Does bakuchiol work as well as retinol but more gently?
In small studies, bakuchiol shows results comparable to retinol for wrinkles and dark spots while causing less irritation. For sensitive skin or if you do not tolerate retinol well, bakuchiol is the best-supported alternative.
Bakuchiol 0.5% twice a day worked just as well as retinol 0.5% once a day after 12 weeks at reducing wrinkles and dark spots. This was shown in a small study with 44 participants where neither the researchers nor the participants knew who was using which product. The difference between the two was very small, meaning their effects were extremely close to each other.
Where they did differ was in skin irritation. People using retinol much more often experienced flaking and a burning sensation. Those using bakuchiol had far fewer of these complaints. In a separate study with 60 women with sensitive skin, including people with eczema or rosacea, bakuchiol was also well tolerated after four weeks, with a measurable improvement in moisture levels and skin appearance. That study did not include a group of people who received no treatment, however, so it is impossible to say how large the real effect actually was.
The way bakuchiol works appears similar in many respects to how retinol works. Lab experiments with skin cells show that it produces a comparable pattern of gene activity and stimulates collagen production in a similar way. On top of that, bakuchiol also appears to act as an antioxidant and to support wound healing in cell models, something retinol did not do. These are findings from the lab, not proven effects in people.
Independent dermatologists have raised caveats. The available studies are small, last between four and twelve weeks, and are partly funded by the cosmetics industry. Calling bakuchiol a fully proven equivalent of retinol goes too far at this stage. Nevertheless, it is currently the only plant-based alternative with any clinical evidence of comparable effectiveness on wrinkles and pigmentation, and with less skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin or do not tolerate retinol well, bakuchiol has the best support in the current evidence as an alternative.
The strongest evidence comes from one study with 44 participants. That is a small number: the result is promising but could turn out differently in larger studies. The remaining studies are smaller, lack a no-treatment comparison group, or are industry-funded. Independent assessments confirm that the evidence base is narrow. Lab findings on collagen production and antioxidant activity have not yet been tested in large studies in people.
Can your skin get used to retinol so that it stops working as well?
Your skin gets used to the side effects of retinol, such as flaking and redness, but not to the effect itself; the beneficial effect on fine lines and pigmentation does not diminish with continued use.
Does retinol help against wrinkles?
Retinol demonstrably works against wrinkles and improves skin texture, although tretinoin is more powerful for those who can or want to obtain a prescription; people troubled by irritation may consider bakuchiol as an equally effective alternative based on one small study.
Can using too much retinol actually damage your skin?
Cosmetic retinol causes no demonstrable skin damage at normal use levels, though irritation can occur. Stronger prescription retinoids measurably affect the skin barrier and should be used under medical supervision.
Does resveratrol in skin cream actually do anything?
Resveratrol has a demonstrated biological effect, but in ordinary creams the compound breaks down quickly, leaving little active ingredient by the time you apply it. Look for products with encapsulated formulations, as these handle the stability problem more effectively.
Is retinol safe to use after microneedling?
Whether retinol is safe to use directly after microneedling has not been directly studied. Discuss the timing and dosage with your practitioner before applying it.
Does resveratrol really help protect cells against ageing?
Resveratrol protects cells impressively in the lab, but whether that holds true in your body is uncertain: the body breaks the substance down quickly and large studies in people are largely absent.