Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia) is a botanical extract whose key compound bakuchiol is used as a plant-based alternative to retinol, valued for antioxidant and anti-aging effects.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation or redness | Common | Mild stinging or erythema may occur, especially with higher concentrations or sensitive skin. |
| Contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Allergic or irritant reactions reported in some individuals. |
| Photosensitivity | Uncommon | Psoralen content in raw seed extract can increase UV sensitivity; purified bakuchiol carries lower risk. |
| Dryness or peeling | Uncommon | May occur during early use as skin adjusts. |
| Phototoxic blistering | Rare | Linked to furocoumarins in unpurified extracts with strong sun exposure. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.