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When it comes to the most talked about skincare ingredients of 2018, retinol took the top prize. Beauty fans are smitten with this form of vitamin A thanks to its ability to increase cell turnover and consequently reduce fine lines, combat acne, and tackle pigmentation. However, there's a new ingredient set to give retinol a run for its money in 2019: bakuchiol.
An ingredient derived from babchi leaves and seeds, it's been used by Chinese and Indian medical practitioners for decades. More recently, it's been discovered that this 100 percent natural ingredient may have antiageing properties for the skin, so much so that it's being dubbed a natural alternative to retinol or even "herbal botox". Research suggests that bakuchiol works much like retinol and increases cell turnover to improve both skin clarity and texture. However, unlike retinol, which can sometimes be irritating on this skin, bakuchiol is much more gentle. It's therefore a great option for those with sensitive skin, as well as pregnant women who should avoid retinol but don't want to compromise on results. Read on to see our favourite products that harness the potential power of bakuchiol.