Bakuchiol is considered a well-tolerated active ingredient for topical application.
In contrast to retinoids to which it is often compared and which can cause irritation, scaling, and redness, bakuchiol is rarely linked to adverse effects. A clinical trial with 60 women aged 40 to 65 recently highlighted this high tolerance. The cohort included 20 individuals with eczema, 20 with rosacea, and 20 who often reacted to skincare products. Participants applied a 1% bakuchiol-containing cleanser and moisturiser daily for four weeks.
At the end of the study, a significant improvement in skin appearance was observed, along with a 16% increase in skin hydration measured by corneometry. More importantly, bakuchiol treatments were well tolerated. Only two participants with eczema reported mild transient warming sensations upon application.
Although bakuchiol is well tolerated, we must acknowledge that zero risk does not exist. Rare allergy cases have been reported in the scientific literature. For example, one report describes a 23-year-old woman with seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis who developed contact dermatitis on her face, with red, swollen patches on her eyelids, after applying a cream to her eye area containing 1% of bakuchiol. Patch tests were then performed on the person’s back to identify the active ingredient, but all results were negative. Repeated application tests, consisting of applying the ingredients twice daily to the skin, were then conducted. 1% bakuchiol triggered a positive reaction and redness. To determine whether this response was isolated, five other people were tested with 1% bakuchiol and none reacted.
The allergic reactions to bakuchiol can occur, although rare. It underlines the importance of patch-testing a new product on a small area of skin before applying it to the entire face or body.