Can you use bakuchiol with centella asiatica?
Reasoning: why this verdict
There is no known conflict between bakuchiol and centella asiatica. Both are generally well tolerated.
Who should be careful: People with very sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema should patch test new products first.
How to use bakuchiol and centella asiatica together
- Layer from thinnest to thickest texture.
- Finish with moisturizer, and sunscreen in the morning.
About the ingredients
Bakuchiol
A plant-derived ingredient often called a retinol alternative. A 2019 randomized trial found it comparable to retinol for photoaging, with less scaling and stinging.
Centella Asiatica (Cica)
A soothing plant extract (also called cica or gotu kola). Its compounds, such as madecassoside and asiaticoside, are studied for calming and repairing skin, mostly in lab work so far.
Related combinations
How Bakuchiol and centella asiatica each mix with other common actives.
FAQ
Do I need sunscreen with bakuchiol and centella asiatica?
Yes. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is recommended with any active skincare routine.
Is this answer based on a study of bakuchiol and centella asiatica together?
Evidence strength: Limited. Based on ingredient-level evidence and a conservative general rule for this ingredient class. Direct research on this pair is limited.
Which goes on first, bakuchiol or centella asiatica?
Bakuchiol first, then centella asiatica. In general, apply thinner, watery textures before thicker creams.
Sources
Studies and reviews on these ingredients and, where available, on this specific combination. Numbers match the citation chips above.
- Dhaliwal S, et al. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. Br J Dermatol. 2019;180(2):289-296.
- Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014;36(3):221-230.
- Park KS. Pharmacological effects of Centella asiatica on skin diseases: evidence and possible mechanisms. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:5462633.
- Bylka W, et al. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013;30(1):46-49.