Bakuchiol: Why include it in your INCI?

Bakuchiol “Bak-ooh-chi-ol” 

This ingredient is admittedly not new and people are aware what Bakuchiol is and what skin types it is good for, but what about for the skincare brands? So, in case you have missed it, Bakuchiol is known as a natural alternative to retinol. It’s on its way to becoming a staple amongst beauty experts and mavens, as well as for people with dry and sensitive skin, not to mention its benefits of anti-aging.

But what about for our industry clients? Why choose Bakuchiol over a retinol for someone looking to include it in their INCI lists and what logistical benefits does it have over other similar ingredients?

We asked our Head R&D Manager, Crystal, and this is what she had to say about this impressive ingredient.

“When choosing Bakuchiol over, say, a retinol, stability and shelf life is nowhere nearly as compromised. Bakuchiol doesn’t degrade like retinol products, so if you see your retinol products turning yellow when you go to use them, Bakuchiol will not degrade in a similar way, meaning you won’t see this degradation as it acts more like an oil, with characteristics of oil. It is easier to manufacture, and easier to store, generally it is a much easier ingredient to handle and have stocked on hand.

It doesn’t run the risk and does not have the same prohibition in the use in pregnancy, meaning Bakuchiol is safer to use while pregnant for your customers, allowing you to market to customers who would traditionally be excluded.

When deciding to use it in your INCIs, Bakuchiol is definitely more value for money, in the sense that you can get a higher quality Bakuchiol for less money, compared to a poor quality retinol at a higher price. Leading to better MOQs, passing the cost savings onto our clients because we don't have excess stock lying around.

Bakuchiol is also available in an organic form, unlike retinoids which are not, allowing many ACO certified companies to use Bakuchiol without concern or compromising their values and messaging.

Over all, bakuchiol is treated like an oil, meaning that there are not stringent storage requirements and does not decrease in quality when exposed to sunlight, allowing for easier and anywhere storage while manufacturing, for those clients who may have space issues in their warehouses or distribution centres”

We are happy to carry on this conversation with you about including Bakuchiol in your next product range and what benefits you can pass on to your customers. Contact us here today.