Not All Bakuchiol Is Equal: Why We Exclusively Use Sytenol® A & Why It Matters

Published August 2025 ~ Updated July 2026

If you’ve been following natural skincare news and trends, chances are that you’ve heard about bakuchiol. Nicknamed "nature's retinol" or the “plant-based retinol,” this botanical ingredient offers similar benefits - like smoothing fine lines, evening skin tone, and boosting collagen - without the dryness, irritation, restrictions, and side effects that comes with retinoids.

But here’s the thing: not all bakuchiol is created equal.

Many bakuchiol products are made with ineffective or low quality bakuchiol. In fact, when tested by outside laboratories, some bakuchiol serums were proven to contain no bakuchiol at all - 0%.

In fact, there is only one source of bakuchiol which has been widely studied and utilized in the published research studies: Sytenol® A from Sytheon. It's more expensive and difficult to source, but it is far superior.

It’s also the form of bakuchiol used in all major clinical studies - meaning that it’s the only one with actual data and science behind it.

Since our goal is to create the highest quality, most effective products possible from the highest quality ingredients, we exclusively use Sytenol® A in our Bakuchiol Botanical Facial Serum. And, we use it at a percentage of 1%, which is the highest recommended rate recommended by the manufacturer and it is the percentage rate proven to provide amazing results in studies.

This patented, highly pure, and science-backed bakuchiol from Sytheon has been clinically tested in many studies over the course of years, shown to perform like retinol and provide the same benefits (without the side effects), and offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even antibacterial properties.

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol is a natural compound derived from the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia plant, also known as the babchi plant. Bakuchiol was first isolated in 1966 from Babchi seed and was named after the plant’s Sanskrit name, Bakuchi. This means that Bakuchiol is naturally plant-based, vegan, and a sustainable ingredient. It has been proven, in numerous published research studies, to be just as effective as retinol - without the side effects! 

What Makes Sytenol® A Bakuchiol Different?

There are a lot of bakuchiol serums out there—but most don’t disclose how much bakuchiol they use, or whether they’re using the right kind. Many rely solely on seed extracts or unpurified bakuchiol, which aren’t always effective (and can sometimes contain irritating compounds).

Sytenol® A stands apart because it is:

✅ Plant-based, while retinol is a synthetic derivative of vitamin A
✅ Ultra-pure (≥99% active content)
✅ Photostable and hydrolytically stable - won’t break down from light or heat exposure
✅ Clinically tested and globally approved
✅ Non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and suitable for all skin types
✅ Compatible with sensitive skin, unlike retinol.

The Science: Key Study Results on Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol has been extensively studied for its effects on aging, pigmentation, collagen production, acne, and inflammation. This is a summary of clinical findings from published publications and clinical trials using Sytenol® A:

Summary of Clinical Benefits from Bakuchiol (Sytenol® A)

*Types of Collagen:

• Type I Collagen: Most abundant type in the skin (and the body). Gives skin its firmness, strength, and structure. This is what we mostly lose as we age.
• Type III Collagen: Provides flexibility and elasticity.
• Type IV Collagen: Found in the basement membrane of the skin (between the outer and deeper layers). Helps with skin regeneration, structure, and stability, and supports overall skin integrity.

Bakuchiol (specifically Sytenol® A) has been shown to stimulate all three, which is part of what makes it such a powerhouse for aging or compromised skin.

Why We Use 1% Sytenol® A in Our Serum

We crafted our Bakuchiol Botanical Facial Serum with 1% Sytenol® A - the exact amount shown in studies to deliver visible, measurable results. Many other products use lower percentages (or don’t disclose them at all), making it hard to know if they’re truly effective.

Ours is different. We paired this powerful active with a blend of 16 hydrating, calming botanical oils to nourish your skin while delivering real, science-backed results. No fluff, no fillers - just skin-loving ingredients that work beautifully together. In fact, we spent more than a year formulating and testing our serum, in order to create the best product possible. Plus, we've incorporated Babchi oil into our formula, making our serum the first and only dual-bakuchiol serum on the planet.

