Why Bakuchiol became part of my midlife skincare routine
I came to bakuchiol because my skin was asking for a different kind of support.
I had tried retinol and done the sensible things: buffering it between layers of moisturiser, reducing frequency and trying to be patient. But as my skin changed through midlife, it began to push my skin too far.
Instead of feeling supported, my skin felt drier, more sensitive and constantly uncomfortable. I was aware of it in a way I didn’t want to be.
Like many women navigating hormonal skin changes, I still wanted support for texture, tone and the collagen I still had. But I no longer wanted skincare that left me managing sting, peeling, sensitivity or extra worry.
I wanted visible support, but not at the cost of comfort.
Beyond retinol
What frustrated me most was not retinol itself.
It was the pressure surrounding it.
The feeling that if you weren't using a retinoid, you were somehow not trying hard enough. That caring for your appearance meant constantly pushing harder in the pursuit of younger-looking skin.
At the same time, my own skin was becoming less tolerant.
I found myself wanting something different. Not because I had stopped caring about my skin, but because I wanted skincare that felt supportive rather than demanding.
I wasn't looking for a direct replacement for retinol.
I was looking for an ingredient that aligned more closely with what my skin was asking for.
What is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived active extracted from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, a plant with a long history of use in Ayurvedic practice.
While it isn't a direct replacement for retinol, research suggests it can help support smoother-looking skin, improve skin tone and collagen-supportive activity, while generally being better tolerated by sensitive skin. The ingredient used in CULTIVATE is Sytenol® A, a highly purified form of bakuchiol chosen for both its quality and supporting research.
If you're curious about some of the other ingredients used alongside bakuchiol, you'll find them explained in the Ingredient Glossary.
Why I chose Sytenol®A
Not all bakuchiol-derived ingredients are the same.
When formulating CULTIVATE, I chose Sytenol® A because it had promising research behind it and worked beautifully alongside the other ingredients I wanted to include.
Bakuchiol was never intended to do all the heavy lifting on its own.
It sits alongside CoQ10, ceramides, bisabolol, acmella and a carefully chosen blend of nutrient-rich seed oils.
Together, these ingredients support the broader goal of the formula: helping skin feel nourished, resilient and comfortable as it changes.
More than a bakuchiol serum
CULTIVATE is often discovered because of bakuchiol.
But it was never created as a single-ingredient product.
At its heart, CULTIVATE is an antioxidant facial serum built around replenishing lipids, barrier support and ingredients chosen to work together rather than compete for attention.
Bakuchiol plays an important role within that formula, but it is part of a wider approach centred on comfort, nourishment and long-term skin support.
A Few Things You May Be Wondering
Is bakuchiol a natural alternative to retinol?
Bakuchiol is often described that way because it supports many of the same visible skin goals.
While it isn’t a direct replacement for retinol, research suggests bakuchiol can help support smoother-looking skin, improved skin tone and the appearance of firmness, while generally being better tolerated by sensitive skin.
How quickly might I notice a difference with bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is best thought of as a consistent-support ingredient rather than a quick-fix active.
Some people notice skin feels softer and more comfortable quite quickly, especially when bakuchiol is used within a nourishing formula like CULTIVATE. Changes in tone, texture and the look of fine lines are usually more gradual and come with steady use over time.
Is bakuchiol suitable for sensitive skin?
Many people choose bakuchiol because it is typically better tolerated than retinol. However, every skin is different, so patch testing is always recommended.
Can I use bakuchiol during the day?
Yes. Unlike retinoids, bakuchiol is considered photostable and can be used morning or evening.
Can I use CULTIVATE alongside retinol?
Yes. Many women use CULTIVATE alongside retinol products to help replenish nourishment and support skin comfort.
Is CULTIVATE a bakuchiol serum?
Not exactly. CULTIVATE is fundamentally an antioxidant facial serum. Bakuchiol is one of several carefully chosen ingredients working together to support changing skin.