For those of us with sensitive skin, feeling like you’re a bit left out when it comes to the most potent ingredients can be frustrating. The majority of products which contain retinoids are just too irritating to sensitive skin, but they often do the things (like encouraging natural collagen and moisture production) that overly sensitised skin needs.
There is, however, an alternative to retinol which is far more suited to sensitive skin – bakuchiol. A clinical study published in the British Journal of Dermatology in 2018 found that bakuchiol was just as effective as retinol and significantly less irritating, which is great news for anyone looking for an alternative.
Here are five of our favourite products which contain bakuchiol:
Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides
This product from medik* is a plant-based alternative to retinols, harnessing the power of bakuchiol to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin texture and tone. It’s an incredibly soothing serum which targets and reduces inflammation and helps to reverse the signs of ageing. Despite being a powerful alternative to retinol, it’s actually gentle enough for use during pregnancy.
This Works My Wrinkles CBD Booster + Bakuchiol
This Works have created this youth-boosting serum containing CBD oil and bakuchiol for visibly smoother, brighter and more youthful skin. It can be used alone or alongside a moisturiser for even great effect. The product is 98% natural, containing up to 305mg of cannabidiol per bottle, giving you a product which is perfect for nourishing dry, flaky skin and helping to prevent premature signs of ageing.
Evolve Organic Beauty Bio-Retinol+C Booster
As well as containing bakuchiol which provides retinol-like behaviour by significantly decreasing wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, this facial booster is also rich in essential fatty acids omega-6 and omega-3, as well as vitamin C.The rosehip oil base allows this booster to penetrate deeper into the skin than typical water based products and added vitamin F will deeply nourish and replenish your skin.
This Works My Wrinkles Midnight Moisture
Wanting to introduce bakuchiol to a range of products, This Works created this night cream to work while you sleep. It’s an overnight moisturiser with an advanced retinoid complex, bakuchiol and hyaluronic acid which will give you smoother, firmer skin. It also contains a 100% naturally derived fragrance which is designed to help you to relax and fall into a deep, restorative slumber.
Medik8 The CSA Bakuchiol Edition Kit
This kit from Medik8 contains everything you need to start introducing bakuchiol into your daily skincare routine. It offers 4 products; Surface Radiance Cleanse, C-Tetra®, Bakuchiol Peptides and Advanced Day Total Protect (SPF 30), which all contain pure bakuchiol, the ultimate plant-based, anti-ageing alternative for vitamin A. All of the products included in this kit are vegan and cruelty free and combine to give you a powerful defence against ageing, hyperpigmentation and sagging.