Bakuchiol Booster
Bakuchiol Booster
Product Description
Product overview
A minimalist, 2-ingredient facial oil featuring 1% bakuchiol in olive-derived squalane. This plant-based retinol alternative delivers anti-aging benefits without irritation, making it perfect for sensitive skin and safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Natural Retinol Alternative
Bakuchiol delivers retinol-like benefits without irritation, dryness, or sun sensitivity. Clinically shown to improve wrinkles and firmness.
Texture & feel
SENSORYNatural Retinol Alternative
Bakuchiol delivers retinol-like benefits without irritation, dryness, or sun sensitivity. Clinically shown to improve wrinkles and firmness.
Minimalist Formula
Only 2 ingredients: olive-derived squalane and bakuchiol. No fillers, fragrance, or unnecessary additives.
Pregnancy & Nursing Safe
Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding with no known risks.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly
Glass bottle and pipette are 100% recyclable. BYBI is working toward becoming a carbon negative brand.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEBakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient with no known risks during pregnancy or nursing. Confirmed safe by the brand.
Olive-derived squalane may contain trace impurities. Sugarcane-derived squalane is safer for fungal acne-prone skin.
No fragrance, essential oils, or common irritants. Low irritation potential confirmed by ingredient analysis.
Unlike retinol, bakuchiol doesn't increase sun sensitivity. Can be used morning or night (SPF still recommended).
Squalane is non-comedogenic (rating 0-1). Unlikely to clog pores for most skin types.
Both ingredients score low for cancer, allergies, and developmental toxicity on EWG Skin Deep database.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSqualane (Olive-Derived) 99%Proven
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that mimics your skin's natural oils. Provides deep hydration without clogging pores and helps other ingredients penetrate better.
- Source: Derived from olive oil through hydrogenation of squalene
- Benefits: Moisturizing, barrier repair, antioxidant protection
- Biocompatibility: Naturally present in human sebum (about 12%)
- Stability: More stable than squalene, longer shelf life
Bakuchiol 1%Proven
A plant-derived compound from Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi) seeds. Functions similarly to retinol by stimulating collagen production and accelerating cell turnover, but without the harsh side effects.
- 2019 Study: 0.5% bakuchiol comparable to 0.5% retinol for photoaging after 12 weeks
- Collagen Boost: Upregulates collagen I, III, and IV production
- Anti-Acne: 57% reduction in acne lesions at 1% concentration after 6 weeks
- Mechanism: Downregulates MMP enzymes that break down collagen
- Antioxidant: Protects against free radical damage and lipid peroxidation
2 ingredients
Squalane (Olive), Bakuchiol
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the final step in your PM routine, or mix 2-3 drops into your serum or moisturizer for a boost. Can also be used in AM under SPF.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with clean, dry skin. Remove makeup and impurities with your favorite cleanser.
Apply Water-Based Products First
Apply toner, essence, and water-based serums before this oil-based booster.
Dispense 2-3 Drops
Use the dropper to apply 2-3 drops to your palm. A little goes a long way!
Apply or Mix
Either apply directly to face and neck, or mix into your moisturizer or serum for enhanced benefits.
Use Nightly for Best Results
Recommended for evening use. Can be used AM as well since bakuchiol doesn't cause photosensitivity.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want anti-aging benefits without retinol irritation
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have sensitive or reactive skin
- You prefer minimalist, clean formulas
- You want to try bakuchiol for the first time
- You're looking for a retinol alternative that works day and night
- You value sustainable, eco-friendly packaging
- You need a fragrance-free anti-aging product
Consider alternatives if:
- You need proven, maximum-strength anti-aging (retinol is still gold standard)
- You have severe fungal acne and need FA-safe certified products
- You prefer water-based or gel textures over oils
- You want additional active ingredients in your formula
- You need a larger bottle size for extended use
- You're looking for dramatic results quickly (bakuchiol works gradually)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight squalane absorbs well without heavy residue. Use sparingly (1-2 drops) to avoid excess shine.
Squalane provides excellent hydration and barrier repair. Perfect for locking in moisture overnight.
Balances well across different zones. Apply to dry areas, use less on T-zone if needed.
Fragrance-free, minimal formula with only 2 ingredients. Ideal for reactive skin types.
Non-comedogenic squalane plus bakuchiol's anti-acne properties. Start with 2-3x weekly to assess tolerance.
Collagen-boosting bakuchiol helps reduce fine lines and improve firmness without irritation.
Results timeline
WEEK 12+Immediate Hydration & Softness
Skin feels immediately softer, more hydrated, and silky smooth after each application. Squalane provides instant moisture barrier support.
90% noticed improved hydrationImproved Texture & Brightness
Skin texture begins to smooth out. Many users report brighter, more even-toned complexion and reduced redness.
