Bakuchiol, an interesting active ingredient for hair care?

Bakuchiol may also help to protect hair from free radical damage. Indeed, oxidative stress contributes to hair ageing by weakening the hair fibre and disrupting follicle function. Under free radical attack, structural proteins such as keratin are altered, which can make hair more brittle and dull. Oxidative stress drives follicle miniaturisation, which promotes hair shedding. It contributes to the appearance of white hair by altering melanocyte activity, the cells responsible for hair colour. Bakuchiol has antioxidant properties derived from its chemical structure rich in conjugated double bonds. It may neutralise free radicals before they damage hair fibres.

Although several studies have demonstrated the antioxidant properties of bakuchiol and the harmful effect of oxidative stress on hair fibres has been documented, no direct research has shown that bakuchiol can prevent hair loss or greying.

Finally, bakuchiol may soothe irritated scalps. Scalp irritation is more common than assumed and can result from pollution, climatic changes or the use of harsh haircare products. It appears as redness, itching or heightened scalp sensitivity. By modulating the activity of certain pro-inflammatory factors, such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), bakuchiol may help reduce scalp inflammation and restore balance and comfort. However, this remains a hypothesis based on bakuchiol’s anti-inflammatory properties demonstrated in vitro, which still require confirmation in clinical studies conducted on the scalp.