PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA’S CHOICE 0.3% RETINOL + 2% BAKUCHIOL TREATMENT - BEST RETINOL FACE CREAM, BEST BAKUCHIOL CREAM, BEST ANTI-AGING MOISTURIZER WITH RETINOL
PAULA’S CHOICE | 0.3% RETINOL + 2% BAKUCHIOL TREATMENT
I first posted a glimpse of the Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment on #skincarmasaturday a couple of weeks ago. That’s when I like to preview new product discoveries of the last week — and Paula’s innovative anti-aging treatment was something I’d had my eye on for a while. I couldn’t wait to try it!
Earlier this week, I posted up about the Wander Beauty Do Not Disturb concentrate with the newest retinoid, HPR — an analog of retinoic acid, or Tretinoin. This one was so surprising to me. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I actually did.
Normally, I’m not fan of Retinol treatments. I hate the smell of Retinol, I really hate the irritation. I usually just stick with Bakuchiol so I get the benefits of Retinol without all the nasty downsides.
Of course, only Paula would have the nerve to create a top shelf anti-aging treatment that combines Retinol an Bakuchiol. And like the Wander Beauty Do Not Disturb, it’s a pleasure to use! A 0.3% concentration of Retinol is a moderate strength — and, don’t quote me, the max allowed in an OTC product in Europe.
What is Bakuchiol?
For insights on what Bakuchiol is and how it can be considered a viable alternative to Retinol, I turn again to the the experts on the Paula’s Choice Research Team:
A natural antioxidant and anti-aging ingredient found in the seeds and leaves of the plant Psoralea corylifolia. This plant, also known as babchi, is native to and grows throughout India, where it plays a role in Ayurvedic medicine, and is also found in China (where it’s used in Chinese natural medicine) as well as parts of Africa. Ongoing in vitro (Petri dish) and in vivo (on skin) research has shown that bakuchiol seems to have skin-restoring ability when applied twice daily, and that it may also have a brightening effect on skin. Research has also shown this plant ingredient has soothing and anti-wrinkle properties as well as helping to visibly improve skin color and tone.
Bakuchiol is often touted as an alternative to retinol minus the sensitizing effects some people experience from retinol. The association between bakuchiol and retinol is because many of its benefits seem to mimic what retinol does; however, it’s important to distinguish that bakuchiol is not identical to retinol. It’s not an equivalent replacement any more than a blueberry is the nutritional equivalent of an apple.
Science has revealed that bakuchiol interacts with many of the same areas in skin as retinol, sometimes by taking the same pathway, other times by going a different route but still leading to the same results, such as diminished wrinkles, improved elasticity, and smoother skin. In either case, we’re confident that bakuchiol is a promising, beneficial ingredients whose actions can complement and enhance what retinol does for skin.
Research has confirmed that bakuchiol works best in concentrations between 0.5-2%. Amounts lower than that have not been shown to provide retinol-like benefits.
What is Retinol?
Considered among the best actives used in skin care, here’s what the experts on the Paula’s Choice Research Team have to say:
“Retinol is a powerhouse ingredient that has value for skin on several fronts: It’s a skin-restoring, wrinkle-smoothing, firming ingredient and an antioxidant, allowing it to improve a variety of skin concerns, most related to visible signs of aging.
“Many consumers are concerned about the percentage of retinol in anti-aging products such as serums or moisturizers. Although the percentage can make a difference (especially if it’s too low), it’s not helpful in understanding how a retinol product will benefit your skin. Far more important is the delivery system, packaging, and the other ingredients present with the retinol.
Using a product with a range of anti-aging ingredients plus retinol is far more valuable for skin than using a product with only a supposedly high percentage of retinol. Skin needs far more than any one ingredient can provide, however great that one ingredient may be. See our article on this topic for detailed information.
There are several myths about using retinol with other anti-aging ingredients or products, such as those with vitamin C or exfoliants like glycolic acid. See our article on this topic to learn what the research has shown to be true.”
It’s the 2% Bakuchiol that really maximizes the anti-aging potency here. In fact, according to the experts on the Paula’s Choice Research Team, “Research shows that bakuchiol and retinol work even better together. Plant-derived bakuchiol is one of a few ingredients that can stabilize retinol, allowing it to work more effectively and for longer, even at a lower concentration.”
That was news to me! I thought I was just getting a double dose of retinol-strength anti-wrinkle plumping.
There are numerous other anti-aging actives in the formula, too, including Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate/THD (vitamin C), ceramides and peptides.
ZERO irritation and doesn’t smell like HELL. The Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment is proof one again why PC is the leader in skincare in my book!
SHOP THE BLOG: Purchase the Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment for $54 here.
The Ingredient List of the Paula’s Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment:
The Ingredient List of the Wander Beauty Do Not Disturb Overnight Repair Concentrate:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methylpropanediol, Dimethicone, Squalane, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Cetearyl Olivate, Polyacrylate-13, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyisobutene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Polysorbate 20, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Adenosine, Disodium Edta, Sodium Hyaluronate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Monascus Extract, Sodium Guaiazulene Sulfonate, Croton Lechleri Resin Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
