The Index · Meroterpene phenol
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol
Retinol-like effects in one small head-to-head trial; evidence base is thin.
LimitedSmall or uncontrolled studies
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Bakuchiol is a meroterpene phenol isolated from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia. It is not a retinoid — it does not bind retinoic acid receptors — but in gene-expression work it moves many of the same targets[2].
The evidence
The study everyone cites is a 12-week, randomised, double-blind trial of 44 people comparing 0.5 % bakuchiol twice daily against 0.5 % retinol once daily. Both groups saw similar reductions in wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation; the bakuchiol group reported less scaling and stinging[1].
That is a real result, but it is one small trial with an unusual dosing asymmetry. Until it is replicated, the grade stays at Limited.
Evidence by claim
Graded separately; the entry grade is the best-supported claim
Improves wrinkles and pigmentation comparably to 0.5 % retinol[1]
LimitedOne 12-week trial, n = 44.
Regulates retinoid-responsive genes without binding retinoid receptors[2]
EmergingSafety & limits
Source and region, always
all — No restrictions; generally well tolerated at 0.5–1 %. CA US EU UK
Sources · 2
Numbered as cited in the text
- [1]Dhaliwal S, Rybak I, Ellis SR, et al.. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology (2019)doi:10.1111/bjd.16918
- [2]Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2014)doi:10.1111/ics.12117
Revision history
16 Sept 2026Entry createdTheSkindex Desk