Bakuchiol is a phytochemical found in the seeds of the Psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant that has known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-proliferative, and anti-acne activity. Bakuchiol serves as an alternative to retinol as it targets and modulates many of these same key anti-aging genes, but without the undesirable side effects of burning, dryness, peeling, and redness. Furthermore, Bakuchiol stimulates its own set of chemical pathways that contribute to anti-aging, most notably antioxidant pathways that activate genes to reduce oxidative stress, helping to scavenge harmful free radicals both internally and externally.  As it relates to pigment, Bakuchiol can suppress melanin production by blocking key enzymes involved in melanin synthesis, this helps to improve hyperpigmentation. Levels 2 Skin Bakuchiol + Peptide moisturizer is an antioxidant moisturizer that combines the power of botanicals, bakuchiol, and polypeptides to moisturize while improving lines and wrinkles, texture, tone, radiance, and firmness of the skin WITHOUT irritation. We promise you won’t look BAK!