Bakuchiol is an extract derived from the leaves and seeds of the babchi plant. When applied to skin, the ingredient acts in a similar way to retinol in that it helps to even out tone, diminish the appearance of fine lines, and speeds up cell regeneration, without many of the irritating side effects retinol can have. "Much like a retinol, bakuchiol triggers the genetic pathway in skin cells to create several types of collagen that are useful in skin health and anti-aging,” dermatologist Rachel Nazarian tells Byrdie.