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Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a key ingredient that anti-aging enthusiasts look out for when choosing their skincare products. Its delivery of anti-wrinkle results and acne solutions has made it a staple in skincare treatments. Nobody disputes its effectiveness and short-term results.

However, research strongly indicates its toxicity makes it risky to use in the long term. Fear not, for there is a new kid on the anti-aging block that promises the results of retinol without the adverse side effects.

Esse Skincare has launched a new Bakuchiol serum, also known as ‘nature’s retinol.’ Its anti-aging performance will leave you asking: β€œRetinol, who?”.Β 

Bakuchiol is an emerging alternative to retinol

Esse is a South African skincare brand that has successfully established a presence in the global market. The company values the incorporation of African plants in its products. Additionally, their goal is to rebalance your skin microbiome in the way for which it has evolved. β€œFirst, do no harm” is a principle by which Esse aligns its practices and products. Consequently, retinoids make for an unworthy candidate on Esse Skincare’s ingredient list.

Retinoids have a dominant presence in anti-aging treatments, but their unwanted side effects deter clients from using them. Dryness, peeling, scaling, irritation, burning, induced photosensitivity (where the skin becomes sensitive to sunlight), and increased cancer risk have been associated with retinol use. Esse has incorporated a natural alternative into its latest Bakuchiol Serum.

Bakuchiol is known as nature’s retinol. The result is an equally effective product. It smooths wrinkles, improves firmness, and reduces pigmentation without the risks.

β€œMany groups have highlighted the toxicity of retinol and the FDA is concerned that retinoids speed the development of cancer lesions. The EWG scores it 9 out of 10 – with 10 being the most toxic1”, explains Trevor Steyn, the founder of Esse.

β€œFrom the outset, our goal has been to optimise skin health. Adding toxins to a complex ecosystem, like the skin’s microbiome, is risky. This is why we’ve never even considered retinol as a potential ingredient.”

What is Bakuchiol?

Esse Bakuchiol SerumBakuchiol is purified from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia, a plant found in Eastern Asia. The purification process is critical, and Esse tests every batch with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. It is a well-tolerated pure compound. This makes it suitable for breakout-prone skin, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation.

β€œThe key advantage of using Bakuchiol over retinol is that the side effects are absent.

Bakuchiol is photostable, meaning it can be safely used during the day without the risk of phototoxicity, and it’s also safe to use in pregnancy,” says Steyn.

Benefits of nature’s retinol

In a treatment study, Bakuchiol showed identical improvements to retinol in the reduction of lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation. Multiple studies have shown that it increases the expression of genes that produce collagen and elastin, improving firmness and elasticity. Bakuchiol also performed on an equal playing field with retinol in the reduction of hyperpigmentation and age spots.

Esse’s Bakuchiol Serum can be added to one’s normal skincare routine to enhance anti-ageing effects.

Do you want to find out more about the latest Esse Bakuchiol Serum?

Visit the website.Β 

Footnote:

  1. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/706889-RETINOL_VITAMIN_A/
Images: Supplied by Esse Skincare
Caela Bennett

Caela Bennett

Caela Bennett is a wellness content writer and holistic health coach. She hopes to enlighten people through powerful storytelling and offer clarity when navigating the noise within the realm of health. In addition, she guides others in awakening their self-discovery journey and embodying the best version of themselves. Her work is rooted in the philosophy of alchemy: turning metal into gold, i.e., transforming one thing into something better. While she is a maximalist in expressing herself through words, she is a minimalist in lifestyle pursuits.

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