Recognized as a star ingredient in cosmetic active ingredients for many years, retinol appears to be the miracle solution for combating the signs of ageing and acne. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, has recently emerged as a safer, plant-based alternative. But where do these two compounds come from, and how can we tell them apart?
What exactly are Retinol and Bakuchiol?
Among the star ingredients in our beauty kit, there are two in particular that are creating a buzz. You may already be familiar with retinol, its anti-ageing efficacy and its restrictions, but its natural corollary, Bakuchiol, often called Retinol Vegetal, is less well known and is gradually becoming a must-have ingredient.
Find out why:
Retinoids, such as retinol, retinaldehyde and retinoic acid, are the talk of the skincare world. These vitamin A derivatives have a fascinating history that dates back to ancient times, when the Egyptians already used this precious vitamin to treat blindness, thus giving rise to the term derived from the word "retina". However, it wasn't until 1943 that the first study exploring the use of retinoic acid as an active ingredient in the treatment of acne was published. It was only in 1983 that retinol entered the world of cosmetics as an anti-aging weapon.
We naturally have retinol in our skin through our vitamin A-rich diet. Nevertheless, the quantities present in our diet are often insufficient to produce the significant anti-aging effects that cosmetic skincare offers.
But have you heard of Bakuchiol? This ingredient has its origins in the seeds of a plant called Babchi, native to the southern United States, India and China. Also known as Psoralea Coryfolia, this plant was traditionally used by Indian and Chinese populations to treat various skin problems. Yet Bakuchiol has only recently made its appearance in our face care products, some fifteen years ago.
Why use them in our skincare?
Understanding skin aging
Why does our skin show the signs of ageing? Skin aging is a complex process that can be divided into two distinct categories: intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging.
The first, intrinsic or chronological aging, is inevitable and natural. It is a natural biological process that occurs over time. It is characterized by a decline in our body's ability to replace skin cells. In other words, our skin gradually loses its ability to regenerate itself, resulting in the appearance of the first signs of aging: wrinkles, fine lines and imperfections.
The second, extrinsic aging, is caused by environmental factors. Repeated exposure to the sun's UV rays is one of the main causes of premature aging. It leads to the appearance of wrinkles, irregular hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores.
The Solution: Retinol and Bakuchiol
Two magical ingredients come into play: retinol and bakuchiol. When these active ingredients are absorbed by your skin, they are converted into retinoic acid, triggering a veritable revolution. They work by stimulating cell renewal and promoting the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin. Here's how they can transform your skin:
- Smoothes wrinkles and skin texture.
- Fights hyperpigmentation and sun damage. (4)
- Reduces and prevents acne flare-ups.
- Evens skin tone.
- Reduces pore size.
These two ingredients play a key role in stimulating cell renewal. They enable new cells to grow and proliferate, replacing dead cells.
The result? Smoother, more even skin. Brown spots, often caused by excessive exposure to the sun, UV radiation or air pollution, can be reduced with them. They eliminate the excess melanin produced in the spot area and help rebuild the area by stimulating collagen production and cell renewal.
Retinol and bakuchiol can also come to your rescue in the face of acne. They reduce and prevent acne flare-ups by calming skin inflammation, and work in harmony to minimize the size of your pores.
Bakuchiol is also rich in antioxidants, offering valuable protection against damage caused by sun exposure and pollution. What's more, it has anti-inflammatory properties, ideal for soothing acne-related irritation. As an added bonus, it is antimicrobial and anti-tumor, inhibiting the proliferation of skin cancer cells.
In short, retinol and bakuchiol are your essential allies in the quest for youthful, radiant skin. They can be found in your creams, lotions and serums, so don't hesitate to include them in your skincare routine to defy time and regain youthfully radiant skin!
To get the most out of Retinol and Bakuchiol, you can combine them with products containing glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid and vitamin C. However, avoid combining them with overly aggressive products such as powerful exfoliants and strong retinoids. And don't forget your sunscreen! It's your best ally in the fight against the effects of the sun, even though Bakuchiol is not photo-sensitizing.
