Anti-Aging

Ingredient Identity

INCI / Name: Bakuchiol

CAS No: 10309-37-2

Appearance: Amber to deep golden-brown oily liquid

Usage / Properties / Application

A plant-derived meroterpene commonly sourced from Psoralea corylifolia / babchi seeds, positioned as a gentler retinol-like anti-aging active for sensitive-skin and “natural retinoid alternative” formulations.

In gene-expression studies, bakuchiol showed retinol-like regulation of key anti-aging pathways despite not being structurally related to retinol, supporting claims around collagen-related repair, wrinkle care, elasticity, and photoaging improvement.

A 12-week randomized, double-blind clinical study found 0.5% bakuchiol twice daily comparable to 0.5% retinol once daily in improving wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, while retinol caused more scaling and stinging.

It is suitable for anti-aging serums, sensitive-skin renewal creams, barrier-friendly brightening products, and plant-derived retinol-alternative formulas, especially when combined with antioxidants, niacinamide, ceramides, or soothing botanicals.