Ingredient · 🇮🇳 India

Babchi Oil

Natural retinol alternative / antioxidant Key active
Use with awareness

In our reference data, Babchi Oil can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).

What it is

Babchi oil, derived from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia, contains bakuchiol and psoralen compounds and is used as a plant-based alternative to retinol for anti-aging and skin-renewal benefits. Note that whole babchi oil differs from purified bakuchiol, as it may retain phototoxic psoralens.

🍄 Fungal-acne trigger

Side effects reported in research

Reported effectHow oftenNotes
Skin irritation or contact dermatitis
CommonRedness, stinging, or itching, especially with undiluted or high concentrations.
Photosensitivity / phototoxic reaction
UncommonDue to psoralen content in unrefined oil; can cause exaggerated sunburn or pigmentation with UV exposure.
Allergic sensitization
UncommonAllergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.
Hyperpigmentation or blistering
RareReported with phototoxic (psoralen-mediated) reactions following sun exposure.
Systemic toxicity
Very rareConcerns mainly with ingestion or extensive use; not typical of topical cosmetic application.

Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.

From published literature

Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.

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