Whether your skin care concern is wrinkles, dark spots, or texture issues (or maybe all three!), there’s one ingredient that experts agree can change your skin for the better: Retinol. The ingredient has essentially earned a spot in the hypothetical skin care hall of fame—and for good reason.But unfortunately, not everyone can use this ingredient, and it can come with a few unwanted side effects—namely redness, flaking, and irritation—which is why many people have started to turn to retinol alternatives, like botanically sourced bakuchiol, a natural, plant-derived alternative to a retinoid or retinol, for the same skin-boosting benefits.
In fact, bakuchiol has already become a main player in the skin care game, quickly gaining popularity due to its collagen stimulating properties and efficacy on combating fine lines and wrinkles (sans irritation!).
So, if you prefer to steer clear of traditional retinol but want a more youthful-looking complexion, you’ll want to invest in a bakuchiol product ASAP. But if you’re not too familiar with the ingredient just yet, don’t worry. We’re here to break down everything you need to know. Read on to find out exactly why this ingredient works and the best bakuchiol-based products to buy.
First, why is bakuchiol a good alternative to retinol?
To put it simply, bakuchiol is a more gentle ingredient. “In many of its forms, retinol is not tolerated well by all skin types due to its exfoliating and cell-turnover-increasing nature,” explains Brian Goodwin, International Educator for Eminence Organic Skin Care. “Though retinol’s primary benefits—such as brightening hyperpigmentation, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and assisting with breakouts—are in part due to its exfoliating action, not all skin types will tolerate this form or level of exfoliation well.”
While bakuchiol boasts similar benefits to traditional retinol, the plant-based ingredient also includes properties that allow it to be better tolerated by those with dry or reactive skin. Products that include the ingredient, like Eminence Organics’ Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Collection, are kinder to the skin and do not cause irritation, dryness or UV sensitivity. “In contrast to traditional retinol, these ingredients do quite the opposite and are protective rather than compromising,” explains Goodwin.
What kind of results will you see after using this ingredient?
When using products with bakuchiol, specifically within the Eminence Organics Bakuchiol + Niacinamide line, users can expect a reduction in the visible signs of aging (think fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone), a decline in the appearance of pores, and a smoother-looking skin texture.
Similar to traditional retinol, it also takes time for results to set in, so be sure to stay consistent with your routine in order to see the best results.
What bakuchiol-based products should you use?
No surprise here, but every good skin care routine needs a reliable moisturizer. The Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer ($69) is a lightweight cream that can be used day and night to provide ageless benefits while also hydrating and softening the skin. Niacinamide — an ingredient that supports the skin’s barrier function, retains hydration, and brightens the look of an uneven skin tone — is also included in this product to give your complexion a more luminous appearance.
In order to provide the benefits of bakuchiol and get protection from UV damage, Eminence Organics also recently launched the Radiant Protection SPF Fluid ($58). Not only will this product help produce healthier, more youthful-looking skin thanks to the bakuchiol and niacinamide, it also includes the ingredient zinc oxide to protect from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Talk about a win-win.
The bottom line
Those who want complexion-boosting benefits without the use of traditional retinol should certainly give Eminence Organics’ Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Collection a try. With consistent use, it can help visibly smooth lines, even out the look of skin tone and tighten pores, to reveal healthy-looking skin.
Plus, according to the brand, 95% of users agreed their skin felt and looked smoother after using the Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer (in vivo study results after 12 weeks), so you can rest assured your skin is actually benefiting from usage. With all these complexion-boosting benefits in mind, we consider this purchase a no-brainer.
