Is Bakuchiol Safe During Pregnancy? The Retinol Alternative Examined

What is bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol (INCI: Bakuchiol) is a phytochemical compound extracted from the seeds of the plant Psoralea corylifolia, used in Ayurveda for centuries. In cosmetology it has gained popularity as a plant-based substitute for retinol — it produces effects on the skin's retinoid receptors that are similar to retinol, but it comes from a completely different chemical pathway and does not belong to the vitamin A group.

Clinical studies, including a paper published in the British Journal of Dermatology (Dhaliwal et al., 2019), showed that bakuchiol at a concentration of 0.5% applied twice daily for 12 weeks reduces wrinkles and hyperpigmentation and improves skin elasticity to a degree comparable with 0.5% retinol — but with a far lower risk of irritation.

Why is retinol banned during pregnancy?

Before we assess the safety of bakuchiol, it helps to understand why retinol and retinoids are strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. Vitamin A and its derivatives (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid, prescription retinoids) have a proven teratogenic effect — they can cause birth defects in the fetus. Under EU Regulation 1223/2009, the maximum concentrations of retinol in cosmetics are restricted, and products should carry a warning against use during pregnancy. The SCCS (Opinion 1218/2022) clearly recommends these restrictions.

Bakuchiol is not a retinoid — it does not belong to the vitamin A group, although it does act on some of the same nuclear receptors. This is a crucial distinction from a safety standpoint.

Is bakuchiol safe during pregnancy? The state of the research

Here we have to be precise: there is a lack of sufficient clinical studies assessing the safety of bakuchiol specifically in pregnant women. No large randomized trial has examined the risk of using it during pregnancy. This is an important distinction between an absence of evidence of harm and proven safety.

What we do know:

• Bakuchiol is not a retinoid, and its mechanism of action differs from that of retinol at the molecular level.
• In cell-model studies, no teratogenic effect has been demonstrated.
• Date on transdermal absorption and systemic metabolism in humans are limited.
• There are no data from studies in pregnant women.

Most dermatologists approach bakuchiol in pregnancy with cautious optimism, but because comprehensive prenatal safety studies are lacking, some specialists recommend avoiding it — especially during the first trimester.

The view of dermatological societies

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and European dermatological societies have not placed bakuchiol on lists of ingredients that are strictly contraindicated in pregnancy — unlike retinol. However, many guidelines recommend a precautionary principle: if safety is uncertain, it is better to avoid it.

Looking for a serum with bakuchiol? Browse our database of face serums, where every product has a composition rating and flags for ingredients that warrant attention.

Safe alternatives to retinol during pregnancy

If you want to improve your skin during pregnancy without the risk, here are ingredients with a well-documented safety profile:

• Hyaluronic acid — hydration and smoothing,
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3) — brightening and evening out skin tone,
• Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) — antioxidant, improved radiance,
• Peptides — collagen support with no risk of teratogenicity,
• Azeloglycine (Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate) — gentle brightening of discolorations.

You'll find the full list of ingredients, their safety classifications and SCCS assessments in the PurScore.pl ingredient encyclopedia.

Bakuchiol and breastfeeding

As with pregnancy — there are insufficient clinical data regarding lactation. Following the precautionary principle, if you are unsure, it is better to wait until you have finished breastfeeding or to consult a doctor.

Want to check whether a specific serum with bakuchiol is safe? Use our database and review the product's full composition.

Note: This article is for educational purposes and does not replace medical or dermatological advice. When it comes to skincare during pregnancy, always consult your gynecologist or dermatologist.

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