The Dictator | Bakuchiol, nature’s new Retinol, is the only anti-ageing skincare ingredient you need to know right now

I’ve heard bakuchiol is the new retinol, but better. Could it be! Where can I buy it?
Baku in Time, Causeway Bay

The Dictator rules: You seem ready to smear cow dung on your face if it means reversing the ageing process. So be it, but first I want you to know what you’re using.

Bakuchiol is neither bovine nor fecal. It is a plant-derived terpenophenol that allegedly has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. For the really obtuse out there, we’re talking about getting rid of wrinkles. And while retinol can cause redness or irritation for some, bakuchiol supposedly does not. Unless you have sensitivity to the plants from which it comes. Which you might, so go ask a doctor already. Vegetarians and vegans will be happy to know that it is purely plant-derived, unlike some retinols. Thankfully, you don’t have to go down a dodgy back alley to get some. Your fountain of youth is already formulated into the following products.

Danish cosmetician Ole Henriksen uses it in his Transform Plus line, including the Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Creme (HK$430). Ren Skin­care has an incre­dible Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Cream (HK$460). Omorovicza, inspired by the thermal baths in Budapest, Hungary, makes a Miracle Facial Oil that blends bakuchiol, oil of sea buckthorn berry, rosehip and sweet almond, plus winged kelp extract (HK$950; Joyce Beauty, Hysan Place, Causeway Bay). Lancer has an Advanced Retinol Treatment, with a double whammy of 1.25 per cent retinol plus bakuchiol (HK$694).