Life is busy, and time is short. We live in a fast-paced world of work calls, school drop-offs, and socialising. So the last thing you have time for is a super-complicated skincare routine.
Thankfully, simplified skincare routines (or skinimalism) are having a moment. People all over the world are cutting their routines down to as little as 5-7 steps, opting for multifunctional products that save time and still leave your skin glowing.
My ultimate skincare hack? Bakuchiol eye cream. Gentle on your skin and versatile enough to tackle a range of common skin concerns, it’s a routine must-have. So let’s take a deep dive into bakuchiol, and find out why it’s becoming a leading star of the skinimalism movement.
First things first, what is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol (pronounced: ba-coo-chee-ol) comes from the Psoralea corylifolia seed, a plant used widely in traditional Chinese medicine and the alternative Indian medicine, Ayurveda.
FACT: The name bakuchiol comes from the Sanskrit name of the plant, Bakuchi.
A popular alternative to retinol (they share a similar efficacy), it’s a non-irritating, soothing skincare ingredient that’s vegan and plant-based, making it gentle on both your skin and the planet.
Which is better: bakuchiol or retinol?
To make the comparison simple, I’ve broken it down for you:
|
Retinol
|
Bakuchiol
|
|
Should only be used in the PM
|
Can be used both in the AM and PM
|
|
Causes skin sensitivity, so always wear SPF
|
Doesn’t cause skin sensitivity
|
|
Not safe in pregnancy or when breastfeeding
|
Safe in pregnancy and when breastfeeding
|
|
Not recommended for people with sensitive skin
|
Suitable for all skin types
|
What does bakuchiol do?
Bakuchiol is packed with powerful antioxidants, that work to help protect your skin from environmental exposure. Research has shown that this helps to speed up cell regeneration, and reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. And with its gentle formula, it’s perfect for those of you with more sensitive skin who want to achieve those results without drying and irritation.
Is bakuchiol safe to use in pregnancy?
Yep! Unlike retinol (or vitamin A), bakuchiol is perfectly safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is down to its natural origins and the fact that it’s plant-based. Milder and generally less of an irritant to your skin, it’s a great alternative to conventional retinol or retinoids.
Still not 100% sure? It’s always worth checking in with your doctor, or midwife, to see what they think of your anti-ageing routine.
How to add bakuchiol into your routine
Versatile and gentle enough for everyday use, there aren’t many rules on how you should apply bakuchiol products. But, as with most serums and creams, you should always start with a fresh canvas, so make sure you cleanse and tone your skin.
Can bakuchiol be used with other skincare ingredients?
Of course, because of its soothing nature, bakuchiol goes hand-in-hand with many ingredients. For example, despite their differences, retinol and bakuchiol become a skincare powerhouse when paired up. In fact, studies have found that the calming nature of bakuchiol can help the skin tolerate retinol better, producing stronger results in the long term.
As for a more natural union, I’m a huge fan of the Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream. I love that bakuchiol has been teamed up with another antioxidant-rich ingredient: fermented black rice. Black rice is already rich in antioxidant compounds, but when it’s fermented, its anti-oxidation power dramatically increases. Together, they work to brighten and tighten the skin around your eyes, evening out skin tone, and helping to reduce the look of fine lines.
My skincare hack: bakuchiol eye cream
The skin around your eyes is renowned for being extra sensitive. Mine especially. Over the last couple of years, I’ve noticed a few fine lines appear. This is absolutely normal, if not a little panic-inducing. It’s actually down to various factors, from the loss of collagen and elastin due to ageing, sun exposure, and even genetics. So when it comes to skincare, I want something that’s going to nourish, soothe, and care for the skin around my eyes, and not irritate it. That’s where bakuchiol eye cream comes in.
How else can you use a bakuchiol eye cream?
It’s not just eyes that are known for being more delicate, there’s also the nasolabial fold (smile lines), frown lines, and even the lines on your neck. Because of its versatility and gentle formula, I use Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream on those areas too, helping to keep my skin hydrated and protected. Refreshingly light, silky, and quickly absorbed, It’s the perfect tool for a more simplified routine.
How does a bakuchiol eye cream work?
