Bakuchiol is a plant-based skincare ingredient that’s often called a natural alternative to retinol. It’s popular for helping with fine lines, wrinkles, and acne—without the harsh side effects that retinol can bring.
But if you’re pregnant, you might wonder: Is bakuchiol really safe to use? Since pregnancy comes with extra care around what goes on your skin, it’s important to take a closer look before adding it to your routine.
What Is Bakuchiol?
Bakuchiol is a natural compound extracted from the babchi plant, long used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. In recent years, it’s gained attention as a plant-based alternative to retinol, offering many of the same skincare benefits—without the irritation that retinol often causes.
So what makes it special? Bakuchiol is known to help stimulate collagen, reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture and tone. It also shows promise in managing acne, making it a great multi-tasker in your skincare routine.
What’s more, bakuchiol is loved for being gentle on sensitive skin. Unlike retinol, it doesn’t usually lead to redness, dryness, or peeling. That’s why many people—especially those avoiding harsher ingredients—turn to bakuchiol as a soothing yet effective option for everyday skincare.
Why Retinol Is Off-Limits During Pregnancy
Retinol Is Classified as a High-Risk Ingredient
Retinol may be a go-to for anti-aging, but during pregnancy, it’s considered unsafe. It falls under the FDA’s Category C or X, meaning it has shown harmful effects in animal or human studies and should be avoided by pregnant individuals.
Linked to Birth Defects and Miscarriage
Studies have connected retinoid use—especially in high doses—to serious risks like birth defects and even miscarriage. Because of this, both oral and topical retinoids are commonly flagged as ingredients to avoid when you’re expecting.
The Rise of Natural Alternatives Like Bakuchiol
With retinol off the list, many people turn to natural options. That’s where bakuchiol comes in. It’s plant-derived and said to offer similar benefits without the harsh side effects. But just because it’s natural—does that mean it’s pregnancy-safe? We’ll explore that next.
Is Bakuchiol Actually Safe for Pregnancy?
No Clinical Proof Means No Clear Answer
One of the biggest issues with bakuchiol and pregnancy is the lack of solid research. There are no major clinical studies that confirm whether it’s truly safe—or harmful—for expecting mothers. And when it comes to pregnancy, no data doesn’t mean no risk.
Not FDA-Approved for Use in Pregnancy
Unlike ingredients with well-documented safety profiles, bakuchiol hasn’t been approved or officially recommended by the FDA for pregnant individuals. In fact, even its main supplier, Sytheon, has not endorsed it as pregnancy-safe.
It May Be Absorbed Into the Body
Bakuchiol has a molecular weight of about 256 g/mol, which means it’s small enough to potentially be absorbed through the skin. That absorption could allow it to reach the bloodstream and possibly cross the placenta—a concern when safety data is missing.
It Interacts with the Same Receptors as Retinol
Even though bakuchiol isn’t a retinoid, it acts in a similar way by binding to many of the same skin receptors. While that’s great for achieving retinol-like results, it also raises red flags, since retinol is strictly avoided during pregnancy for good reason.
So while bakuchiol might look like a safer choice on the surface, the truth is—we just don’t have enough evidence to say it’s pregnancy-safe.
Risk vs. Benefit During Pregnancy
The Possible Benefits of Bakuchiol
There’s a reason why many people are drawn to bakuchiol—it offers gentle anti-aging support without the dryness or irritation that often comes with retinol. For those with sensitive skin, it can be a more soothing option to help with fine lines and breakouts.
But the Risks Are Still Unclear
Here’s the problem: the long-term impact of bakuchiol on pregnancy is still unknown. There’s concern that it could potentially affect hormone activity or even reach the fetus if absorbed through the skin. Without clear research, there’s no way to say it’s completely safe.
When in Doubt, Play It Safe
During pregnancy, your skin—and your health—deserve extra care. That’s why most experts follow a “better safe than sorry” mindset. Just because something is plant-based or marketed as “natural” doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.
What Experts Recommend
The general advice from dermatologists and OB/GYNs? Hold off on using bakuchiol until after pregnancy, or at least speak with your doctor before adding it to your routine. Your peace of mind—and your baby’s safety—are always worth the extra caution.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Alternatives to Bakuchiol
If you’re skipping bakuchiol during pregnancy (and it’s a smart move to be cautious), you still have plenty of effective and safe options to care for your skin.
Vitamin C (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate)
This gentle form of vitamin C is known for its ability to boost collagen, brighten skin tone, and fight free radicals. It’s a great pick for keeping your skin healthy and glowing—without risking irritation.
Azelaic Acid
Struggling with breakouts or uneven skin tone? Azelaic acid is a pregnancy-safe option that helps calm acne and reduce pigmentation, especially those stubborn dark spots that can show up during pregnancy.
Glycolic Acid (in low concentrations)
Looking for something to smooth and exfoliate? A small amount of glycolic acid can gently slough off dead skin cells, improving texture and clarity. Just stick with low concentrations (under 10%) to keep it pregnancy-safe.
Zinc Oxide-Based Sunscreen
No matter what your skincare routine looks like, daily sun protection is a must. A mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide offers broad-spectrum protection and is one of the safest choices during pregnancy—plus, it helps prevent melasma and premature aging.
These ingredients can give you real results without the unknowns that come with bakuchiol. Always check labels and, when in doubt, have a quick chat with your dermatologist.
Can You Use Bakuchiol While Breastfeeding?
Once your baby is born, the rules around skincare become a little more flexible. Bakuchiol is generally considered lower risk while breastfeeding, since you’re no longer sharing a direct bloodstream connection with your baby like during pregnancy.
That said, it’s still wise to be cautious. Ingredients applied to the skin can still be absorbed into the body and potentially pass into breast milk, even if in small amounts.
So while the restrictions are less strict after delivery, it’s always a good idea to check with your dermatologist or healthcare provider before reintroducing active ingredients like bakuchiol into your routine.
When in doubt, taking the safe and informed approach is always best—for both you and your baby.
Conclusion
Right now, there’s no clear proof that bakuchiol is safe during pregnancy. While it may have some benefits, the lack of research means it’s better to stay cautious. Most experts suggest avoiding it and choosing ingredients that are well-studied and known to be safe.
If you’re not sure what to use, Zicail is here to help. Reach out to us anytime—we’ll guide you toward skincare that’s safe, gentle, and made to support your skin through every stage of motherhood.
