Is bakuchiol safe during pregnancy? We do not have enough pregnancy-specific evidence to confidently say yes. Although bakuchiol is not a retinoid, that difference does not establish its safety for a developing baby. [1–3]
Pregnancy can change your skin and leave you questioning products you previously used without a second thought. Dryness, breakouts and uneven pigmentation can make a familiar routine feel less familiar. [4]
At Azurlis™, I want you to understand the evidence behind your choices, including where that evidence stops. We formulate with bakuchiol, so being clear about its limitations matters just as much as explaining its benefits.
You deserve a useful answer, without a sales pitch dressed up as reassurance.
What is bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a specific compound traditionally obtained from the babchi plant, Psoralea corylifolia, also called Cullen corylifolium. It is often described as a plant-derived alternative to retinol because some cosmetic effects overlap. Chemically, however, it is neither retinol nor a vitamin A derivative. [1,2]
Research has explored its effects on skin-related gene expression and the appearance of photoageing. These findings help explain its appeal in skincare. They do not tell us whether exposure during pregnancy is safe. [1,2]
Purified bakuchiol should also be distinguished from babchi oil and whole-plant extracts. Different preparations contain different mixtures of compounds. Evidence about one preparation cannot simply be transferred to another.
The botanical name on a label is a starting point. The actual ingredient, concentration and complete formulation still matter.
What the research tells us about pregnancy safety
A review of topical bakuchiol in the Journal of Integrative Dermatology discusses why its biological activity differs from retinol. It makes a reassuring pregnancy-safety statement, but also explicitly acknowledges that no clinical studies in pregnant or nursing individuals verified that safety. [3]
That qualification is crucial. A proposed mechanism can help researchers form a hypothesis; it cannot substitute for pregnancy outcome data.
This is why I would not describe bakuchiol as proven pregnancy-safe. Equally, insufficient evidence does not establish that normal topical use causes harm. It leaves an unanswered question.
For an optional cosmetic ingredient, our cautious approach is to pause bakuchiol during pregnancy and discuss the specific product with your midwife, GP or dermatologist. This is a precaution based on uncertainty, rather than a claim of demonstrated harm.
If you are planning pregnancy, raise the question when reviewing your skincare and medicines with your healthcare professional.
Why retinol is usually avoided during pregnancy
Oral isotretinoin is a known cause of serious birth defects. Topical retinoids involve different exposures, but pregnancy guidance still advises avoiding retinoids, including cosmetic retinol. [4,5]
The distinction matters. Using a topical product is not equivalent to taking an oral retinoid, and an accidental application is not automatically evidence of harm.
Bakuchiol is chemically different from retinoids. That makes it an interesting alternative for some skincare purposes, but it does not give it a pregnancy-safety certificate.
What the bakuchiol versus retinol study actually showed
A frequently cited randomised, double-blind study enrolled 44 participants over 12 weeks. It compared 0.5% bakuchiol cream twice daily with 0.5% retinol cream once daily. Both groups showed reductions in wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation; the retinol group reported more scaling and stinging. [1]
This is useful evidence about cosmetic performance and tolerability under those conditions. It is a small study, with different application frequencies, and it was not designed to establish pregnancy safety.
It also does not prove that every bakuchiol formula performs like every retinol formula. Our own product is a different formulation.
Better skin tolerability and reproductive safety are separate questions. A product can feel comfortable on your face while its pregnancy evidence remains incomplete.
Does natural mean safe during pregnancy
Natural describes an ingredient’s origin. It does not determine its suitability for every person or stage of life.
Plants produce biologically active substances. That is part of why we use botanical ingredients, and part of why we assess them carefully.
At Azurlis™, our interest in botanicals goes alongside respect for formulation and evidence. A leaf on the packaging cannot do the work of a safety assessment.
A patch test can help identify some local reactions. It cannot establish pregnancy safety. If a product causes burning, itching or a rash, stop using it and seek advice if symptoms persist.
Ingredients to discuss for a simpler pregnancy routine
Pregnancy skincare guidance often relies on expected absorption, clinical experience and expert assessment, alongside available studies. Not every familiar ingredient has large pregnancy trials. That does not make all evidence gaps equivalent. [5]
The following ingredients can be useful starting points for a discussion about your routine. References to our products explain their skincare roles; they are not claims that the finished products have been clinically tested in pregnancy.
