Modere Bakuchiol Booster: the plant-based retinol alternative — clinical results without retinol’s side effects
⚡ 60-Second Verdict
Modere Bakuchiol Booster NZ delivers 1% bakuchiol, 4% niacinamide and 1.2% squalane at $87.95 NZD (member price). Clinically shown to match retinol’s efficacy without dryness, peeling or sun sensitivity — making effective anti-ageing exfoliation accessible to everyone including those who can’t use retinol. Amplifies BioCell Collagen® CG in CellProof Serum and Moisturizer. Clean label. 100% money-back.
Bakuchiol vs retinol — the clinical proof
A 2018 double-blind clinical study in the British Journal of Dermatology found bakuchiol to be as effective as retinol at reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and significantly better tolerated — with less dryness, scaling and stinging. This was a peer-reviewed, randomised, double-blind controlled trial — the gold standard of clinical evidence.
4% niacinamide — a skincare powerhouse
At 4%, niacinamide is in the clinically meaningful concentration range for pore refinement, skin tone evening, barrier strengthening and anti-inflammatory action. It is one of the most evidence-backed topical skincare ingredients available.
Amplifies BioCell Collagen® CG in the CellProof system
By exfoliating dead skin cell buildup that can block active ingredient penetration, bakuchiol ‘clears the path’ for BioCell Collagen® CG in the Serum and Moisturizer to penetrate more effectively — producing synergistic results when used as a system.
Why retinol causes problems for so many people — and why bakuchiol is the evidence-based alternative
Retinol is the most researched anti-ageing topical ingredient. But its side effects prevent a large proportion of people from using it consistently: dryness and peeling (particularly in the first weeks), photosensitivity (requiring sun avoidance or strict SPF use), incompatibility with many other active ingredients, and contraindication during pregnancy. For Kiwis in a high-UV environment, the photosensitivity concern is particularly relevant.
Bakuchiol is a meroterpene phenol derived from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia (Indian babchi) plant. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, it was studied in modern controlled clinical trials specifically because of its observed retinol-like effects on skin. The 2018 British Journal of Dermatology study — a randomised, double-blind controlled trial — found bakuchiol matched retinol’s efficacy for wrinkles and skin tone while being significantly better tolerated. Crucially, it does not cause photosensitivity — making it suitable for morning use and for those who spend time in NZ’s high-UV outdoors.
CellProof is designed to work with Liquid BioCell® for a complete inside-out approach. Liquid BioCell delivers collagen/HA matrix technology from within; CellProof applies BioCell Collagen® CG topically. Together, they target the same collagen and hyaluronic acid pathways from both directions.
The 4-step system: Double Cleanser → Serum → Moisturizer → Bakuchiol Booster (AM & PM)
Formulated without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial colorants, PEGs or silicones. Clean label, no animal testing, cruelty-free.
Ingredients in Modere CellProof Bakuchiol Booster NZ | Retinol Alternative 15ml
Every active ingredient — why it’s there and what it does.
| Ingredient | Role | What it brings |
|---|---|---|
| Bakuchiol 1% From Psoralea corylifolia (Indian babchi) seeds | Plant retinol alternative | The star ingredient — 1% bakuchiol is the clinically studied concentration shown to match retinol’s wrinkle-reducing and skin tone-improving efficacy. Activates retinol receptors without retinoid acid chemistry, avoiding retinol’s side effects. |
| Niacinamide 4% Vitamin B3, topical | Pore refinement, tone, barrier | At 4%, niacinamide is in the clinically effective range for: reducing pore appearance, improving skin tone evenness, strengthening the skin barrier, reducing sebum production, and providing anti-inflammatory action. |
| Squalane 1.2% Plant-derived — from sugarcane or olive | Weightless hydration | Plant-derived squalane (not shark liver squalene) provides lightweight, non-comedogenic hydration that matches skin’s own squalane — the natural moisture component that declines with age. Prevents dryness without heaviness. |
| Water (aqua) | Solvent base | Purified water base allowing precise, concentrated delivery of the three active ingredients. |
| Propanediol From fermented corn sugar | Penetration enhancer | Corn-derived humectant that enhances the penetration of bakuchiol, niacinamide and squalane — ensuring active concentrations reach their target skin layers. |
How Modere CellProof Bakuchiol Booster NZ | Retinol Alternative 15ml works
Bakuchiol activates retinol receptors without retinoid chemistry
Bakuchiol binds to and activates retinoid receptors in skin cells — stimulating the same gene expression changes that retinol produces, including increased collagen synthesis and accelerated cell turnover. Crucially, it does this without forming retinoic acid, avoiding retinol’s harsh side effects.
Cell turnover accelerates
Bakuchiol’s retinol-receptor activation promotes surface cell turnover — clearing the dead skin cell buildup that exaggerates wrinkle appearance and creates dullness. The result is brighter, smoother skin with reduced pore appearance.
Niacinamide targets multiple concerns simultaneously
At 4%, niacinamide inhibits melanin transfer to skin surface cells (reducing dark spots), reinforces the tight junction proteins of the skin barrier, reduces sebum production, and provides anti-inflammatory action — a remarkably multi-functional topical ingredient.
Squalane maintains moisture during exfoliation
As bakuchiol accelerates cell turnover, squalane maintains skin hydration — preventing the dryness that retinol users commonly experience during the same cell renewal process.
