Which Active Ingredients Can Bakuchiol Be Combined With?

The name "bakuchiol" originates from the Sanskrit name "bakuchi". The plant from which it was extracted (Psoralea corylifolia) is an endemic plant of the Himalayan region. In traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, it is commonly used to treat skin problems.

Although bakuchiol was first isolated in 1966, its first use as a topical application did not occur until 2007 when it was introduced to the market under the brand name Sytenol A. Bakuchiol is considered to be a plant-based alternative to retinol. It is therefore effective in combating the signs of skin aging without the side effects of retinol (irritation, photosensitization, etc.). It is also effective against blemishes and acne in general.

Initial data shows that bakuchiol does not interact with other actives. Unlike retinol, which is usually used in a stand-alone product, products containing bakuchiol can combine several active ingredients.

• Bakuchiol and hazelnut oil

These two compounds are powerful against blemishes and acne in general. On the one hand, bakuchiol targets the bacteria that lives in the sebum (Propionibacterium acnes), limits the production of pro-inflammatory molecules and lipid peroxidation. On the other hand, hazelnut oil regulates sebum production and rebalances the hydrolipidic film. These two active ingredients are thus integrated into our imperfections serum, which combats excess sebum and reduces imperfections.

•  Bakuchiol and AHA (glycolic acid, lactic acid...)

AHAs, also known as fruit acids, are molecules with effective exfoliating properties that help the skin to get rid of dead cells and unclog pores, thus limiting the appearance of blackheads. The most common AHAs used in cosmetics are glycolic acid and lactic acid. It is a good idea to combine bakuchiol with a treatment containing an acid with exfoliating properties such as glycolic acid or lactic acid. Together, they will visibly refine your skin texture and fight excess oil and clogged pores.

For example, during your evening beauty routine, you can combine the Blemish Serum with 1% bakuchiol and the Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Serum or the Lactic Acid Gentle Peeling Serum to effectively get rid of blackheads and impurities. On clean, dry skin, first apply the lactic or glycolic acid serum, wait a few minutes and then use the bakuchiol serum. As a reminder, glycolic acid is not recommended for sensitive skin because of its low molecular weight which allows it to penetrate the skin deeply. Lactic acid, which is larger, is recommended for more fragile skin.

• Bakuchiol and hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is an active ingredient known for its benefits on skin hydration. Combined with bakuchiol, it prepares the skin to absorb this molecule. This duo is recommended to fight against skin dehydration, but also to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Therefore, first apply a hyaluronic acid product such as the plumping serum, followed by a bakuchiol product such as the blemish serum.

• Bakuchiol and retinol

This combination is relevant because it allows the benefits of both compounds to be combined. In addition, a study showed that when bakuchiol and retinol were combined, the bakuchiol stabilized the retinol, thus prolonging its effectiveness. The anti-inflammatory effects of bakuchiol are also thought to help the skin tolerate retinol better. These two active ingredients are combined in our wrinkle and blemish serum. This serum also contains plant polypeptides capable of acting in synergy with retinol to promote the synthesis of type I collagen.

Please note that although this combination may indeed be beneficial in the fight against wrinkles, we do not recommend it for sensitive skin.

• Bakuchiol and vitamin C

For an overall antioxidant action, this is the winning combo. As a reminder, free radicals generated in excess by oxidative stress are highly reactive, unstable molecules that degrade the body's healthy cells and proteins, accelerating its ageing. The order is not necessary for the application of these two molecules on the skin. Only the texture of the product should be taken into account, so use the thinner product first and the more viscous one second. For example, in the evening, you can apply our radiance serum with 11% vitamin C first and then the bakuchiol serum (1%) second.

• MARCHIO F. & al. Bakuchiol in the management of acne-affected skin. Cosmetics & Toiletries (2011).

• BOJANOWSKI K. & al. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2014).  

• REITER P. & al. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing - Clinical trial. British Journal of Dermatology (2019).

• LEVY S. & al. Clinical Evaluation of a Nature-Based Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin. The Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (2020).