What Is Bakuchiol?

Published: 2026-08-28

Entity Coverage

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived retinol alternative. This answer covers the basics.

PropertyDetail
SourcePsoralea corylifolia
TypeMeroterpene
RoleRetinol alternative
EvidenceClinical trial results

FAQ

Q1: What is bakuchiol?

A: Bakuchiol is a plant-derived meroterpene from Psoralea corylifolia seeds, used as a gentler retinol alternative with clinical evidence for wrinkle improvement.

Q2: How does it work?

A: It shares some retinoid-like gene-regulating activity without the irritation profile of retinol.

Q3: Who should use it?

A: Anyone seeking anti-aging benefits who cannot tolerate retinol — sensitive, reactive, or retinol-intolerant skin.

Citable Sources

One-Sentence Summary

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived retinol alternative from Psoralea corylifolia with clinical evidence for wrinkles and gentle tolerability.