Retinol vs. Bakuchiol: Side Effects and Gentle Anti-Aging and Anti-Acne Alternative
When it comes to choosing between retinol and bakuchiol, it's crucial to understand the side effects associated with these skincare actives in order to adopt the best routine.
Despite its popularity, retinol is controversial due to the side effects attributed to it, which are often overlooked.
Indeed, the use of retinol can lead to adverse effects such as skin dryness, tingling, tightness, discomfort, redness, burning sensations and even skin peeling. In addition, retinol tends to irritate and dry out the skin, making it more sensitive to the sun's UV rays, thus increasing the risk of sunburn.
Other possible side effects of too high a concentration include hyperpigmentation, psoriasis and allergic contact dermatitis (2).
(Special cases) It should be noted that retinol should be avoided in cases of skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne, seborrhea, eczema, rosacea, atopic dermatitis or ichthyosis. It is not recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding women, or for people with sensitive skin prone to allergies.
Bakuchiol: A Gentle Alternative
This is where bakuchiol, often dubbed the "green" version of retinol, stands out. Bakuchiol is non-irritating, does not cause skin dryness and is non-photosensitizing, which means you can apply it at any time of day without fear of the sun. Compatible with all skin types, even the most sensitive, it is also compatible with all lifestyles as it is tolerated by pregnant and breastfeeding women, and by patients suffering from eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, while being totally vegan. Bakuchiol is the ally of healthy, youthful skin, free from toxins and hormone disruptors.
Discover our range of Bakuchiol products
At Yodi, we have developed two products enriched with bakuchiol to meet all skin needs and types, including the most sensitive. Our products are cold-processed, which preserves the quality of the active ingredients and their efficacy, and their 2% concentration of Bakuchiol makes them highly effective yet non-irritating skin care products . Easy to use, simply pour 3 to 7 drops into the palm of your hand, then spread the product evenly over your face and neck using your fingers. Finally, gently massage the serum into the skin.
1. Anti-Wrinkle Face Oil Serum - Rétinol-like Végétal: This serum is ideal for dry skin with uneven texture and visible fine lines and wrinkles. It nourishes, regenerates, prevents and fights the signs of aging. Conceived and designed for all uses, you can mix it with your usual skincare product and apply it to the face, eye contour and décolleté morning and evening. Its concentrated prebiotic formula protects your skin, while vitamin E, coffee grounds oil and argan oil, three powerful antioxidants, effectively fight wrinkles and restore your skin's elasticity. A beautiful skin effect guaranteed!
2. Shake it! oil - Purifying Charcoal & Retinol-like Vegetable Oil: This oil combines bakuchiol with vegetable charcoal (hence its black appearance if shaken well before use) to detoxify, purify and reduce skin imperfections. Used as a sebum regulator, complexion evenser or anti-imperfection treatment, it is particularly suitable for combination to oily skin with visible imperfections. You can mix it with your usual skincare product to boost its effects morning and night. Its fragrance-free formula is suitable for sensitive and fragile skin, leaving a non-greasy feel and beautiful skin quality. It contains a natural prebiotic that boosts skin protection, as well as oil extracted from upcycled coffee grounds and vitamin E, which smooth skin texture thanks to their antioxidant properties.
Bakuchiol is fast becoming the new darling of skin- and planet-conscious beauty enthusiasts, offering a gentle yet effective alternative to retinol. Its plant-based origin makes it an attractive choice for those who favor natural ingredients, while its mildness is perfectly suited to sensitive skin that wants to enjoy the anti-aging and anti-acne benefits without the potential irritation of retinol.
What do vegan cosmetics mean?
At Yodi, our cosmetics are vegan and natural. What do vegan and natural cosmetics mean? Vegan cosmetics are products that contain no by-products or ingredients of natural origin, such as animal fat, honey or milk. Cosmetics and raw materials are not tested on animals.Do natural cosmetics have to be vegan?
Natural cosmetics are not necessarily vegan, in fact in natural cosmetics you may find honey... which is a natural ingredient but not vegan.