What you get is a serum that:

✨ Smooths and firms the skin
✨ Reduces fine lines and uneven tone
✨ Boosts hydration and supports the skin barrier
✨ Helps calm breakouts and reduce inflammation
✨ Can be used during the day and night, while retinol can only be used at night.
✨ Contains ingredients proven to show visible results in 4–6 weeks

What Sets Our Bakuchiol Serum Apart

Let’s be honest - there are plenty of “natural retinol alternatives” available. But if you’re looking for one that’s truly effective, backed by research, has raving reviews from actual customers, and crafted with care, here’s why ours stands out:

We use Sytenol® A, the most pure, potent, and clinically proven form of bakuchiol.

Our formula contains the full 1% active concentration used in real-world studies. This is also the maximum amount recommended by Sytheon.

It’s made in small batches with organic, plant-based ingredients.

Free from synthetics including fragrances, harsh preservatives, and artificial additives.

Designed to be gentle for sensitive skin, but powerful enough to deliver visible results.

Dual-Bakuchiol: We've created the first and only dual-bakuchiol product on the planet - made from pure Bakuchi oil and Sytenol® A Bakuchiol.

Contains 16 of the very best plant-based oils for aging, rejuvenation, and repair including: Organic Apricot Kernel Oil, Organic Brazil Nut Oil, Organic Macadamia Nut Oil, Organic Plum Kernel Oil, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Bakuchi (Babchi) Oil, Organic Argan Oil, Organic Tamanu Oil, Organic Rosehip Seed Oil, Organic Passion Fruit Seed Oil, Sytenol® A Bakuchiol (99%+ Pure Bakuchiol Concentrate), Organic Evening Primrose Seed Oil, Squalane (Olive-Derived), Organic Pomegranate Seed Oil, Vitamin E Oil (Non-GMO, Sunflower-Derived), Sea Buckthorn Oil, Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil

Summary:

🌿 Sytenol® A is the gold standard bakuchiol - 99%+ pure, stable, and clinically tested.
🌿 Performs like retinol without irritation (20% wrinkle reduction, 59% less pigmentation).
🌿 Boosts collagen and elasticity (Types I, III & IV).
🌿 Calms inflammation, regulates sebum, and improves hydration.
🌿 Our serum uses the optimal 1% Sytenol® A + 16 nourishing & anti-aging botanicals.

If you're ready to give Bakuchiol a try, here's a link to our Bakuchiol Botanical Facial Serum. It's a unique formulation, created and crafted in-house, which you won't find anywhere else.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sytenol® A?

Sytenol® A is a specific, ultra-pure form of bakuchiol (99%+ pure) made by Sytheon. It's the form used in nearly all of the major published clinical studies on bakuchiol, which makes it the one with real research behind it. It's plant-derived, stable in light and heat (so it won't break down easily), and gentle enough for sensitive skin.

Is Sytenol® A better than regular bakuchiol?

It's the most studied and most consistent form, so it's generally considered the gold standard. "Regular" or generic bakuchiol is often an unpurified seed extract that can vary widely in strength, and can sometimes contain irritating compounds. Because almost all of the published research was done with Sytenol® A specifically, it's the form with actual data showing what it can do ~ which is why the form you choose matters so much.

How much bakuchiol should a serum contain?

The clinical studies used 1% bakuchiol, which is also the maximum concentration the manufacturer recommends. So 1% is the amount shown in research to deliver visible results. Many serums use less than that, or don't disclose their percentage at all, which makes it hard to know whether they're truly effective. A clearly stated 1% is a good sign you're getting a meaningful amount.

Why do some bakuchiol serums not work?

It usually comes down to the form and the amount. When independent laboratories have tested bakuchiol serums on the market, some were found to contain little to no actual bakuchiol ~ a few even tested at 0%. Others use low-quality, unpurified bakuchiol, or an undisclosed (often very low) percentage. Without the right form at an effective, stated concentration, a serum simply may not have enough active bakuchiol in it to do much of anything.

Is bakuchiol backed by science?

Yes ~ bakuchiol has been studied in numerous published trials, including randomized, double-blind research comparing it directly to retinol. In those studies it was shown to support the look of fine lines, even tone, and encourage collagen, with far less irritation than retinol. The key thing to know is that this research was done using Sytenol® A, which is exactly why we use that form.

What is a dual-bakuchiol serum?

A dual-bakuchiol serum uses two forms of bakuchiol together. Ours pairs Sytenol® A (the pure, clinically studied form) with cold-pressed babchi oil from the whole plant ~ so you get the focused, research-backed active alongside the full-spectrum character of the babchi plant itself. It's the first and only dual-bakuchiol serum of its kind.