Medik8 - Bakuchiol Peptides™

Key Benefits:

• Retinol Alternative Peptide-Infused Serum

• The ultimate plant-based, anti-ageing alternative for vitamin A. Designed to help promote a more youthful complexion, the lightweight, oil-based serum harnesses the gentle power of 1.25% pure bakuchiol. A clinically proven alternative to retinol that is ideal for those that can’t use vitamin A - eg when pregnant or nursing* as it is not recommended during this time.

• Bakuchiol Peptides is enhanced with brightening peptide precursors, which help to maintain a glowing, even complexion. The lilac-hued formula is also infused with cica (centella asiatica), an ingredient perfect for soothing inflamed, sensitive skin. Photostable, Bakuchiol Peptides can be used both day and night, for accelerated visible anti-ageing results. Perfect for those looking for a substitute for vitamin A in their CSA routines.

• *Of course, due to ethical considerations the Bakuchiol Peptides formula has not been tested on pregnant women, but there is nothing in the formula which is known to be an issue (eg vitamin A or high levels of exfoliating acids). If you are at all concerned, always consult your doctor. 

• Free from Synthetic Colours, Artificial Fragrance, Paraben, Phthalates, and Alcohol

• Vegan Friendly & Cruelty Free

• Bakuchiol & Pregnancy While applying vitamin A topically in skincare hasn’t been shown to cause problems in pregnancy or breastfeeding, as very little gets absorbed into the body through the skin, doctors (and Medik8) recommend avoiding, just in case, due to the known risks of high-dose vitamin A ingestion. Bakuchiol on the other hand, has been shown to have retinol-like effects but does not have the same mechanism of action as vitamin A so there is no real reason to link the two. We cannot find any documented evidence as to why Bakuchiol should be avoided during pregnancy, and we happily recommend it on that basis. Many experts including doctors and other brands are stating that bakuchiol is perfectly safe in pregnancy. As most cosmetic ingredients are untested on pregnant women, there is no way of definitively saying anything is specifically ‘safe for pregnancy’ which is why we do not more boldly state “safe for pregnancy”.

Key Ingredients:

• Bakuchiol – A clinically proven alternative to retinol, bakuchiol helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Incredibly gentle, it is suitable for those that cannot usually tolerate vitamin A.

• Brightening Peptide Precursors – A lipo-amino acid that can penetrate the natural skin barrier with ease. They minimise the action of MSH (melanin stimulating hormone), therefore blocking the production of melanin, for a visibly brighter and even skin tone.

• Centella Asiatica - A naturally-derived anti-inflammatory with incredible wound healing benefits on the skin.

• Inka Omega Oil – One of the highest, organic sources of omegas among natural seeds. The natural oil can slip into the gaps between skin cells in the stratum corneum to restore the skin’s natural barrier and block moisture loss.

Full Ingredients:

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bakuchiol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Krameria Triandra Root Extract, Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract.

*Please note ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. Please refer to product packaging for the most complete and up-to-date ingredients list.

Directions:

1.   After cleansing in the morning and evening, gently apply and massage 6 drops of Bakuchiol Peptides across the face, neck and décolletage

Dr J's Tips:

• This serum can be used as an anti-aging alternative to retinoids when retinoids cannot be used, such as those who are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or those who cannot tolerate even low dose retinol. 

• This serum can still be used as part of your morning skincare routine even if you apply a retinoid in the evening. 

The Science Behind It:

• “Bakuchiol has short-term photostability, therefore it can be used in the morning throughout the day. However, through laboratory testing we have discovered that bakuchiol loses its activity when exposed to sunlight over a period of a few months. Therefore, we have taken a dual-actioned preventative approach to keeping our formula stable in the long-term. Bakuchiol Peptides is housed in a UV-protected glass bottle, to protect the formula from photooxidation which can eventually cause a significant loss in performance. The UV-light stabilising coating on the bottle targets the UV rays before they can cause any damage, absorbing the highly energetic UV light and then dissipating the energy. Photo-stabiliser krameria triandra root extract on the other hand, works to absorb any UV which penetrates through the packaging, protecting the bakuchiol molecule within the formula.”