The Natural Retinol Alternative Clinically Proven Anti-Aging 100% Plant-Derived Bakuchiol
Product Introduction
Bakuchiol (CAS 10309-37-2) is a naturally occurring meroterpene phenol derived from the seeds and leaves of Psoralea corylifolia L. (commonly known as Babchi), a plant with over 2,000 years of documented use in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. In recent years, bakuchiol has emerged as the most scientifically validated plant-based alternative to retinol (vitamin A), offering clinically proven anti-aging efficacy without the irritation, photosensitivity, and peeling commonly associated with retinoid therapy.
Physicochemical Properties
| Property | Value |
| CAS Number | 10309-37-2 |
| IUPAC Name | 4-[(1E,3S)-3-ethenyl-3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dienyl]phenol |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₈H₂₄O |
| Molecular Weight | 256.38 g/mol |
| Appearance | Pale yellow to golden-yellow viscous oily liquid |
| Odor | Characteristic mild herbal odor |
| Optical Rotation | [α]D²⁰ = +98° to +105° (c=1.0, ethanol) |
| Density | ~0.97 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | n20/D ≈ 1.559 |
| Boiling Point | 145–147 °C (at 0.05 mmHg) |
| LogP | ~5.8 (highly lipophilic) |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in ethanol, DMSO, oils; practically insoluble in water |
| pKa (Phenolic -OH) | ~10.0 (weak acid) |
| PubChem CID | 5468522 |
| ChEBI ID | CHEBI:173803 |
Applications
Sensitive Skin & Retinoid-Intolerant Populations
Bakuchiol uniquely addresses the needs of consumers who cannot tolerate conventional retinoids:
- Pregnancy/Lactation: Widely recommended as a retinol alternative during pregnancy, as bakuchiol is not a vitamin A derivative.
- Sensitive/Rosacea-Prone Skin: Anti-inflammatory activity via NF-κB suppression soothes reactive skin while delivering anti-aging benefits.
- Retinoid-Naive Users: Gentle introduction to anti-aging actives without the “retinization” adjustment period (peeling, redness, purging).
- Post-Procedure Care: Anti-inflammatory and collagen-stimulating effects support skin recovery after chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments.
Hair Care & Scalp Health
Emerging evidence supports bakuchiol’s application in hair care formulations:
- Scalp Anti-Inflammation: Reduction of scalp erythema and itching through NF-κB and COX-2 suppression.
- 5α-Reductase Inhibition (Mild): Bakuchiol shows mild 5α-reductase inhibitory activity in vitro, suggesting potential for androgenetic alopecia formulations — though data are preliminary.
- Hair Follicle Protection: Antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects protect hair follicle cells from oxidative damage.
- Sebum Regulation: Reduction of sebum production improves scalp health and hair appearance.
FAQ
Q1: How does bakuchiol compare with retinol in terms of speed of results?
A: Clinical trials indicate that bakuchiol shows visible improvements at approximately the same timeline as retinol — typically 4–8 weeks for initial results and 12 weeks for optimal results. The key difference is the experience: retinol users often experience a “purging” phase (increased breakouts, peeling, redness) during weeks 1–4, while bakuchiol users typically see gradual, comfortable improvement without a purging phase. This makes bakuchiol particularly appealing for compliance — users do not abandon their regimen due to irritation.
Q2: How should bakuchiol be stored?
A: Pure bakuchiol should be stored at 2–8 °C in sealed, nitrogen-flushed containers protected from light. Under these conditions, shelf life is 24 months. Once formulated into a finished cosmetic product, the stability depends on the overall formulation — bakuchiol is more stable than retinol but will still benefit from antioxidant protection (e.g., tocopherol, BHT) and opaque, airless packaging to minimize oxidative degradation.
Q3: Is Xi’an Taima’s bakuchiol natural or synthetic?
A: Xi’an Taima supplies 100% natural bakuchiol extracted from Psoralea corylifolia seeds. We do not produce or supply synthetic/racemic bakuchiol. Every batch is verified for natural (+)-enantiomer content by chiral HPLC and optical rotation. Our bakuchiol meets the ISO 16128 Natural Origin Index criteria for natural cosmetic ingredients.
Q4: What documentation does Xi’an Taima provide with bakuchiol shipments?
A: Every shipment includes: Certificate of Analysis (COA), Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS), Certificate of Origin, commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/airway bill. Additional documentation (GMP statement, ISO/KOSHER/HALAL certificates, heavy metal/pesticide reports, Eurofins third-party analysis) is available upon request.
Q5: Can you provide bakuchiol in oil form rather than powder?
A: Bakuchiol is naturally an oily liquid at room temperature. We supply it as a pure viscous oil (≥ 95% purity), which is the native form suitable for direct incorporation into cosmetic formulations. We do not supply bakuchiol as a powder (it is not a crystalline solid at room temperature). For brands requiring pre-solubilized or carrier-diluted bakuchiol, please contact our sales team to discuss custom blending options.
Q6: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A: Our standard MOQ is 5 kg for evaluation and R&D purposes, and 25 kg for commercial production orders. Free samples (10–50 g) are available for qualified buyers for initial quality evaluation and formulation trials.
