Can You Use Bakuchiol and Retinol Together Safely? Research Shows How to Combine Them

Can You Use Bakuchiol and Retinol Together?

With the rise in popularity of clean, natural skincare ingredients like bakuchiol, many people are wondering if it can be used safely with retinol. Bakuchiol has been shown to have similar effects as retinol, leading some to tout it as a plant-based alternative. But can these two ingredients be used together in one skincare routine? Let's take a closer look.

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is derived from the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia). This plant has a long history of use in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for treating various skin conditions. Modern research has shown that bakuchiol contains powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

In terms of skincare benefits, studies have found that bakuchiol can:

• Reduce signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation
• Improve skin elasticity and firmness
• Hydrate, smooth, and brighten skin tone
• Stimulate collagen production
• Calm acne and redness

These effects are likely due to bakuchiol's ability to regulate cell growth and turnover. It's been shown to help skin renew itself faster and reduce oxidative stress that can lead to premature aging.

How Does Bakuchiol Compare to Retinol?

Much of the excitement around bakuchiol is due to its ability to mimic the effects of retinol, without the potential for irritation. Retinol is the most clinically-proven anti-aging ingredient available today. It is a derivative of Vitamin A that helps:

• Minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity
• Brighten skin tone and improve pigmentation
• Unclog pores and treat acne
• Stimulate collagen production for firmer skin

However, retinol is also famous for causing dryness, peeling, redness, and sensitivity in many people, especially when just starting out. This is because it accelerates skin cell turnover rapidly. The irritating "retinization" period usually lasts for several weeks before the skin adjusts.

Bakuchiol is gentler. Studies have shown comparable collagen-boosting and antioxidant effects as retinol, with virtually no side effects. One 12-week study found that bakuchiol reduced wrinkles and pigmentation as effectively as retinol, but with no dryness or skin scaling.

Both ingredients have been shown to improve acne as well. Retinol works by speeding up cell turnover to prevent dead skin cell buildup. Bakuchiol reduces acne through its antibacterial properties. It also minimizes pores.

Benefits of Using Bakuchiol and Retinol Together

Using bakuchiol and retinol together can provide complementary benefits:

• Reduced Irritation: Adding a bakuchiol serum or oil to your routine before applying retinol can help minimize the dryness and peeling that often comes with retinol usage, especially when starting out.
• Enhanced Results: Using the two ingredients together gives you the best of both worlds. Bakuchiol provides collagen stimulation while retinol speeds up cell turnover. This can lead to more dramatic anti-aging and acne-clearing results.
• Prevent Over-Exfoliation: Bakuchiol is very gentle compared to prescription-strength retinoids. Using them together ensures your skin won't get over-exfoliated, which can damage the skin barrier.
• Alternative for Sensitive Skin: If you try retinol but your skin becomes too irritated, bakuchiol used alone may provide similar smoothing and anti-aging effects without the harshness.

How to Use Bakuchiol and Retinol Together

When combining bakuchiol and retinol, there are some best practices to follow:

• Introduce bakuchiol first, using it for 1-2 weeks before adding in any retinol. This allows your skin to get used to it.
• Start slow with retinol, using just 1-2 times per week at first. Slowly increase frequency based on your skin's tolerance.
• Use bakuchiol in the morning and retinol at night. Do not use both at the same time in the same routine.
• Apply bakuchiol before retinol. Let the bakuchiol absorb fully before layering on retinol.
• Keep using moisturizers and sunscreen. Bakuchiol and retinol can both make skin more sensitive to sun damage.
• Look for signs of over-exfoliation like increased redness, dryness, burning. Dial back use if this occurs.

Some effective bakuchiol products to try include OleHenriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner, Biossance Squalane + Bakuchiol Serum, Youth To The People Superberry Oil, and Herbivore Bakuchiol Serum. For retinol, RoC Retinol Correxion Night Serum and Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum are well-tolerated options.

Introduce one new product at a time and give your skin 2-4 weeks to adjust to each before adding another. Monitor closely for irritation.

Who Should Avoid Using Bakuchiol and Retinol Together?

While bakuchiol and retinol can work well together for many people, the combo may be too potent for some skin types, such as:

• Sensitive Skin: People prone to reactions from skin care may experience redness, peeling, or dryness from layering these two active ingredients.
• Pregnant Women: Oral retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy. While topical retinol is considered safer, many doctors still recommend avoiding it.
• Eczema or Rosacea: Both conditions involve skin barrier dysfunction. The exfoliating effect of retinol may be too much.

Those with very sensitive skin may find that bakuchiol alone provides significant anti-aging effects without irritation. Using bakuchiol 2-3 times per week is enough for most people. It can take 8-12 weeks to see the full results.

Side Effects of Bakuchiol and Retinol

When used properly, bakuchiol and retinol generally do not cause side effects or reactions for most people. However, possible issues to watch for include:

• Dryness, peeling, flaking - especially when starting retinol use
• Redness, irritation
• Sun sensitivity - use sunscreen daily when using these ingredients
• Allergic reaction - discontinue use if hives, itching or swelling occurs

The key is to start slow, only use one active ingredient at a time, and monitor your skin closely. Talk to your dermatologist if you have concerns.

The Bottom Line

Bakuchiol and retinol can work very well together for anti-aging, acne-fighting, and collagen-boosting benefits. Bakuchiol is gentler and provides a more tolerable option for those who experience irritation from retinol.

The best approach is to introduce bakuchiol first, then slowly add in retinol. Use them at different times of day and watch carefully for increased dryness or redness. When used properly, this dynamic duo can safely take your skin to the next level.

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.