In the vast landscape of skincare and natural ingredients, Bakuchi oil is a hidden gem. Bakuchi has a long-standing history in Ayurveda for being used in traditional Ayurvedic medicines. However, Bakuchi’s benefits for the skin are also not hidden. Known by different names, Babchi, Bemchi, or Bavanchiyan, this humble plant holds various benefits for the skin. In this blog, let us explore how using Bakuchi oil in your regular skincare regimen can significantly improve the skin and give you healthy, glowing skin.
What Is Bakuchi Oil
Bakuchi oil is a herbal oil that is derived from babchi seeds or the seeds of the Psoralea Corylifolia plant. This plant is native to the sub-tropical countries of Asia, Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
The botanical extracts of babchi seeds have been used in Ayurveda for ages for medicinal purposes. Bakuchi oil contains bakuchiol, a natural compound with retinol-like qualities. Bakuchi benefits for skin are often noted in reducing fine lines, boosting collagen and rejuvenating the skin.
Bakuchi oil is known by various names in Ayurveda and across India. In Ayurveda, it is often referred to as Chandrika, Somvil or Tvagdoshghani. Meanwhile, in southern India, bakuchi oil is known as Bavanchalu, Karkokil or Karpokarishi.
History of Backuchiol
Bakuchiol has been used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine for ages. It was used to treat skin issues like eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo.
Owing to the bakuchi oil benefits in cell regeneration, Ayurveda and TCM utilised the seeds and leaves for centuries.
In the 2000s, many skincare experts returned to using bakuchiol for skin for its anti-ageing properties.
Now, it is used as an alternative to Retinol as the babchi plant is gentle on the skin and does not have any side effects. It is considered as a natural retinol.
Read this blog to know more about naturally derived retinol.
How Is Babchi Oil Prepared?
The purest form of Bakuchi oil for skin is extracted through a slow and complex Ayurvedic process.
The process starts with picking ripe Babchi seeds from the babchi plant. The seeds are handpicked. They are cleaned and dried in the sun before the oil extraction begins.
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Traditional Ayurvedic Process:
The traditional process of extracting Bakuchi oil from babchi seeds is called Snehapaak. Dried babchi seeds are soaked in a carrier oil like coconut oil or sesame oil for 4-5 days. Then, the oil is gently heated for hours to derive pure Bakuchi oil for skin and medical uses.
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Cold-Pressed Method:
In modern times, Babchi oil is prepared using the cold-pressed method. Babchi seeds are ground and cold-pressed to derive a very concentrated form of Bakuchiol.
Difference Between Bakuchiol And Retinol
People often ask - What is the difference between Bakuchiol and Retinol because they are both used for skin anti-aging. But Retinol is very different from bakuchiol for skin.
Here are some of the key differences between Bakuchi oil and retinol.
1. Source
Retinol: Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A, which can be synthesised or taken from plants/animals.
Bakuchiol: Bakuchi oil, or Bakuchiol, is made from Babchi seeds that come from the Psoralea corylifolia plant. It is vegan.
2. Skin Sensitivity
Retinol: Retinol can cause irritation, redness, and peeling as it is a very active ingredient. It is not recommended for people with Sensitive skin.
Bakuchiol: Bakuchiol does not cause any skin issues as it is gentle and mild. It also moisturises the skin and is suitable for all skin types (including sensitive skin).
3. Safety
Retinol: Retinol is not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It can also cause sun sensitivity.
Bakuchiol: Bakuchi oil is safe to use, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It does not cause sensitive skin.
4. Usage Frequency
Retinol: It should be used 2-3 times a week. Do not use it every day.
Bakuchiol: It can be used every day as it is gentle.
5. Overall Efficiency
Retinol: Retinol reduces signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation. It increases cell turnover and improves overall skin texture. But, you should introduce it to your skincare routine gradually.
Bakuchiol: Bakuchi oil boosts collagen production, which leads to reduced fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a youthful appearance. It is beginner-friendly and also suitable for acne-prone skin.
Retinol can give faster results, but Bakuchiol is better for sensitive and acne-prone skin. You can choose either, as per your requirement, however, always be careful before using retinol.
It is best to consult a dermatologist before starting to use Retinol.
Read this blog to understand the difference between retinol and retinoid
Uses of Babchi Oil
1. Bakuchi oil benefits for skin
As you know, Bakuchi oil is being used for graceful ageing. But bakuchiol benefits for skin are not limited to just anti-ageing. It can treat hyperpigmentation & dark spots and help fade blemishes, melasma, and uneven skin tone.
