Excellent Active Ingredient Dermal Penetration

Bakuchiol

INCI: BAKUCHIOL

CAS Number
10309-37-2
Function
Retinol functional analog (non-retinoid); promotes epidermal keratinocyte turnover and melanin dispersal; modest tyrosinase inhibitor; antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; acts on retinoid receptors without being a retinoid molecule
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes No FDA restrictions. Not a retinoid and not subject to OTC drug classification for retinoids. No concentration restrictions. Safety supported by botanical extract precedent and growing clinical trial database.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
high
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Bakuchiol, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
10-18%
Penetration Level
epidermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis
Molecular Weight
256.4 Da
Log P
5.3
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
6-14%
Safety Margin Factor
moderate
Vehicle Dependent
Yes โ€” absorption varies by formulation

Source: Int J Cosmet Sci 2014

Expert Verdict

Plant-derived retinoid alternative from Psoralea corylifolia with dual value in brightening formulations through modest direct tyrosinase inhibition and retinol-like keratinocyte turnover promotion. A 2024 systematic review of 15 clinical trials confirmed efficacy for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, aging, and acne with good tolerability. Bakuchiol functions best as a complementary ingredient alongside primary tyrosinase inhibitors rather than as a standalone brightening active. Key advantages versus retinoids include no photosensitization, pregnancy compatibility, and exemption from EU 2024/996 Vitamin A concentration restrictions, making it excellent for sensitive skin and darker phototypes.

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Concern Level: None

Regulatory Flags

brightening pih anti-aging retinol-functional-analog non-retinoid tyrosinase-inhibitor-moderate keratinocyte-turnover melanin-dispersal no-photosensitization pregnancy-compatible not-subject-to-eu-2024-996 2024-systematic-review-15-trials fitzpatrick-iv-vi-safe eu-allowed us-allowed combine-with-primary-inhibitor

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bakuchiol safe in cosmetics?

Plant-derived retinoid alternative from Psoralea corylifolia with dual value in brightening formulations through modest direct tyrosinase inhibition and retinol-like keratinocyte turnover promotion. A 2024 systematic review of 15 clinical trials confirmed efficacy for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, aging, and acne with good tolerability. Bakuchiol functions best as a complementary ingredient alongside primary tyrosinase inhibitors rather than as a standalone brightening active. Key advantages versus retinoids include no photosensitization, pregnancy compatibility, and exemption from EU 2024/996 Vitamin A concentration restrictions, making it excellent for sensitive skin and darker phototypes. The EU classifies Bakuchiol as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT.

Is Bakuchiol allowed in the EU?

Bakuchiol EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Bakuchiol do in cosmetics?

Bakuchiol functions as: Retinol functional analog (non-retinoid); promotes epidermal keratinocyte turnover and melanin dispersal; modest tyrosinase inhibitor; antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; acts on retinoid receptors without being a retinoid molecule. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 10309-37-2.

What is the Margin of Safety for Bakuchiol?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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