First off, because of its concentration, you only need a pea-sized amount. You should always pat the cream onto your skin, never rubbing - this could cause more damage. The bakuchiol, fermented black rice, and bamboo extract will then work together to help promote skin firmness and speed up your natural skin cell turnover, improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Why I love a simplified skincare routine
Busy mornings, kids, and work - who really has the time for a morning and evening routine with up to 20 steps? Not me, that’s for sure. Luckily, skinimalism is a beauty trend I can get on board with. By following a routine of just 5-7 steps, I’m able to help keep my skin healthy without overstimulating it.
What does a simplified skincare routine look like?
Here’s an example of what my current morning and evening routines look like:
Step 1 - cleanse
In the morning, I’ll just use a light bubble cleanser to refresh my skin after a deep sleep. For nighttime, I’ll double cleanse to remove any dirt, makeup, or SPF.
Step 2 - tone
Not only does it refresh my skin, but a toner’s also great for prepping it for the next steps of my routine.
My current obsession? The Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner.
Step 3 - serum
There are so many serums to choose from, with each of them designed to help in different ways. For me, I struggle with dryness, so I always use a hyaluronic serum.
Step 4 - eye cream
I’ll gently dab a pea-sized amount of Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream around my eyes, smile lines, and any other areas I think need a little extra boost.
Step 5 - moisturise
When I wake up, I prefer to use a light moisturiser with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. In the evenings, I’ll use a thicker and creamier night cream to help keep my skin happy overnight.
Step 6 - SPF
Finally, the most important step: SPF. As a redhead, I’m more prone to burning, so I always wear an SPF50 - even when it’s cloudy outside.
So, where do we land after all of that? For me, when it comes to skincare, less is definitely more. And with the help of multifunctional products, like the Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream, we can now simplify our routines without missing out on the nourishment our skin needs to look and feel its best.
Meet the Author
Emily Clegg
Freelance Beauty Copywriter
Hi, I’m Emily, a beauty-loving copywriter based in the UK. When I’m not writing about my newest skincare obsession, you’ll find me running after my 3-year-old son and pet Jack Russell, Rudy.
emilycleggcopy.co.uk
The Ultimate Skincare Hack: Bakuchiol Eye Cream
Life is busy, and time is short. We live in a fast-paced world of work calls, school drop-offs, and socialising. So the last thing you have time for is a super-complicated skincare routine.
Thankfully, simplified skincare routines (or skinimalism) are having a moment. People all over the world are cutting their routines down to as little as 5-7 steps, opting for multifunctional products that save time and still leave your skin glowing.
My ultimate skincare hack? Bakuchiol eye cream. Gentle on your skin and versatile enough to tackle a range of common skin concerns, it’s a routine must-have. So let’s take a deep dive into bakuchiol, and find out why it’s becoming a leading star of the skinimalism movement.
First things first, what is bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol (pronounced: ba-coo-chee-ol) comes from the Psoralea corylifolia seed, a plant used widely in traditional Chinese medicine and the alternative Indian medicine, Ayurveda.
FACT: The name bakuchiol comes from the Sanskrit name of the plant, Bakuchi.
A popular alternative to retinol (they share a similar efficacy), it’s a non-irritating, soothing skincare ingredient that’s vegan and plant-based, making it gentle on both your skin and the planet.
Which is better: bakuchiol or retinol?
To make the comparison simple, I’ve broken it down for you:
Retinol
Bakuchiol
Should only be used in the PM
Can be used both in the AM and PM
Causes skin sensitivity, so always wear SPF
Doesn’t cause skin sensitivity
Not safe in pregnancy or when breastfeeding
Safe in pregnancy and when breastfeeding
Not recommended for people with sensitive skin
Suitable for all skin types
What does bakuchiol do?
Bakuchiol is packed with powerful antioxidants, that work to help protect your skin from environmental exposure. Research has shown that this helps to speed up cell regeneration, and reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles. And with its gentle formula, it’s perfect for those of you with more sensitive skin who want to achieve those results without drying and irritation.
Is bakuchiol safe to use in pregnancy?
Yep! Unlike retinol (or vitamin A), bakuchiol is perfectly safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is down to its natural origins and the fact that it’s plant-based. Milder and generally less of an irritant to your skin, it’s a great alternative to conventional retinol or retinoids.
