The Bakuchiol Breakdown - What Is Bakuchiol & How Do You Use It?

The Bakuchiol Breakdown

If you’ve heard of Retinol or Retinal (Retinoids), you know the hype is real – and for good reason! Cellular turnover is your skin’s way of producing fresh cells to replace old ones, keeping your skin smooth, healthy, and glowing. But like many things, this process slows down with age. That’s where Retinoids come in.

Retinols and Retinals are part of the Retinoid family, all derivatives of Vitamin A. These active ingredients speed up skin cell turnover, helping to clear clogged pores and reduce the chances of breakouts or blemishes. Prescription-strength Retinoids have been around since the 1970s, often found in acne medications like Retin-A and Accutane. But Retinol, being a milder form, is available in skincare. 

In skincare, Retinoids works by gently exfoliating the skin through cell turnover and boosting collagen production. Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin firm and elastic.

Fun fact: Did you know we lose about 1% of our skin’s collagen per year in our 20s?

This gradual loss leads to sagging and wrinkles over time. By boosting collagen production, Retinoids can help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your complexion looking fresh, plump, and radiant.

So, if Retinol is so great, why does MooGoo not make one?

While many can use Retinoids weekly or daily with no issue, they can cause extreme irritation for those with sensitive skin. Tingling is pretty common with active ingredients, but for sensitive skin types or those prone to Eczema, Psoriasis, or Dermatitis, the effects can potentially be much worse - redness, stinging, flaking, and even burning.

Retinoids also increase sun sensitivity, which isn’t ideal, especially during the summer. Plus, they’re not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It's always best to check with a professional which products are bested suited to your skin. 

If I don’t want to use Retinol, what else is there?

We know Retinoids aren't for everyone, so let’s chat about Bakuchiol. Derived from the seeds and leaves of the Indian Babchi plant (Psoralea Corylifolia), Bakuchiol is a plant-based alternative with impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat wounds, hyperpigmentation, and various skin conditions.

Why do we love it so much? Despite the differences in its chemical structure, Bakuchiol has been clinically proven to have the same benefits as Vitamin A in reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Both Retinoids and Bakuchiol speed up cellular turnover, making your skin smoother and softer. They also stimulate collagen and elastin production for a more youthful, plump look and help control melanin production for even-toned, brightened skin. 

Unlike Retinoids, Bakuchiol can even reduce redness and irritation by blocking the inflammatory response in your skin.

Fun fact #2: It’s pronounced “bah-koo-chee-all” and the Babchi plant sprouts loads of cute little purple flowers!

But here’s the real kicker – Bakuchiol doesn’t come with the side effects that Retinoids do! No redness, irritation, or increased sun sensitivity. Plus, Bakuchiol is “photostable,” meaning you can use it during the day without worrying about sun exposure.

What can I use from MooGoo with Bakuchiol?

First things first, let’s acknowledge that ageing skin is natural and beautiful. Laughter lines are signs of a life well-lived! But there’s also nothing wrong with using ingredients that help keep your skin looking its best.

That’s why anti-ageing products are so popular. And while Retinoids are a top choice, it often comes with a hefty price – in both cost and potential irritation.

Backed by science, Bakuchiol, is natural, gentle, and suitable for all skin types. It’s even safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding - a huge plus for mums-to-be that want to maintain their active skincare routine. Our Bakuchiol Anti-Ageing Active Serum is easy-going compared to Retinoids and can be used daily, morning or night. It also features a liposome delivery system, a technology used to improve the stability, penetration, and effectiveness of active ingredients in skincare products, making them more effective. 

For best results, we would recommend applying our Bakuchiol Active Serum to clean, damp skin. Then, let it absorb and follow up with your favourite face cream (we have a few to choose from). As always, use an SPF as the final step in your morning routine too!