Repeat after me: "buh-KOO-chee-all," No, it's not a spell, but it is magic. What you just pronounced is 'Bakuchiol' (aka Babchi) - a naturally occurring antioxidant found in the seeds of Psoralea Corylifolia, or Babchi plant. The ingredient first arrived on the skin-care scene back in 2014. Although its popularity has grown, it's still one of the best-kept secrets in the game. "What's the secret" you might ask? Well, believe it or not, it’s a botanical alternative to retinol without the negative effects of retinol – in other words, a total game changer!
You see, retinol is hailed as a ‘Holy Grail’ ingredient. It's ability to exfoliate and boost collagen is unparalleled. Retinol is one of the few compounds that effectively triggers cell turnover leading to the activation of certain genes that control collagen production, resulting in smoother, clearer, younger-looking skin. Retinol is used to treat wrinkles, acne, post-acne scars, pigmentation and can be prescribed in higher concentrations by a dermatologist.
A lot of its power is probably due to the fact that it's derived from Vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient that supports skin, eye, reproductive health, and immune function. However, although Vitamin A is all natural, most retinoids are synthesized in one way or another. Which is a major bummer for folks that prefer to use all natural, plant based products! Further, not only is retinol synthetic but it can be harsh on the skin causing irritation, redness and flakiness.
Bringing us to the reason why we love the Babchi plant (other than its adorable name, of course). Bakuchiol has been extensively studied and proven to be the only all-natural, plant based retinol alternative. Although bakuchiol doesn't function in the same way that retinol does, it certainly offers similar results. In a 12-week study that compared retinol and bakuchiol, results recorded significant improvement in wrinkles, pigmentation, and firmness of the skin, for both groups. But the retinol users reported more skin scaling and stinging - way to go bakuchiol! (yes, that was an intentional rhyme).Similar to retinol, bakuchiol triggers new cell formation by exfoliating the old, dead skin cells and targeting collagen building components of the skin. As a result, the surface of the skin becomes smoother, and the overall complexion is firmer.
I used the oil myself for two weeks and was THRILLED with the results! I noticed immediate skin plumping and skin brightening. Check out the before and after photos to see for yourself. I knew right away that I had to get this miracle worker into some of DOLA's products (hint, hint, check out the new Eye Cream recipe!)
Continued use of bakuchiol (into the 4-8 week mark) is said to significantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even skin tone and texture. Also, because of its exfoliating properties, it works wonders at improving hyperpigmentation. Oh, don't you worry - I'm already in the middle of testing this theory with a new face serum....stay tuned!