Burt’s Bees topical bakuchiol-containing sunscreen treats redness and pigmentation of photodamaged facial skin.

Burt’s Bees topical bakuchiol-containing sunscreen treats redness and pigmentation of photodamaged facial skin. What’s more,  a cream containing Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice root), Curcuma longa (turmeric root), and Terminalia chebula improves the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) associated with acne, acording to studies presented at the American Academy of Dermatology 2023 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA.   

In the study of 27 females aged 35 to 60 with clinically diagnosed sensitive skin and mild-to-moderate photodamaged skin, a photostable, broad-spectrum SPF 30 product with inorganic sunscreen actives and bakuchiol produced statistically significant decrease in skin pigmentation and redness from the baseline over the 12 weeks and a 20% improvement in skin hydration and maintenance of skin barrier function as seen on standardized, high-resolution facial photographs captured and analyzed for facial erythema (redness) and pigmentation. 

“This is the first time we’ve seen a bakuchiol-containing formula demonstrate a decrease in erythema,” adds Raja Sivamani, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Integrative Skin Science and Research and UC Davis, in California, in a news release.  “With this groundbreaking research, patients don’t have to compromise and choose between more even skin tone, the retinol-alternative benefits of bakuchiol, and an effective mineral sun protection.” 

In the secound study of 39 females aged 18–64 years with moderate acne-induced, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and Fitzpatrick skin types I-VI , topical treatment containing Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice root), Curcuma longa (turmeric root), and Terminalia chebula reduced the appearance of PIH associated with acne.   There was a statistically significant improvement from baseline in skin brightness, smoothness, tone evenness, and overall skin condition, a reduction in melanin scores and corresponding pigmentation, and a 15% improvement in skin hydration and maintenance of skin barrier function.

“Hyperpigmentation disorders, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and solar lentigines, are increasingly common conditions affecting most skin types and can have a significant impact on patient quality of life,” says Zoe D. Draelos, MD, a  dermatologist in High Point, NC. “In this research, the investigator, subject, and objective assessments all concurred to show an improvement in skin brightness with the formula, which incorporates three botanical tyrosinase inhibitors. Additionally, skin condition improved overall, including on the metrics of smoothness, evenness, pigmentation, and hydration.”