Is Bakuchiol Safe During Pregnancy? What We Know and What We Don't

Short answer: bakuchiol is often suggested as an alternative to retinol during pregnancy because it isn't a retinoid. But it hasn't been studied in pregnant or breastfeeding people, so its safety at this time hasn't been established. The safest approach is to ask your doctor or midwife before using it, and to show them the full ingredient list of the product you're considering.

Why retinoids are usually avoided in pregnancy

Retinoids are forms of vitamin A. High doses of vitamin A and some oral retinoid medicines are known to harm a developing baby. Topical retinoids absorb into the body in much smaller amounts, but as a precaution most doctors advise pausing retinol and other retinoids while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Is bakuchiol a retinoid?

No. Bakuchiol is a plant compound from the seeds of the babchi plant (Psoralea corylifolia). Its chemical structure isn't related to vitamin A, although lab research suggests it acts on some of the same skin pathways as retinol. That's why it's so often discussed as a pregnancy-friendly option.

What hasn't been studied

The clinical studies on bakuchiol for skin were small and did not include pregnant or breastfeeding participants. There's no direct evidence either way on its use during pregnancy. “Not a retinoid” is not the same as “proven safe”, which is why the decision belongs with your healthcare provider.

Don't confuse it with babchi supplements

Skincare bakuchiol is a purified ingredient applied to the skin. It's different from whole babchi seed or herbal supplements taken by mouth, which contain other compounds and are not the same thing at all. Don't take babchi supplements during pregnancy without medical advice.

Check the rest of the formula too

A product is more than its headline ingredient. Many face oils, including ours, contain fragrance or essential oils, and some people prefer to avoid certain essential oils during pregnancy. Our Zenuva Bakuchiol Oil Serum lists every ingredient on the product page, so you can show it to your doctor or midwife.

Questions to ask your doctor or midwife

• Is it okay for me to use a topical bakuchiol product while pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Are there any ingredients in this formula I should avoid?
• Which products are best for the skin concerns I have right now?

Skin habits that are widely recommended

• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily. Pregnancy can make some people more prone to dark patches (melasma), and sun exposure makes them worse.
• Keep your routine simple and gentle.
• Moisturise dry or itchy skin, and mention any persistent itching to your doctor.

Want to understand how bakuchiol compares with retinol in general? Read Bakuchiol vs Retinol: What the 12-Week Study Found.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Always speak to your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using new skincare products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.