Starting with Skincare

Clinical trials have proven bakuchiol's effectiveness in facial photoageing. A double-blind, randomized study compared bakuchiol 0·5% cream twice daily with retinol 0·5% cream daily. The results showed both compounds significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, but bakuchiol was found to be more tolerable. Another study concluded that bakuchiol could function as an anti-ageing compound through retinol-like regulation of gene expression. After 12 weeks of treatment, significant improvement in lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, firmness, and overall reduction in photo-damage was observed. 

Transitioning to Hair Care

Given the similarities between retinol and bakuchiol in gene expression profiles and head to head results in skincare, one might wonder if there were any evidence demonstrating retinol's impact on hair care.  In fact, there is a double blind, randomized comparative study that demonstrates the efficacy of retinol in hair regrowth.  In the study, minoxodil was compared against minoxidil plus 0.01% tretinoin ( a retinoid compound) and the results were quite fascinating in favor of the tretinoin arm.

In addition, studies on bakuchiol's effects on collagen production are also encouraging.

Bottom line

Your scalp is still your skin, and the bakuchiol skin anti-aging properties coupled with evidence of retinol effects on hair regrowth all point us in the direction of using bakuchiol for both skincare and hair care.  The fact that we get to use such as natural product without the irritating downsides of a retinol cream usher the path to a brand new treatment paradigm.