Esse incorporates ‘nature’s retinol’ in its launch of Bakuchiol Serum
Despite the side effects, retinoids have been the go-to ingredient in skincare to support the skin's renewal process. Now, Bakuchiol is revolutionizing the skincare industry by offering consumers an alternative ingredient, without the risks. Esse has already been infusing ‘nature’s retinol’ into its Clarifying Range, and now the launch of Bakuchiol Serum makes a ground-breaking shift.
What are the risks of retinol?
Retinol, a form of vitamin A, has been used to enhance the skin's appearance and manage acne. But, despite frequent use, it does come with risks. The European Commission has actually introduced draft regulations to alter the regulatory status of retinoids, which means their use will be heavily restricted in future. Risks associated with retinol include:
- Dryness from the reduced sebum production needed for healthy skin function;
- Itchiness and even stinging;
- Photosensitivity which makes daytime use prohibitive; and
- Concerns that retinoids speed up the development of cancer lesions.
What is Bakuchiol?
For the past few years, Bakuchiol has been incorporated into skincare products, replacing retinol as a key active ingredient. Esse has been at the forefront of this movement, with Bakuchiol included in its anti-acne treatments, Clarifying Oil and Clarifying Spot Corrector. The launch of its Bakuchiol Serum is the brand’s first foray into Bakuchiol as a treatment for mature skin.
Not to be confused with babchi oil, Bakuchiol is purified from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia, a plant found in Eastern Asia. Babchi oil is an unrefined seed oil which has some toxicity problems of its own. The purification process is critical and Esse tests every batch with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy to ensure optimum health. Bakuchiol is a pure compound that is well tolerated, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
What are the benefits of Bakuchiol?
- In a treatment study, Bakuchiol showed identical improvements to retinol in terms of treating signs of skin aging, without any of the adverse side effects.
- Multiple studies have shown that Bakuchiol increases the expression of genes that produce collagen and elastin – proteins that are central to improving firmness and elasticity in the skin.
- Studies have also shown Bakuchiol increased the expression of genes responsible for the production of aquaporin channels to maintain water balance.
- Bakuchiol has been shown to increase collagen and elastin production, resulting in increased firmness and elasticity, which leads to a reduction in wrinkle depth.
- Bakuchiol performed on par with retinol in the reduction of hyperpigmentation and age spots.
- Bakuchiol’s anti-inflammatory activity reduces inflammatory triggers for melanocyte activity.
- The photostability of Bakuchiol means it’s safe for UV exposure, and a first choice for improving photo-aging.
What about Esse’s Bakuchiol Serum?
The latest Esse Bakuchiol Serum, in addition to containing the potent antioxidant, Bakuchiol, includes Aloe Vera leaf extract, which protects, hydrates, and calms the skin. Furthermore, this serum also contains Jojoba Seed Oil which improves skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles, moisturises, smooths, and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin.
The Esse Bakuchiol Serum can be added to one’s daily skincare routine to support skin throughout all stages of life. Users of Esse Resurrect Serum or Esse Clarifying Oil need not apply additional Bakuchiol Serum, as both products already contain Bakuchiol. However, for users of other Esse leave-on products, Bakuchiol Serum can be used as a supplement to enhance overall benefits.
Esse’s Bakuchiol Serum should be applied twice daily over the face and décolleté after cleansing, and before moisturising. If applied twice daily, the product will last two months.
To find out more about Esse’s latest Esse Bakuchiol Serum, visit https://lmoor.com/en/product/esse-microbiome-skin-care/esse-bakuchiol-serum