For your skin
A plant-based alternative to retinol. Smooths fine lines and evens tone with much less irritation, making it safer for sensitive skin.
Want the science? Keep reading ↓Mechanism of action
Plant-derived meroterpene that modulates retinoid-like gene expression without irritation.
Why we tier this moderate
6 cited papers across 2 countries. The mechanism is well-described and there's at least one controlled trial in the literature, but we tier this Moderate rather than Strong to stay honest about how many specific papers we cite directly.
Layering matrix
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Cited research
Fanning N et al., Human Clinical Trials Using Topical Bakuchiol Formulations for the Treatment of Skin Disorders: A Systematic Review, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2024;23(4):239-243 — bakuchiol trials suggest efficacy but are methodologically limited (mostly uncontrolled, combination formulations)
Hu L et al., Effect and Mechanism of Tricholoma matsutake Extract Combined with Bakuchiol and Ergothioneine on UVB-Induced Skin Aging, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2024
Puyana C et al., Applications of Bakuchiol in Dermatology: Systematic Review of the Literature, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2022
Brownell L et al., A Clinical Study Evaluating the Efficacy of Topical Bakuchiol (UP256) Cream on Facial Acne, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2021;20(3):307-310 — topical bakuchiol reduced inflammatory acne lesions and PIH in darker skin types
Draelos ZD, Clinical Evaluation of a Nature-Based Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2020;19(12):1181-1183 — 4-week bakuchiol regimen well-tolerated with anti-aging benefit in sensitive skin
Dhaliwal S et al., Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing, British Journal of Dermatology 2019;180(2):289-296 — bakuchiol and retinol both significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, no statistical difference between compounds, bakuchiol better tolerated
Sources: 10 clinical journals and regulatory databases across the US, EU, Korea, Japan, and China. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for the full list and what each outcome label means.