Bakuchiol Science Review 

  • Summary of primary research when available.
  • We exclude trials on products with multiple active ingredients as they are usually designed to validate a specific mixture.
  • Updated as new information becomes available.

 

These 4 Performance Botanicals are used in our Bakuchiol Age Support Elevated Face Oil

Bakuchiol

  • Bakuchiol had comparable effect to retinol with improved tolerability 
    • 44 humans, blinded, randomized, 0.5% vs. 0.5%, 12 weeks of use (B1)
  • Similar effects on gene expression and stimulation of collagen
    • In vitro, side-by-side, human dermal fibroblasts and full thickness skin substitutes (B2) 
  • Improved elasticity, firmness, lines/wrinkles, and pigmentation; without undesirable effects
    • 17 humans, 0.5%, 12 weeks of use (B2) 
  • Improved smoothness, feel, clarity, radiance, and increased measurable moisture content. Well tolerated by a panel with eczema, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, and cosmetic intolerance syndrome 
    • 60-humans with sensitive skin, 1%, 4 weeks of use (B3)   
  • Significant reduction in acne lesions, improved appearance of scars, tolerated well. 
    • 13 humans with acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (predominantly skin of color), 0.5%, 12 weeks of use (B4) 
  • Improved skin remodeling, firmness, radiance. Measurable decrease in eye-area droopiness and wrinkle depth. Well tolerated.
    • 43 white humans, mixed skin types, Age 45+, bakuchiol 1.5%, 56 days of use (B5)
    • In a lab experiment, Bakuchiol was found to significantly inhibit growth of p acnes, staph aureus, staph epidermidis, and candida albicans (B6) 
    • 1% Bakuchiol found to reduce acne lesions better than 2% salicylic acid (B6)
      • 13 humans in Bakuchiol group, 14 humans in Salicylic acid group, 15 humans in the control group. Results started to be seen after as early as 2 weeks of use and continued to increase for 6 weeks.
      • There was also a 15 human group that used a combination of Bakuchiol and salicylic acid and they saw the most significant reduction in their acne lesions.
    • In a lab experiment on human cells the following results were found (B7):
      • Bakuchiol had high antioxidant power and capacity, retinol did not
      • Bakuchiol stimulated keratinocytes and fibroblasts, suggesting regenerative, wound healing properties, retinol did not
      • Bakuchiol and retinol both reduced inflammation
      • Bakuchiol and retinol both stimulated collagen related proteins
    • Improved perceived facial skin youthfulness in 34 humans who used Bakuchiol for 12 weeks (B7)
    • 1/34 (mild) versus 12/52 (5 severe) people experienced skin sensitivities to Bakuchiol versus retinol (B7)
    Bakuchiol Supplier Information

      Imperata Cylindrica

      • Information We use a preservative free, oil based version.
      • Described as working to draw water into the skin for long lasting hydration. The mechanism is felt to be due to a combination of potassium and a phytochemical called DMSP. Together they work to enhance osmosis and increase intracellular water content. 

      Date Seed Extract

      • Improvement in facial skin hydration, elasticity, melanin, wrinkle size and depth. Well tolerated without side effects.
        • 43 humans, twice daily use for 8 weeks (D1)
      • Reduced surface wrinkles by 27.6%, reduced wrinkle depth by 3.52%. 60% of the participants felt results were noticeable.
        • 10 women aged 46-58, twice daily use for 5 weeks (D2)
      • Information

      Sweet White Lupine Seed Extract

      • Information: Described as a patented active molecule that works to improve the look of wrinkles and sagging skin.

       

      Bakuchiol Age Support Science Review Reference List

      D1

      Alsohaimi A, Fouda AM. Assessment of the Effect of Extract Formulation of Date Palm Kernel on Facial Skin Wrinkles: Biophysical Measurements and Digital Profilometry. J Cosmet Sci. 2019 Nov/Dec;70(6):277-290. PMID: 31829921.

      D2

      Bauza E, Dal Farra C, Berghi A, Oberto G, Peyronel D, Domloge N. Date palm kernel extract exhibits antiaging properties and significantly reduces skin wrinkles. Int J Tissue React. 2002;24(4):131-6. PMID: 12779247.

      B1

      Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR, Notay M, Trivedi M, Burney W, Vaughn AR, Nguyen M, Reiter P, Bosanac S, Yan H, Foolad N, Sivamani RK. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Feb;180(2):289-296. Epub 2018 Sep 21. 

      B2

      Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Jun;36(3):221-30. Epub 2014 Mar 6. 

      B3

      Draelos ZD, Gunt H, Zeichner J, Levy S. Clinical Evaluation of a Nature-Based Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin. J Drugs Dermatol. 2020 Dec 1;19(12):1181-1183.

      B4

      Brownell L, Green S, E Y, Lee WL. A Clinical Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Topical Bakuchiol (UP256) Cream on Facial Acne. J Drugs Dermatol. 2021 Mar 1;20(3):307-310.

      B5

      Bacqueville, D., Maret, A., Noizet, M., Duprat, L., Coutanceau, C., Georgescu, V., Bessou-Touya, S., & Duplan, H. (2020). Efficacy of a Dermocosmetic Serum Combining Bakuchiol and Vanilla Tahitensis Extract to Prevent Skin Photoaging in vitro and to Improve Clinical Outcomes for Naturally Aged Skin. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 13, 359–370.

      B6

      Chaudhuri, Ratan & Marchio, Francois. (2011). Bakuchiol in the management of acne-affected Skin. Cosmet. Toiletries. 126. 502-510. 

      B7

      Bluemke A, Ring AP, Immeyer J, Hoff A, Eisenberg T, Gerwat W, Meyer F, Breitkreutz S, Klinger LM, Brandner JM, Sandig G, Seifert M, Segger D, Rippke F, Schweiger D. Multidirectional activity of bakuchiol against cellular mechanisms of facial ageing - Experimental evidence for a holistic treatment approach. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2022 Jun;44(3):377-393.