derivatives that are not recommended to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, bakuchiol is considered safe and it can be an alternative care for anyone looking for safe ingredients to tackle acne, brighten and maintain well-aging care throughout their pregnancy journey.
#3 You can use it on your body
Bakuchiol is gentle for the skin but potent enough to help your body skin stay youthful and prevent photoaging. For anyone with sensitive skin and if you are prone to having eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis but want to keep their body age well, bakuchiol will come to the rescue while retinol can be too harsh or irritating for your skin.
#4 You can use them around the eye area
The skin on the eye area is thinner than any skin on the rest of your face, using Bakuchiol as a way to prevent early aging signs is presumably safer for any skin type. Although doing patch testing is still recommended for most of the time.
Choose a serum or cream that has a more emollient texture with Bakuchiol in their ingredients to use as an eye cream.
#5 The natural color of bakuchiol is yellow
Have you ever wondered why almost all skincare products with bakuchiol in them are yellow-colored? Even though most bakuchiol products are purple coloured in packaging since the flower of Babchi plant are purple in color, the natural color of its extracts is yellow.
The color of the extracts varies from yellow to light brown depending on the extraction process. Due to the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols, it gives the characteristic color of the extracts. All these compounds are rich in antioxidant for the skin that help protect our skin from the damaging free radicals caused from our daily activities.
#6 It is safe to use twice daily
Unlike retinol, bakuchiol can be used twice daily since it is a plant extract and does not have any photo-sensitizing/sensitive compound. Therefore, if you want to feel like you tried your best to get all of its benefits, you can use it twice daily!
#7 It is oil-soluble
Bakuchiol is not water-soluble so it's kind of hard to make it a water-based serum form. That's why it usually comes in a cream, serum, facial oils, or lotion forms. In their oil-based base, bakuchiol can be delivered effectively and absorbed by the skin allowing them to shine.
If you see a transparent water-based serum, with no oil phase, no emulsifier but claiming to contain Bakuchiol, it may contain a water extract from the plant, but not Bakuchiol; at least at detectable concentration.
#8 Synergistic effect with niacinamide and peptide
They are complementary beneficial for the skin for similar, yet different reasons.
Bakuchiol + Niacinamide, Bakuchiol + peptides
The best combination for a well-aging care. It supports collagen production and increases skin firmness. It strengthens the building block of our skin and improve skin texture overtime.
Why Bakuchiol is Perfect for the Malaysian Market?
Malaysia’s tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and intense sun exposure, can be challenging for the skin. Many Malaysians struggle with issues like hyperpigmentation, sensitivity, and premature aging. Bakuchiol’s gentle yet effective properties make it an excellent choice for addressing these concerns without causing further irritation.
Moreover, the growing trend towards natural and sustainable skincare aligns perfectly with bakuchiol’s plant-based origins. As more Malaysians seek out eco-friendly and natural skincare options, bakuchiol is poised to become a staple in the local beauty industry.
Ready to give bakuchiol a try? Explore our range of bakuchiol-infused skincare products and start your journey to healthier, more beautiful skin today!
