Bacuchiol
In the fight against wrinkles, retinol is pivotal. Produced synthetically and highly concentrated, this variation of vitamin A ranks among the most efficient active ingredients in the field of skin rejuvenation. However, many users have allergic reactions to retinol. Fortunately, there is an absolutely and extremely gente anti-aging alternative: bacuchiol. This substance easily keeps up with retinol without causing skin irritation or other side effects for allergy-prone persons or such with sensitive skin. Top women’s magazine already praise bacuchiol as a new anti-aging weapon.
What is bacuchiol?
The babchi plant (psoralea corylifolia) is a member of the leguminosae family (pulses). It is indigenous mainly in India where it has been an essential part of the traditional medicince since centuries. The annual plant grows up to 90 centimeters and has pale purple petals. It is officially listed in the „Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India“ edited by the Indian ministry of health and family welfare. The “National Health Portal” counts it among the “Common Medicinal Plants of Ayurveda”. In the traditional medicine, the plant is used to produce diuretics, laxatives, and even aphrodisiacs. It is also used for leucoderma, psoriasis, and leprosy.
Bacuchiol in cosmetics
Particulary interesting for cosmetics are the seeds of the babchi plant. They are harvested in December and January and are the source of bacuchiol. The structure of the natural plant active ingredient obtained from the seeds is similar to the antioxidant reseratrol. With regard to chemistry, the active substance is a meroterpene of the category of terpene phenol. Although the chemical structures of bacuchiol and retinol are significantly different they take effect on similar cell paths. An interesting study on the subject already has been published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science. It desrcribes bacuchiol as an effective (and gentle) alternative to retinol, especially for collagen. Collagen builds the scaffold spreading over the skin. In the course of the years (of life), the scaffold loses ist stability, and creases and slackening skin result. Bacuchiol stimulates the essential collagen production. The application of special products should boost the synthesis of collagen type I, III, and IV. Collagen I plays an important role in skin, tendons, fibrous cartilage, bones, and dentin because of its fiber-building function in the collagen fibers. Collagen III has essential effects on skin, skeletal muscles, and blood vessels because of its fiber-building function in the reticulin fibers. The net-like collagen IV has a strong influence on the cellular metabolism; it is in the basal lamina which is a part of the basal membrane.
In addition to its lifting effect, bacuchiol has antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-infammatory properties. That means that, among others, bacteria (e.g. staphylococcus aureus) and pathogens are eliminated and harmful free radicals are repelled. The substance alleviates
Bacuchiol – effect proven in many studies
Inflammations and supports the healing of pimples or helps to prevent their formation.
Studies have shown that bacuchiol is even more effective against acne than salicylic acid. The substance could reduce acne by over 40 percent within 6 weeks. It is said to diminish hyperpigmentation significantly.
In a clinical study, 16 persons, aged 41 to 60 years, tested a lotion with bacuchiol in a concentration of 1.0 percent. After three months of use, there were obvious improvements in lines and small wrinkles (decrease of wrinkle depth by 20 percent), pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and general light damages, without any irritations of skin.
Bacuchiol is also excellent for the treatment of skin diseases. The active substance has been successfully used for psoriasis. Although for eczema and rosacea the concentration of bacuchiol should be very low. The substance increases the sensitivity to light to a certain degree; therefore intensive sun exposure should be avoided after application. Until now there are no sufficient data on the effects on reproduction and development; therefore for the present, the application for pregnant and breast feeding women is not recommendable.
Aside from those few precautions, bacuchiol is excellently safe and, compared to retinol, it produces flaking, burning or itch only in rare cases.
Bacuchiol generally is suitable for all skin types: oily, dry, sensitive skin, and combination skin.
Presently, bacuchiol is available as serum, oil, and concentrate. The oil is great to combine with almond, jojoba, coconut, and apricot kernel oils. The active ingredient is ideal for creams but also boosters and masks. Meanwhile, experts call it herbal botox because its effect emerges relatively promptly and obviously.
Positive side effect: Aside from its ant-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects, the substance has estrogen-mimicking effects and possibly could alleviate osteoporosis.
Portrait
INCI: Bacuchiol
CAS number: 10309-37-2
Alternative names: (S-E)-4-(3-ethenyl-3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadienyl)-phenol
Description: yellow to yellow-brown liquid
Melting point: 106° Celsius
Boiling point: 391° Celsius
Effects: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial
Bacuchiol for superior cosmetics by Cosmacon
Bacuchiol, until now, has been used relatively rarely in cosmetic products in Central Europe, whereas in the USA, it is more widely spread. In view of its many virtues and the fact that the term emerges increasingly frequently in specialized search engines, the situation could change very soon.
That does not wonder as the ingredient obtained from the seeds of the babchi plant regulates skin’s collagen synthesis resulting in visibly lifted skin. Moreover, it purifies and prevents skin impurites and effectively fights pimples. As bacuchiol is much more safer and gentler while offering the similar effects like retinol, it is perfect for superior, modern cosmetics. Require Cosmacon‘s advice on this subject. We enjoy supporting you with the development of effective formulations.