Bakuchiol is the natural skincare ingredient delivering retinol-like results

Retinol or vitamin A is, arguably, the most revolutionary anti-ageing skin care ingredients of the last decade. Why? It's proven to stimulate collagen production in your skin cells. Collagen is a protein and our skin's building block - naturally designed to nix fine lines and create a smoother, wrinkle-free visage. To put it simply, the more collagen in your skin cells - the younger you look. 

However, retinol is not a one size fits all solution. There's a catch: Retinol can wreak havoc on sensitive skin types, causing irritation and rendering a host of creams and serums as too harsh.

Finally, there’s an alternative. Cue: Bakuchiol (pronounced buh-koo-chee-all). A completely natural retinol alternative that's vegan, super gentle and causing a buzz in the beauty world.

The plant derivative was first used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and is derived from the Indian babchi plant. "Bakuchiol has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antibacterial properties," Sejal Shah, a certified dermatologist, told Allure.

"Bakuchiol functions similar to retinol, increasing cell turnover thereby stimulating collagen production and diminishing signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and overall photo damage," she says.

Moreover, the British Journal of Dermatology found that bakuchiol is just as effective as retinol when it came to addressing signs of ageing, but that it was also was less irritating. Like retinol, bakuchiol targets fine lines, wrinkles, and lack of elasticity and firmness. It significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation and was found to be less irritating, resulting in reduced stinging and scaling.

Here are the best bakuchiol products to add to your skincare routine.

Huxley Secret of Sahara Oil Essence

A unique oil/essence hybrid that blends antioxidant-rich organic Sahara cactus oil into a lightweight essence for lasting hydration and intense nourishment.

Cost: Approximately $65.68 at iherb.com.au

Ole Henrickson Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Crème

A night cream designed to deeply hydrate and target fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Cost: $88 at sephora.com.au

Ole Henrickson Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum

An all-in-one serum designed to address ageing and promote a youthful, glowing skin tone. 

Cost: $78 at sephora.com.au

Oskia Power Serum 16

Packed with 16 nutrients and bio-actives that firm the skin, diminish fine lines and reduce inflammation.

Cost: Approximately $140.52 at net-a-porter.com/au

BYBI Beauty Booster Bakuchiol Oil in Olive Squalane

A nighttime facial booster oil that can be mixed in with your existing skin care products, or applied on its on.

Cost: $24 at ASOS.com/au

If you're looking for more information on anti-ageing ingredients, check out our story on ingredients that boost collagen production in skin.

Have you tried bakuchiol before? Let us know your thoughts on it in the comments.

A version of this article was originally published on marieclaire.com.au

Main image credit: @bambilegit