If you’ve been into skincare for a while, you’ve probably heard that retinol is the gold standard for anti-ageing. So it’s natural to wonder: why are some forms of retinol being restricted in the EU? And why would a brand choose something else?
Let’s break it down — simply.
What is retinol and what is happening in the EU?
Retinol is a form of vitamin A commonly used in skincare to improve fine lines, uneven texture and acne. It works by encouraging cell turnover, and doing too much too quickly can lead to a compromised skin barrier. This manifests as redness, irritation, and peeling.
The European Union hasn’t banned retinol completely, but it has placed limits on certain forms of vitamin A used in skincare.
Why? Because retinol is a vitamin A derivative, and vitamin A affects more than just your skin. When exposure adds up - from food, supplements, and skincare combined - it can impact biological and hormone-regulated pathways, especially during pregnancy and long-term use.
To reduce this overall exposure, the EU now:
- Limits how much retinol can be used in cosmetics
- Requires extra warnings on labels
This is a precautionary move, focused on long-term and population-level safety — not panic.
Where do hormone concerns come in?
Retinol works through pathways in the body that are also involved in development and hormone-related processes. This is why retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy and why regulators take a precautionary approach. It doesn’t mean retinol is unsafe — it means it’s powerful and not ideal for everyone.
Our approach
While it is highly effective under the correct dosage, retinol isn’t a casual ingredient. It needs:
- Careful concentration
- Gradual introduction
- Sunscreen use
- Clear guidance on who should avoid it
But in reality, many consumers are under-informed or misled — using strong retinol products daily, layering them with other harsh actives, or not realising that vitamin A exposure adds up across supplements, food and skincare. For beginners, this can lead to damaged skin barriers, sensitivity, and long-term irritation — not better skin.
Root Labs believes skincare shouldn’t require a chemistry degree to use safely. Our formulations are built to support your skin barrier and respect your body’s natural balance. That’s why we chose bakuchi — effective, gentle and designed for real life.
Introducing Bakuchi
Bakuchi (bakuchiol) is a plant-derived active that offers retinol-like benefits — smoother texture, improved tone and visible glow — without being a vitamin A derivative.
What makes bakuchi different:
- Derived from plants, not synthetic vitamin A
- Gentle enough for daily use
- No purging phase or adjustment period
- Well-tolerated across all adult age groups
- Delivers comparable visible results without irritation
Because it doesn’t trigger rapid cell turnover the way retinol does, bakuchi works with your skin, not against it — making it ideal for beginners and sensitive skin types.