Bakuchiol is a natural, retinol-like compound that boosts collagen synthesis to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and helps fade dark spots.

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol has been used in skincare products for a number of years and has replaced retinol as the main anti-ageing ingredient. Esse has been at the forefront of this movement and has included Bakuchiol in its anti-acne treatments, Clarifying Oil and Clarifying Spot Corrector. The launch of Bakuchiol Serum is the brand's first attempt at using Bakuchiol for anti-ageing treatments.

Bakuchiol is not to be confused with babchi oil and is purified from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, a plant native to East Asia. Babchi oil is an unrefined seed oil, which itself has some toxicity issues. The purification process is critical, and Esse tests each batch with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to ensure optimal health. Bakuchiol is a pure compound that is well tolerated and therefore suitable for sensitive skin.

What are the benefits of Bakuchiol?

In a treatment study, Bakuchiol showed the same improvements in anti-aging properties as retinol, but without its unwanted side effects. Several studies have shown that Bakuchiol increases the expression of genes that produce collagen and elastin - proteins that are central to improving skin firmness and elasticity. Studies have also shown that bakuchiol increases the expression of genes responsible for the production of aquaporin channels to maintain water balance. Bakuchiol has been shown to increase collagen and elastin production, which leads to more firmness and elasticity, which in turn makes the skin more elastic.