Retinol Vs Bakuchiol: different origins

Retinol is one of the synthetic derivatives of vitamin A first discovered in 1913.

Bakuchiol, for its part, is of natural origin, extracted from the seeds of Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia), an East Asian medicinal plant. It can also be found in other plant sources, including cherry rice flower (Pimelea drupaceae) and long pepper (Piper longum).

Retinol Vs Bakuchiol: the same mechanism of action

Bakuchiol, by acting on mechanisms similar to retinoids, appears to influence the same cellular pathways, including the stimulation of enzymes responsible for collagen synthesis, a molecule crucial for skin suppleness. This gives these compounds anti-aging properties.

Like Retinol, Bakuchiol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, Bakuchiol offers additional advantages over retinol. In addition to its better skin tolerance, it has also been shown to possess antimicrobial properties.

Retinol Vs Bakuchiol: Comparable efficacy

A clinical study published in the British Journal of Dermatology* was carried out on 44 people. These volunteers applied either 0.5% Bakuchiol cream or 0.5% Retinol cream once a day to their face for 12 weeks.

The results showed that Bakuchiol and Retinol reduced wrinkle surface and hyperpigmentation to a similar extent. However, people using Retinol had more side effects, including flaking and stinging. In addition, there was no photosensitivity in people applying Bakuchiol.
Retinol Vs Bakuchiol: Different structures

Retinol structure (a) Vs Bakuchiol structure (b)

Retinol is a higher alcohol derived from vitamin A. It retains the cyclic structure of vitamin A, with some changes to the polar end group and side chain. Bakuchiol is a purified monoterpene phenol.

Retinol Vs Bakuchiol: Application in cosmetics

Retinol is known to be a photosensitizing ingredient, so it's always advisable to apply it only at night. At the same time, it's advisable to apply sunscreen and moisturizer the following day to avoid the associated side effects.

Bakuchiol is the plant-based alternative to Retinol without its side effects. It is suitable for several skin types:

• Non-irritating, it restores the hydrolipidic film, does not strip the epidermis and has a beneficial effect on skin sensitivity and reactivity. This makes it the anti-aging ingredient of choice for atopic and sensitive skin.
• With its anti-inflammatory and healing properties , it targets acne-prone skin.
• It pushes back the markers of cutaneous aging by reactivating the skin's firmness and elasticity. And the results are visible: firmer, smoother, more even-toned, plumper skin - with no side effects.

You can combine it with your vitamin C treatment to boost skin radiance and youthfulness. Both have antioxidant and protective properties against irritation, inflammatory reactions and pollution.

And that's not all: Bakuchiol can be applied DAY and NIGHT, unlike retinol, which is only recommended at night. This natural alternative to retinol is not photosensitizing.

Our retinol-Like oil!

Yodi has developed a 3-in-1 Bakuchiol oil for the face, eye contour and décolleté: the Plant Retinol-like ! 

1st face oil combining Bakuchiol and prebiotics, it contains argan oil and oil extracted from recycled coffee grounds: 

• Bakuchiol: Concentrated at 2% for maximum effectiveness, this Plant Retinol acts as a cellular booster to stimulate collagen production, and accelerates cell regeneration, enabling skin to retain all its strength and suppleness. In just a few months, it has become a must-have active ingredient for anyone suffering from skin ageing, hyperpigmentation and acne. It has also proven its effectiveness in reducing all types of wrinkles and fine lines, whether due to age, expression or dehydration.

• Natural prebiotics: prebiotics nourish and stimulate the good bacteria naturally present on the skin's surface. Pampered in this way, these bacteria preserve the integrity and health of the skin barrier. The prebiotic in Rétinol Like Végétal regulates the skin's microbiota and reinforces its protective function, thanks to a unique composition of innovative active molecules.

• Argan oil: Obtained by first cold-pressing and certified organic, argan oil from Morocco boasts numerous properties for the skin. Naturally rich in vitamin E, it fights the signs of skin aging, and its fatty acids restore suppleness and softness to dry skin, helping to rebuild the skin's lipidic film. In fact, the skin is covered by an emulsion of water and natural oils that form the hydrolipidic film. Its main function is to form a protective barrier against external pathogens (bacteria and fungi). In this way, argan oil helps keep skin healthy, elastic and supple. Dry and atopic skins can't fail to love it, as it possesses exceptional healing and nourishing properties.

• Recycled Coffee Marc Oil: Used for centuries, coffee no longer needs to prove its healing and stimulating properties. Extracted using supercritical CO2 (solvent-free), at low temperature to preserve all its benefits, this excellent active ingredient fights wrinkles thanks to its antioxidant properties, and gives skin a real boost of elasticity. Yodi tip? Mix your moisturizer with the oil to boost its nourishing effects.

The combination of these wonderful ingredients results in an oil with a light coffee scent, leaving skin nourished and non-greasy: Rétinol-like Végétal.

Is bakuchiol as effective as retinol? 

Bakuchiol is a remarkable natural alternative to retinol, offering similar results in anti-aging skincare. Studies have shown that Bakuchiol can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin firmness, and reduce pigmentation spots, just like retinol. Bakuchiol's major advantage lies in its gentleness: it is generally better tolerated, even by sensitive skin, and can be used without risk of irritation or sun sensitivity, unlike retinol.

Bakuchiol stands out for its ability to deliver similar benefits with improved skin tolerance. For those looking for a gentle yet effective solution, Bakuchiol is an excellent choice. For those wishing to maximize their skincare routine, it's entirely possible to combine Bakuchiol with retinol, enjoying the benefits of both ingredients while minimizing the risk of irritation.

Sources :

Szymański, Ł, Skopek, R., Palusińska, M., Schenk, T., Stengel, S., Lewicki, S., ... & Zelent, A. (2020). Retinoic acid and its derivatives in skin. Cells, 9(12), 2660. *Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR, Notay M, Trivedi M, Burney W, Vaughn AR, Nguyen M, Reiter P, Bosanac S, Yan H, Foolad N, Sivamani RK. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Feb;180(2):289-296.