Is Bakuchiol Safe? What You Need to Know
Safety Score
Concern Level: low
Bakuchiol is generally considered safe for use in household and personal care products.
What Is Bakuchiol?
A plant-derived retinol alternative from Psoralea corylifolia seeds. Provides similar anti-aging benefits without retinol side effects.
Commonly found in: anti-aging serums, moisturizers, eye creams
Safety Research & Evidence
A plant-derived retinol alternative from Psoralea corylifolia seeds. Provides similar anti-aging benefits without retinol side effects.
Regulatory status: CIR safe in cosmetics; no restrictions; pregnancy-safe alternative to retinol
Health Concerns
No significant health concerns have been identified.
Safer Alternatives
| Alternative | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Retinol | 6/10 |
How to Avoid Bakuchiol
- Read ingredient labels carefully for "Bakuchiol" or its chemical synonyms
- Choose products with third-party certifications (EWG Verified, Made Safe)
- Consider alternatives like Retinol
- Check the EWG Skin Deep database for product ratings
- Look for "Bakuchiol-free" labels on product packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bakuchiol safe for babies?
Bakuchiol is generally considered acceptable for use around babies at typical concentrations in consumer products.
What are the safest alternatives to Bakuchiol?
Safer alternatives include Retinol (safety score: 6/10).
Is Bakuchiol banned in other countries?
Regulatory status: CIR safe in cosmetics; no restrictions; pregnancy-safe alternative to retinol
How do I know if my product contains Bakuchiol?
Check the full ingredient list on the product label. Bakuchiol may also appear under different chemical names. Using apps like EWG Healthy Living or Think Dirty can help identify it.
Related Safety Guides
References
- Dhaliwal S et al. (2019). Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound PMID: 30607802