Using Bakuchiol and Vitamin C Together in Your Skincare Routine
With countless active skincare ingredients available these days, layering multiple actives can take your skin goals to the next level. Two of the most popular are bakuchiol and vitamin C serums.
Bakuchiol is a gentler natural alternative to retinol derived from the babchi plant. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant for brightening and boosting collagen. Using both together offers complementary benefits.
But is it safe and effective to combine bakuchiol and vitamin C? Let's explore how these two darling ingredients work, whether you can use them together, and tips for including them in your routine.
Understanding How Bakuchiol Works
First, what exactly is bakuchiol? This naturally-derived ingredient comes from seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi) plant.
Modern research shows babchi extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and collagen-protecting abilities when applied to skin. Most notably, it appears to help:
- Smooth fine lines and wrinkles
- Improve skin firmness
- Enhance skin cell turnover
- Reduce hyperpigmentation
These processes make bakuchiol function similarly to retinol. However, it works through different pathways and is much gentler with far lower risks of irritation, redness and peeling.
How Vitamin C Benefits Skin
Vitamin C is arguably one of the most researched skincare ingredients, and for good reason. This potent antioxidant can provide a range of beauty benefits when applied topically, including:
- Brighter, more even complexion
- Reduced dark spots and discoloration
- Increased collagen production
- Better barrier protection
- Higher skin moisture levels
These impressive effects make advanced vitamin C serums a staple of many anti-aging skincare routines. Using L-ascorbic acid and derivatives like tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate ensures good absorption and efficacy.
Are Bakuchiol and Vitamin C Safe to Combine?
Fortunately, using bakuchiol and vitamin C products together poses little issue. In fact, combining them offers some nice complementary properties.
As two antioxidants, vitamin C and babchi extract join forces against free radicals that accelerate aging. Vitamin C also reinforces barrier health to allow bakuchiol and other actives to better penetrate.
Additionally, research in one 2018 study showed combining bakuchiol with vitamin B3 and C improved skin elasticity comparable to a .5% retinol treatment with far less irritation potential.
The biggest consideration when layering these ingredients is pH levels. Vitamin C works best under pH 3.5, while bakuchiol prefers a more neutral pH around 5-6.
Using acidic vitamin C and bakuchiol too closely together could impact effectiveness. But as long as you space them out properly in your regimen, they'll work beautifully together!
Who Should Use Bakuchiol and Vitamin C?
Bakuchiol and vitamin C products target common skin concerns like wrinkles, uneven tone, breakouts and loss of firmness. In particular, pairing vitamin C and babchiol is ideal for:
- Anyone wanting to minimize irritation from products like retinol or AHA chemical exfoliants
- Those with sensitive or reactive skin prone to inflammation
- People struggling with hyperpigmentation and aging skin effects like fine lines and sagging
- Pregnant or breastfeeding moms looking to improve skin safely
How to Use Bakuchiol and Vitamin C Together
Ready to bring bakuchiol and vitamin C into your skincare lineup? Here are helpful steps for maximizing results:
Cleanse Skin and Apply pH-Dependent Products First
In the evenings, start by gently cleansing skin of makeup, SPF and impurities. Follow up quickly with pH dependent items like vitamin C serums before moving on in your routine.
Apply Bakuchiol Serum or Moisturizer Next
After vitamin C absorbed for a few minutes, smooth on your babchi oil or moisturizer over face, neck and décolletage.
Look for formulas with 1-2% bakuchiol concentration like Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Oil or Olehenriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Crème.
Follow with Other Hydrating Products Last
If skin feels tight or dry after vitamin C and bakuchiol, give your complexion a moisture boost as the last step. A hydrating essence, daily cream or face oil helps seal everything in for radiant skin.
Use AM and PM Based on Product Types
Water-free bakuchiol formulas like oils often work well morning and night. But you may choose to use vitamin C just at night if it’s very acidic or contains direct acids like L-absorbic.
Opt for gentler vitamin C derivatives in the AM under sunscreen. This prevents sensitivity from layering multiple strong actives in the mornings.
Complementary Skincare Actives
While vitamin C and babchi extract make a dream combination for anti-aging and brightening, they also pair beautifully with other ingredients like:
Niacinamide
This barrier-strengthening B vitamin complements vitamin C’s collagen effect and bakuchiol’s irritation protection.
Hyaluronic Acid
As the ultimate hydrator, hyaluronic acid allows bakuchiol and vitamin C to better penetrate while boosting moisture levels.
Alpha-Arbutin
This gentle hydroquinone alternative inhibits melanin production to fight hyperpigmentation similar to vitamin C.
Squalane Oil
This weightless olive-derived oil fortifies barrier function to support bakuchiol and vitamin C uptake while locking in hydration.
Ferulic Acid
Often added to vitamin C formulas, ferulic acid stabilizes and extends vitamin C potency for an antioxidant powerhouse combo.
Potential Side Effects
As predominantly safe natural ingredients, bakuchiol and vitamin C rarely cause negative side effects. But some people report:
Bakuchiol
- Allergic contact dermatitis (uncommon)
- Warmth, tingling or itching when first applied
Vitamin C
- Dryness or flaking, especially pure L-absorbic acid formulas
- Contact dermatitis
- Redness or irritation
Doing a small patch test before full application minimizes chances of reaction. And moisturizing well after vitamin C controls potential dryness issues.
The Takeaway
Pairing the replenishing effects of vitamin C with the resurfacing and collagen-protecting abilities of bakuchiol makes for a powerful anti-aging duo. Using them together hydrates and brightens skin while fighting wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
Make sure to adequately space them out in your AM/PM routine based on pH. Then enjoy the rejuvenating synergy of bakuchiol and vitamin C serums or moisturizers!
FAQs
Can you use bakuchiol with AHAs like glycolic acid?
Yes, bakuchiol and AHAs like glycolic acid work well together. Just don’t apply them at the exact same time. We’d recommend using acidic AHAs first, allowing them to absorb fully before applying your bakuchiol product a few minutes later.
Is bakuchiol or retinol better?
For most people, bakuchiol is the gentler, safer option compared to prescription retinoids and OTC retinols. Those with very sensitive skin likely benefit more from a babchi extract serum or oil than potentially irritating retinoid treatments.
Can you use niacinamide with vitamin C?
Absolutely! Niacinamide and vitamin C complement each other beautifully in skincare routines, even applied together in the same product formulations. Some research shows combining them may offer enhanced benefits too.
Does L-ascorbic acid expire?
Yes, vitamin C serums containing unstable L-ascorbic acid do expire more quickly than stabilized formulas. To maintain best potency and effectiveness, toss L-absorbic acid vitamin C serums after about 3 months post-opening.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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