70% noticed brighter skinVisible Anti-Aging Benefits
Fine lines begin to soften. Bakuchiol's collagen-stimulating effects become visible. Improved skin elasticity and firmness.
65% noticed reduced fine linesSignificant Improvement
Clinical studies show significant improvement in wrinkle depth, pigmentation, and firmness after 12 weeks of consistent use.
80% reported overall improvementRatings by platform
475+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Ultra-simple 2-ingredient formula
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- No irritation or dryness unlike retinol
- Fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture
- Can use morning and night
- Immediate hydration and softness
- Sustainable, recyclable packaging
- Fragrance-free for sensitive noses
- Works well mixed into other products
- Vegan and cruelty-free certified
Criticized
- Small bottle size (15ml) for the price
- Results slower than retinol products
- May be too oily for very oily skin types
- No humectants (pair with HA for best results)
- Olive-derived squalane not ideal for fungal acne
- Limited availability in some regions
- Dropper can be imprecise
- Some find it insufficient as sole moisturizer
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESCream formula with 1% bakuchiol plus squalane and sacha inchi oil. More hydrating but contains additional ingredients. 30ml size offers better value.
1% bakuchiol in baobab and rosehip oils. Designed for oily/combo skin. More complex formula with additional plant oils.
Dual-phase formula with bakuchiol and vitamin C. More complex with additional antioxidants but not as minimalist.
1% bakuchiol in a hydrating cream base. Contains additional moisturizing ingredients. 60ml size offers excellent value.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEHerbivore Moon Fruit 1% Bakuchiol
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Glass bottle with glass dropper pipette. Carton box. All 100% recyclable.
Yes, 15ml is under the 100ml TSA/airline liquid limit. Compact size fits easily in toiletry bags.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes! Unlike retinol (which should be avoided during pregnancy), bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient with no known risks during pregnancy or breastfeeding. The brand explicitly confirms this product is safe for use during pregnancy and nursing. The simple 2-ingredient formula (squalane and bakuchiol) contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, or other pregnancy-concerning ingredients.
This product uses caution. While squalane itself is generally considered safe for fungal acne (malassezia can't metabolize it), this product uses olive-derived squalane which may contain trace impurities like fatty acids or sterol esters. For strict fungal acne safety, sugarcane-derived squalane is preferred. If you have severe malassezia concerns, consider products with sugarcane squalane or consult a dermatologist.
Yes! Bakuchiol is very versatile and can be combined with most actives. It actually helps stabilize retinol and can enhance its benefits without increasing irritation. You can use it with vitamin C, AHAs, BHAs, niacinamide, and other common actives. Since it's oil-based, apply it after water-based serums and before or mixed into your moisturizer.
This product works well for all skin types, but is especially excellent for dry, combination, sensitive, and mature skin. The squalane base provides lightweight hydration without being heavy. Those with very oily skin may want to use sparingly (1-2 drops) or only at night. It's particularly great for anyone who can't tolerate retinol due to sensitivity.
Immediate results include softer, more hydrated skin. Improved texture and brightness typically appear within 2-4 weeks. Anti-aging benefits like reduced fine lines and improved firmness are usually visible after 6-12 weeks of consistent daily use. Clinical studies show significant photoaging improvement at 12 weeks. Bakuchiol works more gradually than retinol but without the harsh adjustment period.
As an oil-based booster, apply it as the last step in your routine (after serums and moisturizer) to seal everything in. Alternatively, mix 2-3 drops into your serum or moisturizer to boost their performance. The brand recommends nighttime use, but since bakuchiol doesn't cause sun sensitivity, you can also use it in the morning under SPF.
No, this product has a very low comedogenic rating (0-1 out of 5). Squalane is non-comedogenic and actually mimics your skin's natural oils. Bakuchiol has antibacterial properties and has been shown to help reduce acne. Most users, including those with acne-prone skin, don't experience breakouts. However, if you're very acne-prone, start by using it 2-3 times per week to test tolerance.
The product has a 12-month PAO (Period After Opening). The 15ml bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with daily use of 2-3 drops. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The glass packaging helps protect the ingredients from degradation. Squalane is very stable and doesn't oxidize like many other oils.
Verdict: BYBI Bakuchiol Booster is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a gentle, pregnancy-safe retinol alternative with a minimalist approach. The ultra-simple 2-ingredient formula makes it ideal for sensitive skin and those who prefer clean, no-fuss skincare. While the small bottle size and higher price-per-ml are drawbacks, the quality ingredients, sustainable packaging, and proven bakuchiol benefits make it worth considering. Best suited for those who value simplicity, sustainability, and gentle anti-aging. For maximum value seekers, The INKEY List offers similar benefits at a lower price point.
Browse related
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Bakuchiol
Antimicrobial, Cosmetic Biocide, Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Antioxidant
|
Redness
Irritation
Dark Spots
|






