The Use of Bakuchiol in Dermatology: A Review of In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence

The plant Psoralea corylfolia contains compounds such as psoralens that are useful for the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo, and the plant is used in Chinese and Indian traditional medicine for diseases such as psoriasis and leprosy. Bakuchiol, a meroterpene phenol in Psoralea corylfolia, has similar functional properties to topical retinoids, which are commonly used to treat acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. Bakuchiol’s anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties also may lead to improvement in psoriasis and skin cancers, yet more clinical evidence is needed to elucidate these effects. Notably, bakuchiol does not cause common adverse effects seen with topical retinoids such as burning and scaling, permitting wider use in patients with sensitive skin. This review will detail the current evidence for bakuchiol as an alternative treatment in dermatologic conditions. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(6):624-629. doi:10.36849/JDD.6740.