Bakuchiol explained: the plant-based alternative everyone is talking about

If you have been reading skincare labels lately, you have almost certainly come across this word: bakuchiol. It appears on more and more bottles, from serums to face oils. But what exactly is it?

Where does bakuchiol come from?

Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient extracted from the seeds and leaves of Psoralea corylifolia, a plant that has grown in India and Sri Lanka for as long as anyone can remember. It has been used for centuries in traditional herbal practices, and in recent years it has found its way into modern cosmetics thanks to its plant-based origin.

Why is it so often mentioned alongside "retinol"?

Bakuchiol is often described as a plant-based alternative to retinol. The reason is simple: it gives the skin a comparable, cared-for feeling, but many people find it gentler. One important point: these are two different substances, and bakuchiol is not a vitamin A. We make no medical claims about what it does — we mainly see it as a pleasant, plant-based ingredient within a caring formula.

How do you use it?

Bakuchiol is most often found in a serum or a face oil. You apply that kind of product to clean skin, usually in the evening, before your cream. A few drops are enough. If you are trying a new ingredient for the first time, introduce it gently — a few times a week is a good start.

Who is it for?

Bakuchiol is often chosen by people looking for plant-based care who appreciate a gentle routine. As always: read the full ingredient list if you have sensitive skin or known allergies, and when in doubt, consult a skin professional.

A product with bakuchiol in our selection

In our collection, you will find bakuchiol in the Pure Vital Glow Face Oil by Berrichi, among others — a lightweight face oil that combines it with astaxanthin and a rich palette of plant oils. 100% of natural origin, COSMOS-certified and vegan.

Want to learn more about our brands and ingredients? Keep exploring the Journal.