Efficacy and safety of topical 1% bakuchiol oil in adults with photoaging, hyperpigmentation, acne, skin scaling and stinging: a randomized, double-blind and vehicle-controlled clinical study

Abstract

Background: Photoaging, hyperpigmentation and acne are common facial skin concerns for which effective and well-tolerated botanical alternatives are needed. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of topical 1% bakuchiol oil in adults with mild-to-moderate facial skin concerns.

Methods: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group study, 40 adults aged 25–55 years were randomized (1:1) to receive topical 1% bakuchiol oil or vehicle oil twice daily for 12 weeks. Clinical assessments and standardized facial photography were performed at baseline and weeks 4, 8 and 12. Primary endpoints were changes in photoaging and hyperpigmentation scores. Secondary endpoints included acne severity, total acne lesion count, skin scaling and stinging, skin hydration, trans epidermal water loss, subject satisfaction, tolerability and safety.

Results: All participants completed the study. Compared with vehicle, topical 1% bakuchiol oil significantly reduced photoaging (20.9%; p<0.001) and hyperpigmentation (44.8%; p<0.001) scores at week 12. Significant improvements were also observed in acne severity, acne lesion count, skin scaling and stinging, skin hydration and trans epidermal water loss (p<0.05 for all). Clinical photographs supported the quantitative findings. The treatment was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported in the bakuchiol group, compared with three mild, transient adverse events in the vehicle group.

Conclusions: Topical 1% bakuchiol oil improved photoaging, hyperpigmentation, acne-related parameters and skin barrier-related measures over 12 weeks and was well tolerated, supporting its potential as a botanical option for photoaged and acne-prone skin.