Rich in Bakuchiol, bakuchi oil is a natural retinol alternative that boosts collagen. It also has antibacterial properties that prevent breakouts and acne.
Checkout this post to know how to use natural retinol in your skincare routine.
2. Hair care uses of Bakuchi oil
If you have been only using bakuchiol for skin, you are missing out! Because Bakuchi oil is very beneficial for hair. It stimulates hair growth, promotes a healthy scalp, and gives you shiny hair. It has moisturising properties, which leads to well-hydrated and soft hair.
3. Supports Wound Healing
As you know, bakuchi oil improves cell regeneration. But this benefit is not just limited to anti-ageing, you can also use babchi oil for healing wounds and reducing scars.
In Ayurveda, babchi oil uses included medicinal treatment for cuts and burns. It is still used to fade scars and stretch marks.
4. Joint & Muscle Pain Relief
Bakuchi oil is also used in Ayurvedic oils to relieve arthritis and muscle pain. Bakuchiol booster has anti-inflammatory and warming properties, which make it perfect for treating joint pain. It also has analgesic properties.
5. Aromatherapy for Relaxation
Bakuchiol is also used in Aromatherapy as it helps calm the mind and reduce stress. It also has spiritual uses in many cultures.
6. Treats Dandruff & Scalp Infections
Bakuchi oil can be mixed with carrier oil to use it as a treatment for dandruff and other scalp infections. It improves blood circulation in the scalp, which gives you a healthy scalp and hair.
You can also mix a few drops of Bakuchi oil in your shampoo.
How Bakuchi Benefits?
Bakuchi has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it useful for treating wounds, inflammation, and infections.
It also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
Bakuchi oil is rich in Bakuchiol, which boosts collagen production and promotes cell turnover and regeneration.
All these properties make Bakuchi beneficial for our skin, hair, and overall health.
Benefits Of Bakuchi For Skin
Let us look at some Bakuchi benefits for skin and how it can help with skin brightening.
Anti-Ageing
Bakuchi oil is often called natural retinol for its anti-ageing qualities. It can aid in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and support the production of collagen. Its frequent application can help your skin appear smoother and younger.
Checkout – Anti-Ageing cream With Bakuchiol
Hyperpigmentation
Bakuchi oil may become your new best friend if you battle with hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone. It also helps lessen sun damage, acne scars, and dark spots. Unlike retinol, Bakuchi oil does not irritate the skin. (3)
Skin Radiance
Well known for boosting skin brightness Bakuchi oil contains organic substances that encourage cellular turnover, contributing to the reduction of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. You can achieve a radiant complexion by using skincare products infused with the goodness of Bakuchi oil.
Soothes Inflammation
It is also good for calming irritated skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Bakuchi benefits for skin are noted for reducing redness, and inflammation.
Acne Control
Bakuchi oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It not only prevents acne caused by bacteria but also reduces redness and inflammation, reducing the appearance of acne and acne marks.
Improving skin texture
Babchi oil is rich in Bakuchiol, which is a vegan alternative to retinol. It boosts natural collagen production in your skin, giving you smoother and softer skin.
Reduce Wrinkles
Bakuchi oil promotes cell turnover, which reduces wrinkles and fine lines. It helps you age gracefully.
How To Incorporate Bakuchi For Skincare
Now that you know about the benefits of the humble Bakuchi oil, let us see how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine. It is a potent herbal oil so you should try to use skincare products enriched with Bakuchi oil instead of using the oil directly on the skin.
Night Cream
At night, the skin heals and repairs itself. It is the best time to use skincare products with bakuchi oil to help the skin in repairing itself. Sadhev’s Ayurvedic Rejuvenating Night Cream is made with the goodness of Bakuchi oil, Liquorice, Aloe vera, and Almond Oil among a host of skin-friendly ingredients. This night cream with Bakuchi oil can rejuvenate your skin, relieve dryness and impart a gentle glow to your skin.
Use this night cream every night in your nighttime skincare routine to reap its benefits.
Side Effects Of Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a very gentle ingredient that is ideal for even sensitive skin. So, it does not have any major side effects. However, if you previously had reactions to herbal products, it is recommended to just do a patch test before using Bakuci oil.
Avoid using bakuchi oil for skin in its purest form, as it is very potent and strong. If you dilute Bakuchi oil with coconut oil or sesame oil, you will not face any irritation or dryness.
How To Choose The Right Bakuchiol Product For Skin Care?
Even though bakuchi oil benefits all skin types and concerns, it is important to know what form of Bakuchiol is best for your skin.
