botanical
Meroterpene from Psoralea corylifolia seeds; functional analogue of retinol that upregulates retinol-responsive genes via different receptor pathways, with fewer irritation side-effects.
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark spots & hyperpigmentation | Relevant | 1 | Dhaliwal 2019 showed improvement in hyperpigmentation in 59% of bakuchiol group vs 44% of retinol group at week 12. Suggestive but not definitive given small n and absence of vehicle arm. |
| Fine lines & wrinkles | Relevant | 3 | The primary clinical evidence is Dhaliwal 2019, a 12-week double-blind trial of 44 participants comparing bakuchiol 0.5% cream twice daily to retinol 0.5% cream once daily. Both arms showed significant reductions in… |
No known conflicts — Bakuchiol isn’t flagged against any concern or skin condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
Bakuchiol is a botanical backed by a moderate body of supporting evidence (evidence tier 2 of 4). We track 4 studies for it, 3 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 0.5–2% in a formulation.
British Journal of Dermatology · 2019 · rct · n=44
Double-blind RCT (n=44): bakuchiol 0.5% twice daily produced comparable reduction in wrinkle area and hyperpigmentation to retinol 0.5% once daily at 12 weeks; bakuchiol caused significantly less scaling (p=0.02) and stinging (p=0.01)
Journal of Biological Chemistry · 2024 · in vitro
In-vitro/mechanistic study: Direct molecular targets are PHB1 PHB2 VDAC1 VDAC2 not RAR.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science · 2022 · in vitro · n=30
In vitro and ex vivo, bakuchiol increased collagen I and VII and fibronectin, raised FGF7, showed strong antioxidant activity and lowered inflammatory markers (PGE2, MIF); a 4-week in vivo split-face study significantly increased skin fibronectin. Compared against retinol; supports anti-ageing activity through multiple complementary pathways.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science · 2014 · in vitro
Gene expression profiling showed bakuchiol modulates retinol-responsive genes (COL1A1, COL3A1, COL4A1) through non-RAR/RXR pathways; in vitro stimulation of type I collagen and inhibition of MMP-1 comparable to retinol; antioxidant activity confirmed by ORAC assay
In 197 products — most often serums (98), moisturizers (46), eye creams (27), from $3.00 to $383.54. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
DIME
Moisturizer
$40.0050.3ml · $0.80/ml
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TBT Cream to Renew + Refresh is a retinoid treatment by DIME. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol.
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Set up your skin profileRetinol Alternative Bakuchiol 2% Elixir is a retinoid treatment by Ogee. Key ingredients include Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bakuchiol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract.
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Nip + Fab
NIP+FAB Retinol Fix Concentrate Extreme 10% 30ml
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$38.0430ml · $1.27/ml
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NIP+FAB Retinol Fix Concentrate Extreme 10% 30ml is a retinoid treatment by Nip + Fab. Key ingredients include Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
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Nip + Fab
NIP+FAB Retinol Fix Overnight Treatment Cream 3% 50ml
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Nip + Fab
NIP+FAB Retinol Fix Overnight Treatment Cream 3% 50ml
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NIP+FAB Retinol Fix Overnight Treatment Cream 3% 50ml is a retinoid treatment by Nip + Fab. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride.
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Set up your skin profileDIME
TBT Serum with Mandelic Acid + Peptides
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$38.0029.6ml · $1.28/ml
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DIME
TBT Serum with Mandelic Acid + Peptides
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$38.0029.6ml · $1.28/ml
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TBT Serum with Mandelic Acid + Peptides is a retinoid treatment by DIME. Key ingredients include Water, Mandelic Acid, Propanediol.
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Set up your skin profileDIME
Cleanser
$28.00118.3ml · $0.24/ml
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DIME
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Creamy Foam Cleanser is a water cleanser by DIME. Key ingredients include Water, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol.
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Set up your skin profileOgee
Brightening Botanical Eye Balm
Eye Cream
$98.0014.8ml · $6.62/ml
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Ogee
Brightening Botanical Eye Balm
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Brightening Botanical Eye Balm is a eye cream by Ogee. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate.
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Set up your skin profileNassifMD Skincare
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NassifMD Skincare
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Hydro-Screen Serum - 2 oz is a retinoid treatment by NassifMD Skincare. Key ingredients include Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone.
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Set up your skin profilePhilosophy
Ultimate Miracle Worker Nourish & Rejuvenate Face & Neck Cream - 2.0 oz
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Philosophy
Ultimate Miracle Worker Nourish & Rejuvenate Face & Neck Cream - 2.0 oz
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Ultimate Miracle Worker Nourish & Rejuvenate Face & Neck Cream - 2.0 oz is a retinoid treatment by Philosophy. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Shea Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol.
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Set up your skin profileskinChemists
Green Caviar Day Moisturizer - Single Item (x 1)
Moisturizer
$17.5050ml · $0.35/ml
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skinChemists
Green Caviar Day Moisturizer - Single Item (x 1)
Moisturizer
$17.5050ml · $0.35/ml
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Green Caviar Day Moisturizer - Single Item (x 1) is a retinoid treatment by skinChemists. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE.
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Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.