Bakuchi oil – What’s behind this active ingredient?

Bakuchi oil occurs naturally in the sub-indigenous babchi plant “psoralea corylifolia”. The coveted chemical compound is found in the plant’s leaves and seeds, and is used mainly as bakuchi seed oil in creams and serums. Bakuchi oil stimulates the production of the skin’s own collagen, the component that is responsible for elasticity. It can naturally reduce fine lines and even softer wrinkles. In addition, the latest research shows that bakuchi oil can alleviate skin damage from UV radiation.

The vegan substance is also an essential component in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. People have valued its soothing and antioxidant properties for many years. Thanks to its positive effect on all skin types, you will find it in an increasing number of skincare products.

Bakuchi oil soothes the skin and is therefore also suitable for sensitive skin types. Redness and irritation can be minimised gently. As a powerful antioxidant it captures and neutralises free radicals, which damage the collagen scaffolding of the skin and are thus responsible for a loss of elasticity. In addition, this function protects the skin cells from environmental damage.

The result: a smoother skin texture with a naturally glowing complexion. Basically, the effect of bakuchi oil resembles that of pure vitamin A, also known as retinol. But more on that later.

Got acne-prone skin? Then you have probably certainly made use of the bakuchi oil effect with its anti-inflammatory properties. But meanwhile, one thing is clear: all other skin types also benefit from this plant-derived substance and its versatile application:

• Bakuchi oil calms and nourishes: If you have sensitive skin, you can enjoy gentle skincare in the form of a cream or serum that makes your skin tone glow.
• Bakuchi oil nourishes thirsty skin cells: As a gentle oil, bakuchi oil supplies your face with rich moisture – like a wellness treatment in the cold season.
• Anti-ageing: Bakuchi oil can reduce the formation of wrinkles, restore firmness and balance out discolouration.
• Stabiliser: The plant-derived ingredient can contribute to extending the effect of retinol (vitamin A).

Bakuchi oil can be found in various products, such as serums and face creams. For the skin to obtain the maximum benefit, you should stick to a basic sequence when applying it. First cleanse your face. This is important because only clean skin can absorb and process active ingredients of any kind. Then apply a rich serum. Moisturiser and sun protection cream, which we strongly recommend, come only at the end.

If you would like to simplify your routine, there are day creams available with in-built SPF. It’s entirely up to you which texture you prefer to use for this alternative to retinol. The ideal bakuchi oil concentration is much more important for you to get real results. Studies have shown that ideally this should be between 0.5% and 2%.

The vegan alternative to retinol works wonderfully with other actives and is thus a valuable supplement to your skincare routine. Like all other antioxidants, bakuchi oil likes synergies. For you this means greater efficacy in combination with other free radical scavengers like vitamin C and coenzyme Q10.

Despite all the positive qualities, possible side effects cannot be excluded even with plant substances. So far there is nothing to indicate that the use of bakuchi oil could be problematic for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Nevertheless, we recommend you play it safe and, when in doubt, ask your doctor.

The purest vitamin A can indeed be a genuine game changer when it comes to anti-ageing, but it’s not exactly the gentlest active. Therefore, you should introduce retinol-containing products into your daily skincare ritual with restraint and increase the concentration slowly. Otherwise, redness and irritation or even inflammation can appear.

In addition, retinol increases sensitivity to sunlight, for which reason you should not leave the house under any circumstances without SPF. Pregnant and breastfeeding women deliberately avoid retinol products, as in the worst case scenario they can cause deformities in children. So, you see, the highly praised anti-ageing miracle is anything but harmless. Enough reasons why an alternative to retinol is not only sensible but urgently needed.