You may be thinking: bakuchiol… what even is that? Fair question. But trust me, bakuchiol is everywhere right now, and if you haven’t heard of it yet, you’re about to meet your skin’s new best friend. Once a niche alternative to retinol, it suddenly exploded in popularity and has become a staple in so many skincare routines. Why? A big part of it comes down to the rising demand for natural, plant-based products. Over the past year, major cosmetic brands have launched bakuchiol-packed formulas in everything from moisturizers to eye creams and even body care.
And while North American companies usually dominate this kind of trend, Asia-Pacific brands, especially in Japan and South Korea, have been growing even faster. Labels like Dr. Jart+, Haruharu, Skin1004, and Some By Mi have been pushing out innovative formulas that highlight this unique botanical ingredient. Bakuchiol is promoted for its ability to boost collagen, support cell renewal, soften fine lines, improve elasticity, fade dark spots, and basically convince your skin to get its life together. Right now, serums, moisturizers, and sheet masks are the most popular bakuchiol-based products on the market.
In terms of numbers, the global bakuchiol market is expected to jump from about USD 0.39 billion in 2024 to around USD 1.02 billion in 2025, roughly a 10% compound annual growth rate. Serums are the clear favorite, with the bakuchiol-serum segment valued at about USD 81.23 million in 2024 and projected to reach USD 177.17 million by 2030. Regionally, Asia-Pacific is expected to grow the fastest, with China’s market alone estimated at about an 8% CAGR. So what’s fueling all this momentum? Consumers are gravitating toward “clean,” plant-derived, vegan, cruelty-free skincare, and bakuchiol is often marketed as a gentler, safer alternative to retinol. On top of that, newer formulations can target a wide range of concerns, from wrinkles to brightness to firmness to evening out skin tone. The rise of e-commerce and social media has also made it easier than ever for these products to go viral and gain traction quickly.
Bakuchiol skincare product campaigns via Covey Skincare and Herbivore Botanicals
Another big reason bakuchiol blew up is honestly just timing. As more people started paying attention to what’s actually inside their skincare, bakuchiol showed up with the perfect résumé: plant-derived, gentle, effective, and not as intimidating as retinol. Plus, brands were quick to jump on the opportunity to market it as the “next big thing,” which made it even easier for consumers to trust and try it. It didn’t need dramatic marketing or gimmicks, just steady results and a growing interest in cleaner, simpler skincare.
All in all, bakuchiol’s popularity shows that good skincare doesn’t have to be complicated, or harsh. What started as a niche alternative to retinol has grown into something people genuinely trust and rely on, thanks to its plant-based, gentle, and effective qualities. Seeing it everywhere now isn’t just a trend, it’s proof that consumers are paying attention to what’s in their products and making choices that actually matter. So next time you pick up a serum or moisturizer with bakuchiol, remember: it’s more than just a buzzword, it’s part of a bigger shift toward smarter, kinder skincare.
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