What is bakuchiol, and how does it work? These are the products to stock up on

Scared of using retinol? Listen up

If you follow any beauty-related Instagram accounts then you've probably seen the word bakuchiol popping up all over the place. It's kind of a big deal.

That said, you may not be clued in on what it actually does, or why people are raving about it. That's where your Marie Claire skincare experts come in with our handy need-to-know guy on the skincare ingredient of the moment.

Keep reading to find out more about the ingredient that might just knock retinol off the top spot...

What is bakuchiol?

'It's an ayurvedic treatment from Asia that is a naturally-found alternative to retinol, extracted from the seeds of a Babchi plant found in Asia,' explains Mark Curry, co-founder of skincare brand The Inkey List. 'Like retinol or vitamin A, it reduces the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin by stimulating the regeneration of skin cells.' So, smoother, more even complexions all round.

Bakuchiol can reduce inflammation, improve elasticity and help stimulate collagen, so it's a pretty impressive little ingredient.

Can everybody use it, we hear you ask? That's where it's different to our much-loved retinol: everybody can use it without fear of irritation. 'It's suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive, including pre and post-pregnancy women who should not be using retinol.'

When to apply bakuchiol

This will depend entirely on the form you buy your bakuchiol, as it's available in both serum and moisturiser options, but usually you'd apply after cleansing and toning your skin. Our guide to the order you should apply skincare products will help you work out where your bakuchiol buy best fits into your skincare regime (and clear up some confusion around all those other products).

Liking the sound of it so far? Keep scrolling for Marie Claire's favourite products containing the ingredient of the moment.