Still not 100% sure? It’s always worth checking in with your doctor, or midwife, to see what they think of your anti-ageing routine.
How to add bakuchiol into your routine
Versatile and gentle enough for everyday use, there aren’t many rules on how you should apply bakuchiol products. But, as with most serums and creams, you should always start with a fresh canvas, so make sure you cleanse and tone your skin.
Can bakuchiol be used with other skincare ingredients?
Of course, because of its soothing nature, bakuchiol goes hand-in-hand with many ingredients. For example, despite their differences, retinol and bakuchiol become a skincare powerhouse when paired up. In fact, studies have found that the calming nature of bakuchiol can help the skin tolerate retinol better, producing stronger results in the long term.
As for a more natural union, I’m a huge fan of the Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream. I love that bakuchiol has been teamed up with another antioxidant-rich ingredient: fermented black rice. Black rice is already rich in antioxidant compounds, but when it’s fermented, its anti-oxidation power dramatically increases. Together, they work to brighten and tighten the skin around your eyes, evening out skin tone, and helping to reduce the look of fine lines.
My skincare hack: bakuchiol eye cream
The skin around your eyes is renowned for being extra sensitive. Mine especially. Over the last couple of years, I’ve noticed a few fine lines appear. This is absolutely normal, if not a little panic-inducing. It’s actually down to various factors, from the loss of collagen and elastin due to ageing, sun exposure, and even genetics. So when it comes to skincare, I want something that’s going to nourish, soothe, and care for the skin around my eyes, and not irritate it. That’s where bakuchiol eye cream comes in.
How else can you use a bakuchiol eye cream?
It’s not just eyes that are known for being more delicate, there’s also the nasolabial fold (smile lines), frown lines, and even the lines on your neck. Because of its versatility and gentle formula, I use Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream on those areas too, helping to keep my skin hydrated and protected. Refreshingly light, silky, and quickly absorbed, It’s the perfect tool for a more simplified routine.
How does a bakuchiol eye cream work?
First off, because of its concentration, you only need a pea-sized amount. You should always pat the cream onto your skin, never rubbing - this could cause more damage. The bakuchiol, fermented black rice, and bamboo extract will then work together to help promote skin firmness and speed up your natural skin cell turnover, improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Why I love a simplified skincare routine
Busy mornings, kids, and work - who really has the time for a morning and evening routine with up to 20 steps? Not me, that’s for sure. Luckily, skinimalism is a beauty trend I can get on board with. By following a routine of just 5-7 steps, I’m able to help keep my skin healthy without overstimulating it.
What does a simplified skincare routine look like?
Here’s an example of what my current morning and evening routines look like:
Step 1 - cleanse
In the morning, I’ll just use a light bubble cleanser to refresh my skin after a deep sleep. For nighttime, I’ll double cleanse to remove any dirt, makeup, or SPF.
Step 2 - tone
Not only does it refresh my skin, but a toner’s also great for prepping it for the next steps of my routine.
My current obsession? The Black Rice Hyaluronic Toner.
Step 3 - serum
There are so many serums to choose from, with each of them designed to help in different ways. For me, I struggle with dryness, so I always use a hyaluronic serum.
Step 4 - eye cream
I’ll gently dab a pea-sized amount of Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream around my eyes, smile lines, and any other areas I think need a little extra boost.
Step 5 - moisturise
When I wake up, I prefer to use a light moisturiser with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. In the evenings, I’ll use a thicker and creamier night cream to help keep my skin happy overnight.
Step 6 - SPF
Finally, the most important step: SPF. As a redhead, I’m more prone to burning, so I always wear an SPF50 - even when it’s cloudy outside.
So, where do we land after all of that? For me, when it comes to skincare, less is definitely more. And with the help of multifunctional products, like the Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream, we can now simplify our routines without missing out on the nourishment our skin needs to look and feel its best.
Meet the Author
Emily Clegg
Freelance Beauty Copywriter
Hi, I’m Emily, a beauty-loving copywriter based in the UK. When I’m not writing about my newest skincare obsession, you’ll find me running after my 3-year-old son and pet Jack Russell, Rudy.
emilycleggcopy.co.uk