Glycolic Acid + Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is a meroterpene derived from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant. It has gained significant attention in dermatology as a functional analog of retinol - clinical trials have demonstrated that it stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines, and improves skin firmness and pigmentation through retinol-like gene expression pathways. Crucially, unlike retinol, bakuchiol does not cause photosensitivity or the characteristic "retinization" period of peeling and irritation that makes combining retinoids with glycolic acid so challenging.

This absence of photosensitivity and lower irritation potential makes bakuchiol an ideal partner for glycolic acid. Where retinol and glycolic acid together create a cumulative irritation burden that requires careful scheduling and slow introduction, bakuchiol can be layered with glycolic acid in the same routine without the same risk of barrier disruption. Both ingredients promote cell turnover and collagen synthesis through complementary mechanisms - glycolic acid via surface exfoliation and bakuchiol via retinoid receptor activation - delivering anti-aging benefits without doubling the side effects.

Bakuchiol also has inherent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe the mild irritation that glycolic acid sometimes causes. For individuals who want the benefits of a retinol-plus-glycolic-acid routine but cannot tolerate actual retinoids, bakuchiol provides a well-tolerated alternative with growing clinical support.