---
title: "Evidence: retinoid-mimicking gene expression"
description: "Bakuchiol is as effective as retinol for reducing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, but causes less irritation."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s181.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s181.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s181.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "s181"
journal: "Br J Dermatol"
year: 2018
pmid: "29947134"
doi: "10.1111/bjd.16918"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Evidence: retinoid-mimicking gene expression

[Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) › Evidence: retinoid-mimicking gene expression

**HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s181.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/s181

## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Br J Dermatol |
| Year | 2018 |
| PMID | [29947134](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/) |
| DOI | [10.1111/bjd.16918](https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.16918) |
| Study key | s181 |

## Takeaway

Bakuchiol is as effective as retinol for reducing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, but causes less irritation.

## The question

Can bakuchiol provide similar anti-aging benefits to retinol with fewer side effects?

## Hypothesis

Bakuchiol will demonstrate comparable efficacy to retinol in improving signs of facial aging, but with a better tolerability profile.

## Methods

This was a 12-week, randomized, double-blind study involving 44 patients. Participants applied either 0.5% bakuchiol cream twice daily or 0.5% retinol cream daily. Facial photographs were analyzed at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. Patients also completed tolerability assessments, and a blinded dermatologist graded pigmentation and redness during visits.

## Results

Both bakuchiol and retinol significantly reduced wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, with no statistical difference in efficacy between the two compounds. Retinol users reported more instances of facial skin scaling and stinging compared to bakuchiol users.

## Conclusion

Bakuchiol is comparable to retinol in improving photoaging and is better tolerated, suggesting it could be a promising alternative to retinol.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state any limitations of the study.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> bakuchiol is comparable with retinol in improving photoageing and is better tolerated

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bakuchiol Retinol-Alternative Cream | Moderate evidence | [Bakuchiol Retinol-Alternative Cream](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/181.md) |

## Reference

1. **Evidence: retinoid-mimicking gene expression**
   Br J Dermatol 2018 · [PMID 29947134](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/) · [DOI 10.1111/bjd.16918](https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.16918)

   > bakuchiol is comparable with retinol in improving photoageing and is better tolerated

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Bakuchiol Retinol-Alternative Cream](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/181.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Clinical Evaluation of a Nature-Based Bakuchiol Anti-Aging Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d33346506.md)
- [Efficacy of a Serum Combining Bakuchiol and Vanilla Tahitensis Extract to Prevent Skin…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d32494181.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).