Bakuchi or Babchi is a powerful skin healing herb whose etymology is synonymous with the Moon because that is the epitome of beauty. It is referred to in different names in different Ayurvedic references such as Somvalli, Chandrika, Suprabha, Tvagdoshghani, Chandrashalaka to name a few. Furthermore, the nutritive and curative properties of this herb classify it into the “Shaka Varga” that comprises of leafy vegetables as per Acharya Charak and Acharya Vaghabhatta. All parts of the Babchi plant are useful such as roots, stem, leaves and seeds, but the powder of its seed and the oil are most potent and is renowned to be a highly effective herb for the skin. Is Babchi good for the skin? If you’ve been doing your skincare homework, then you’ll have discovered that bakuchiol is regarded as the gentler sister of retinol.

When a product is marketed as "containing Bakuchiol," but the label says Psoralea corylifolia seed oil or (babchi) fruit extract, it contains traditional extracts. It doesn't have the concentrated, purified version of Bakuchiol. Aerva Sanguinolenta (L.) Blume, Extract 116425-35-5", Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2012-10-15, doi: 10.1002/0471701343.sdp26534, ISBN 978-0-471-70134-7 Bakuchi Oil works to soothe and help heal your skin and has the ability to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It can also even the skin tone, improving the skins texture. It aids in reducing dark spots, brightening the face, and treating hyperpigmentation.

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Topical application of the oil shows that it possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. But it’s main benefit is that the oil has been demonstrated to confer retinol like benefits to the skin – especially for mature skin. Unlike retinol, Babchi oil has a hydrating effect on the skin (Retinol causes dry patches and sensitivity.) Cho, Hyun; Jun, Jung-Yang; Song, Eun-Kyoung; etal. (2001). "Bakuchiol: a hepatoprotective compound of Psoralea corylifolia on tacrine-induced cytotoxicity in Hep G2 cells". Planta Medica. 67 (8): 750–751. doi: 10.1055/s-2001-18347. PMID 11731920. S2CID 260279217. Shaikh HS, Shaikh SS. Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia): From a Variety of Traditional Medicinal Application to its Novel Roles in Various Diseases: A Review. Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Technology [Internet]. 2021 Aug 14 [cited 2022 Feb 14];11(3):238–44. Available from: https://ajptonline.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2021-11-3-9

Adding a bakuchiol product to your skincare routine is easy: apply once or twice daily after cleansing, toning, and using a leave-on AHA or BHA exfoliant. If the product is a bakuchiol serum, apply before your moisturiser. If it’s a moisturiser with bakuchiol, apply after your serum. As mentioned above, a bakuchiol oil is best applied at night (or mix a drop or two into one of your favourite non-SPF skincare products each morning). Is bakuchiol a natural alternative to retinol? It stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis. Prolonged use has shown to decrease roughness and dryness.” It’s also versatile—Jaliman recommends bakuchiol to clients with all skin types. If babchi seeds are cold-pressed or expeller-pressed, you have Psoralea corylifolia seed oil. If the seeds or leaves are macerated in oil or extracted with a solvent (i.e. ethanol, acetone), you have Psoralea corylifolia seed/leaf extract. Again, these might be referred to as babchi oil or bakuchi oil - but they represent an unrefined carrier oil and not the pure chemical form of Bakuchiol that is sought after.The best bakuchiol product we’ve found on the market is the Isdin Isdinceutics Melatonik Serum. It contains a potent concentration of the ingredient, as well as melatonin and vitamin C, to protect the skin and target signs of aging for a youthful complexion. We also love the more affordable Acure Radically Rejuvenating Dual Phase Bakuchiol Serum, which is formulated with multiple natural antioxidants for skin that looks firmer and glowier. Bakuchi is the Sanskrit terminology of this miraculous herb as mentioned in the archaic Ayurvedic manuscripts, which is also usually referred to as Babchi in Hindi. It is also known by numerous other names in Sanskrit -Bvalguja, Chanderprabha, Sashilekha, Shulotkha, Sitavari, Soma, Vejani, besides its varied terminologies in regional Indian languages. In Hindi, it is known as Babchi, Bavanchiyan, Bakuci, Bemchi, in Marathi – Bavchi, in English – Bakuchi, in Kannada - Bavachige, Bavanchi, in Tamil - Karpokarishi, Karpokarisi, in Telugu – Bavanchalu, in Malayalam – Karkokil and in Bengali - Bavachi, Latakasturi, Kakuch. Often then you start fiddling with plants, the extracts you create cause skin sensitisation, think of the allergens listing on products. Limonene for instance, is sensitising/irritating on its own, even in minute doses, but when found inside a plant, there are natural ‘quenchers’ that ensure it does not irritate your skin. The oil can be applied directly to the skin or formulated into creams and lotions. If used in hot process formulations it is recommended to add the oil at cool down.

Some online sources indicate that using bakuchiol during pregnancy is fine, stating it’s a great alternative to retinol, which isn’t advised for use when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Koul, B.; Taak, P.; Kumar, A.; Kumar, A.; Sanyal, I. (2019). "Genus Psoralea: A review of the traditional and modern uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 232: 201–226. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.11.036. PMC 7127090. PMID 30521980. Bakuchiol has been found to possess antiandrogenic activity in prostate cancer cells, which inhibited cell proliferation. [31] See also [ edit ]

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Also Read: Ayurveda For Bronchitis: Proven Natural Remedies To Pacify Lung Inflammation And Breathe Easy Chaudhuri, Ratan (2015-09-18), Sivamani, Raja; Jagdeo, Jared; Elsner, Peter; Maibach, Howard (eds.), "Bakuchiol: A Retinol-Like Functional Compound, Modulating Multiple Retinol and Non-Retinol Targets", Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, Third Edition, CRC Press, pp.1–18, doi: 10.1201/b18895-2, ISBN 978-1-4822-1416-1 , retrieved 2019-08-02 [ permanent dead link] Bakuchi should not be used undiluted and in high doses; otherwise, it may cause the following side effects: