What the science says about Bakuchiol
Peer-reviewed research on Bakuchiol, summarised in plain language. Every study links to its record on PubMed so you can read it yourself.
Bakuchiol for anti-aging
Not proven yet for anti-agingFew or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.
- Both studies that tested it on its own found it helped with signs of aging
- It improved skin smoothness, appearance, and how much water the skin held
- It reduced wrinkles and dark spots about as well as retinol
- The reported side effects were less scaling and stinging than retinol
6 studies
Human Clinical Trials Using Topical Bakuchiol Formulations for the Treatment of Skin Disorders: A Systematic Review.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2024Systematic reviewNeutral
A review found that mixed treatments and weak study designs made it hard to tell how bakuchiol worked.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Genistein Plus Bakuchiol and Vitamins (GEN+) Product for Male Facial Skin: Effects on Skin Appearance and Properties.
Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)2026RCT80 participantsNeutral
In a 12-week trial of 80 men, a product with bakuchiol improved cheek brightness, skin tone consistency, and forehead spots compared with a placebo.
Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing.
The British journal of dermatology2019RCT44 participants0·5%Positive
In a 12-week study of 44 people, bakuchiol cream reduced wrinkles and dark spots about as well as retinol, with less scaling and stinging.
Clinical Evaluation of a Nature-Based Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2020Clinical trial60 participantsPositive
In a 4-week study of 60 people with sensitive skin, a bakuchiol skin-care routine improved smoothness, appearance, and skin moisture.
Efficacy and safety of a 3-in-1 antiaging night facial serum containing melatonin, bakuchiol, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate through clinical and histological analysis.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2020Clinical trial24 participantsPositive
In a study of 24 people, a night serum with bakuchiol and two other ingredients improved several visible signs of skin aging over 12 weeks.
An Open Label Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Tolerance of a Retinol and Vitamin C Facial Regimen in Women With Mild-to-Moderate Hyperpigmentation and Photodamaged Facial Skin.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2016Clinical trial44 participantsPositive
In a 12-week study of 44 women, a facial regimen containing bakuchiol improved facial skin signs, but dryness increased early and later faded.
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.
How we grade research for anti-aging