1. Check the Concentration:
The right concentration of Bakuchiol in the product should be 0.5% to 1.5%. If you are just starting to use Bakuchiol, opt for lighter concentrations.
2. Type of Product:
Bakuchiol is available in 3 types of products- serums, face creams, and oil.
Bakuchi oil can be used for multiple purposes, such as adding to your cream or shampoo or for aromatherapy. However, serums and face creams have very specific uses.
3. Based on your Skin Type:
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Dry Skin: If you have dry skin, choose a bakuchiol-infused face oil. You can buy concentrated bakuchi oil and mix it with almond oil or coconut oil to massage your face before going to sleep.
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Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Bakuchi oil is beneficial in reducing and preventing acne. You should opt for a lightweight, non-greasy serum, like Sadhev’s Ayurvedic face serum with Bakuchiol. It can be added to your night-time skincare routine.
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Sensitive Skin: Bakuchiol is ideal for sensitive skin as it is gentle and anti-inflammatory. You should pick a product with soothing ingredients like aloe vera combined with bakuchiol extract for a calm and soothing effect.
Customer Experiences of Using Bakuchiol
Vandana Shandilya:
I was using retinol, but it was making me break out more than ever. I did some research and found out that Bakuchiol is a gentler alternative to retinol. That’s when I started using Sadhev’s anti-ageing face serum. I have finished my 2nd bottle in a year, and I am so happy with the results. My skin is more moisturised and glowing, and my fine lines are gone! Amazing results.
Ankita Deshpande:
This bakuchiol serum is very good for wrinkles and ageing. I am 45 and I started using it 2 months ago. I have tried so many anti-ageing creams and serums but this is by far the best.
Riya:
Very good product. I am so happy with the results. 100% effective.
Aarti Pandey:
My friend recommended this Ayurvedic serum 3 months back, and I have not looked back since. I use it daily at night, and my skin has never been better. My hyperpigmentation is gone and my skin looks so graceful. I am getting compliments at work and everyone is asking about my skincare routine. Definitely recommend this product!
Conclusion
The growing popularity of bakuchi oil is evidence of its effectiveness in promoting healthy, glowing skin, and not just a fad.
Ayurveda regards bakuchi oil as an effective ingredient to rejuvenate your skin. Whether you’re trying to reduce hyperpigmentation, take care of ageing signs, or just give your skin a natural boost, bakuchi oil as an ingredient can be a regular part of your skincare regimen.
Sadhev brings you these secret ingredients of nature in our Ayurvedic skincare products so that you can enjoy the best of nature. With no harmful chemicals, our skincare products take care of your skin the right way. Sadhev offers vegan, cruelty-free, chemical-free, and 100% natural skincare and hair care products.
FAQs on Skin Benefits of Bakuchi Oil
Q. Is bakuchi oil good for oily skin?
A: Yes, bakuchi oil is effective if you have oily skin because it can regulate sebum production and has inflammatory properties.
Q. Does bakuchi help in skin brightening?
A: Yes, bakuchi oil is also popular as an ingredient for skin brightening because it can help reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the skin. With regular usage, you can achieve an even toned skin.
Q. Is Bakuchiol Really A Natural Retinol Alternative?
Yes! Bakuchiol works like retinol by boosting collagen, reducing wrinkles, and improving skin texture. However, it’s gentler, non-irritating, and safe for sensitive skin, making it a great natural alternative to retinol.
Q. Who shouldn't use bakuchiol?
Most people can use bakuchiol as it is very gentle, but if you have allergies to herbal extracts or extremely sensitive skin, do a patch test first.
Q. Is bakuchiol scientifically proven?
Yes, the benefits of bakuchiol are scientifically proven. Research shows that bakuchiol improves skin firmness, fine lines, and pigmentation without irritation. Studies confirm it has antioxidant, anti-ageing, and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a well-backed alternative to retinol.
Q. What not to mix with bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is gentle and pairs well with most ingredients. However, avoid combining it with strong exfoliants like AHAs, BHAs or prescription retinoids, as this may lead to dryness or irritation.
Q. Does bakuchiol lighten skin?
Bakuchiol reduces dark spots and evens out skin tone, but it does not change the tone or complexion of your skin. It just gives you a healthy, even-tone and radiant skin.
Q.Is Bakuchi Safe For The Skin?
A. Bakuchi seed extracts and bakuchi oil both are considered safe for the skin because they are naturally derived from the Babchi plant. Bakuchi oil is used as a natural remedy to brighten and heal the skin. It is completely safe for all skin types when added to skincare products.