Modere CellProof Bakuchiol Booster NZ | Retinol Alternative 15ml vs alternatives
How it compares.
| Criterion | Modere Bakuchiol Booster (bakuchiol) | Retinol serum |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-ageing efficacy | Clinically shown equivalent to retinol | Gold standard — well established |
| Dryness/peeling side effects | None — well tolerated | Common — especially initially |
| Photosensitivity | None — safe for AM use | Yes — strict SPF required |
| Safe during pregnancy | Generally yes — check with OB | Contraindicated |
| Niacinamide included | Yes — 4% | Rarely |
| Squalane for hydration | Yes — 1.2% | Rarely in retinol products |
| Money-back guarantee | 100% | Varies |
What to expect
Realistic guide.
Week 2-3
Skin brightness and texture improvement becomes noticeable as bakuchiol accelerates cell turnover without the initial retinol purging phase.
Month 1
Pore appearance refinement from niacinamide. Fine line depth visibly reduces. Skin tone becomes more even.
Month 2+
Full bakuchiol anti-ageing benefit — comparable to retinol results without any photosensitivity or barrier damage. Enhanced CellProof Serum and Moisturizer penetration.
Is Modere CellProof Bakuchiol Booster NZ | Retinol Alternative 15ml right for you?
✓ Yes if you…
- Those who want retinol benefits without the side effects
- Anyone who has tried retinol and experienced dryness, peeling or redness
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women wanting safe anti-ageing (consult OB)
- Active outdoors people in NZ’s high UV — no photosensitivity concerns
- Anyone on the CellProof system wanting to amplify their results
✕ Skip if you…
- Those with a known allergy to babchi/Psoralea corylifolia — rare but check
Pro tips
Mix with Serum or Moisturizer for amplified results
The Modere direction: mix 5 drops with CellProof Serum in the palm before application. The bakuchiol enhances BioCell Collagen® CG penetration while the serum enhances bakuchiol’s anti-ageing action.
Use AM and PM — no sun sensitivity concern
Unlike retinol (PM only due to photosensitivity), bakuchiol can be used morning and evening — maximising twice-daily anti-ageing benefit in NZ’s high-UV environment.
Start with 3 drops if new to exfoliating actives
Despite being gentler than retinol, start with 3 drops if your skin is new to active exfoliants — increase to 5 drops after 1-2 weeks.
Science behind CellProof
- BioCell Collagen® CG features the same Collagen/HA Matrix® Technology as award-winning Liquid BioCell® — naturally co-existing hydrolysed collagen peptides, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate.
- In a user study of CellProof Serum: 88% noticed a skin tightening effect within 5 minutes; 100% reported more hydrated skin after 1 week.
- Bakuchiol is shown in peer-reviewed clinical research to be as effective as retinol at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting more even skin tone — without retinol’s associated dryness and peeling.
- Astaxanthin (from Haematococcus pluvialis algae) is 6,000x more potent as a free radical scavenger than vitamin C — the most powerful natural antioxidant in the CellProof moisturiser.
- BioCell Collagen was awarded Best Collagen Peptide by Frost & Sullivan — both the ingested (Liquid BioCell) and topical (CellProof) grades feature the same core technology.
- Modere CellProof is a clean label, no animal testing range — formulated without 2,500+ potentially harmful ingredients.
Dietary Supplement. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by Medsafe and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Dietary Supplement. These statements have not been evaluated by Medsafe. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always read the label and follow directions for use. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare professional. Manufactured to Shaklee’s 350+ point quality testing standards.
Best products to use with it
The Bakuchiol Booster is designed to layer into your existing routine. Best paired with:
Add a few drops of booster to the serum for enhanced firming and renewal.
Or mix into your moisturiser at night for a gentle retinol-alternative effect.
Modere CellProof Double Cleanser
Always cleanse first — bakuchiol works best on a clean, balanced skin surface.
Bakuchiol increases cell turnover — daily SPF protects the newer skin.
FAQ — Modere CellProof Bakuchiol Booster NZ | Retinol Alternative 15ml NZ
What is bakuchiol?
A plant-derived meroterpene phenol from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia (Indian babchi). Clinically shown to match retinol’s anti-ageing efficacy in a 2018 British Journal of Dermatology randomised controlled trial.
Is bakuchiol as effective as retinol?
A 2018 peer-reviewed double-blind clinical study found bakuchiol to be as effective as retinol at reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin tone — with significantly better tolerance.
Does it cause dryness or peeling like retinol?
No — bakuchiol does not activate the retinoic acid pathway that causes retinol’s characteristic dryness and peeling. Well tolerated even by sensitive skin.
Can I use it in the morning?
Yes — unlike retinol, bakuchiol does not cause photosensitivity. Safe for morning and evening use.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Bakuchiol is generally considered safer than retinol during pregnancy as it does not use retinoid chemistry. Always consult your LMC or OB for personalised guidance.
How do I use it with the CellProof Serum?
Mix 5 drops of Bakuchiol Booster with 3-5 drops of CellProof Serum in your palm before applying to face and neck — or apply the Booster standalone first, then Serum.
Is it vegan?
Yes — bakuchiol is plant-derived from Indian babchi seeds.
Where does it ship from?
Auckland NZ warehouse via NZ Post.
What is the guarantee?
100% money-back — even on an empty bottle.
How do I get the member price?
Free Lifetime Membership with first order of $50+.
Is free shipping available?
Free NZ-wide on orders over $210.
How long does 15ml last?
Approximately 30-60 days at 5 drops twice daily — highly concentrated formula.
Pricing & Member Perks (NZD)
Retail price: $103.45 | Member price: $87.95. Save $15.50. All prices in NZD, GST inclusive.
Loyalty Price: $83.55 — An optional subscription, every 30, 60 or 90 days. Update or cancel anytime.
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Free Lifetime Customer Membership is included with your first order of $50+ — you receive the member price immediately and save 15% on every future order, for life. Free shipping NZ-wide over $210 or Flat-Rate of $12. Access to exclusive seasonal promo codes & discounts.
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