Esse incorporates ‘nature’s retinol’ in its latest launch of Bakuchiol Serum
When it comes to anti-ageing ingredients in skincare products, retinoids have been the gold standard for decades – despite the side effects. But now Bakuchiol is revolutionising the 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 its anti-ageing Bakuchiol Serum will make a ground-breaking shift.
What are the risks of retinol?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A and is often used in anti-ageing and anti-acne treatment. But, despite frequent use, it does come with risks. The European Commission has actually just 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 the key anti-ageing 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 for anti-ageing treatments.
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 anti-ageing properties, 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, notable for its anti-aging effects.
- 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-ageing.
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 enhance its anti-ageing effects. 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 Esse leave-on products, Bakuchiol Serum can be used as a supplement to enhance these anti-ageing 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://www.esseskincare.com/product/bakuchiol-serum/
