Bakuchiol
Also known as: Sytenol A
Last updated:
Bakuchiol is a meroterpene extracted from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia. It is permitted in all major cosmetic markets without specific concentration limits and is widely positioned as a 'retinol alternative' for pregnant or sensitive-skin users. Comparative clinical studies (most prominently Dhaliwal et al. 2019, British Journal of Dermatology) suggest bakuchiol can deliver retinol-like anti-aging effects without retinol's irritation profile.
Regulatory status by market
| Market | Status | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | Permitted | — | Not on Annex II or III |
| United Kingdom | Permitted | — | UK Cosmetics Regulation |
| United States | Permitted | — | CIR-pending review; widely used |
| Canada | Permitted | — | Not on Hotlist |
Safety profile
Bakuchiol has a strong tolerability profile in published clinical studies. There are no SCCS or CIR opinions setting specific limits. Commercial formulations typically use 0.5-2% bakuchiol. It is photo-stable and pairs well with most other actives. Note: bakuchiol is sometimes confused with babchi oil — bakuchiol is the purified active compound, whereas babchi oil contains psoralens that can cause photosensitization.
Common uses
- Anti-aging serums and creams (0.5-2%)
- Pregnancy-safe retinol alternative products
- Sensitive-skin and barrier-friendly formulations
Primary sources
Regulatory status is current to the "Last updated" date above. Always verify against the regulator's authoritative publication for the specific market and product category before relying on this summary for compliance decisions.
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