Hyaluronic acid for hydration
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant: it helps retain water at the skin’s surface. It supports hydration and temporarily softens the appearance of dehydration lines. Ordinary topical moisturising use is generally regarded as low concern; injectable fillers are a different subject. [8]
Our Hydrating Face & Neck Gel Serum combines hyaluronic acid with moisturising ingredients. Its role is to support comfortable, hydrated skin, rather than replace the renewal effects of bakuchiol.
If pregnancy has prompted a routine review, take the full ingredient list to your healthcare professional. A reassuring headline ingredient does not assess every other component.
Niacinamide for barrier support
Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, is used to support the skin barrier and improve the appearance of uneven tone. A recent clinical review considers topical use acceptable during pregnancy, while acknowledging the lack of pregnancy-specific outcome studies. [5]
It is also an example of why we consider the whole product. Our Luminous Bakuchiol Serum contains niacinamide, but that does not remove the uncertainty about its bakuchiol content.
Vitamin C for antioxidant care
The American Academy of Dermatology includes topical vitamin C in its pregnancy skincare advice. It can support care for uneven-looking pigmentation. However, guidance about vitamin C does not establish identical pregnancy evidence for every derivative or finished product. [4,5]
Our Face & Body Elixir contains tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, an oil-soluble vitamin C derivative, alongside moisturising ingredients. It offers conditioning care for the face and body.
We do not claim that this particular vitamin C derivative, or the complete Elixir, has been clinically proven safe in pregnancy. Your healthcare professional can review its full formulation in the context of your routine.
Azelaic acid for blemishes and uneven pigmentation
Azelaic acid has established clinical guidance supporting its use during pregnancy when needed. MotherToBaby identifies it among topical options suggested by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This guidance is stronger than the pregnancy evidence currently available for bakuchiol. [5,6]
Discuss the appropriate product, strength and application area with your clinician, particularly if treating acne or another diagnosed skin condition.
We are also developing an Azurlis™ azelaic acid product. Its suitability for pregnancy will require assessment of the final formulation. An ingredient’s established use does not automatically validate a product still in development.
Mineral sunscreen for daily protection
Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, alongside shade, a hat and protective clothing. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends mineral filters such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide during pregnancy, particularly to minimise irritation. [4]
We stock truu. Mineral Sunscreen SPF-40, a fragrance-free, vegan sunscreen made in New Zealand. Its product information specifies non-nano zinc oxide. Apply generously and reapply according to the label.
Non-nano and non-micronised are not interchangeable descriptions. Nor does current guidance establish that pregnant women must avoid all micronised or nanoparticle zinc oxide sunscreens. The Australian TGA considers zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles unlikely to cause harm in sunscreens used as directed. This is general sunscreen safety guidance, rather than proof from pregnancy-specific trials. [7]
Choose a tested finished sunscreen you can use consistently. Do not mix it with an Elixir or moisturiser, because that can compromise the protective film.
A simple routine with room to breathe
Morning: gently cleanse as needed, apply a suitable hydrating product, moisturise if your skin needs it, and finish with sunscreen. Let skincare settle before applying sunscreen as its own layer.
Evening: remove sunscreen and makeup gently, then use hydration and moisturising care suited to your skin. You do not need to add every ingredient discussed above.
Once their complete formulations have been reviewed for your circumstances, the Hydrating Face & Neck Gel Serum and Face & Body Elixir are examples of products with different roles. You may need one, both, or neither. More layers are not a measure of better care.
Introduce changes gradually so you can recognise irritation. Persistent acne, worsening pigmentation or uncomfortable skin deserves individual advice.
Where our Luminous Bakuchiol Serum fits
Our Luminous Bakuchiol Serum contains 0.9% bakuchiol. We formulate it to improve the appearance of fine lines, texture and uneven tone.
Those cosmetic aims do not establish pregnancy safety. We therefore do not recommend it as a pregnancy-safe alternative to retinol. Our precautionary advice is to pause it during pregnancy and discuss future use with your healthcare professional.
I would rather explain a limitation clearly than turn an unanswered question into a product promise. Thoughtful skincare includes knowing when a product can wait.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use bakuchiol in the first trimester
We do not have sufficient evidence to establish safety in the first trimester, or any other trimester. Our cautious advice is to pause it during pregnancy and ask for individual guidance. [3]
Is bakuchiol safer than retinol during pregnancy
Its different chemistry does not establish comparative pregnancy safety. Retinoids are avoided during pregnancy; bakuchiol lacks adequate pregnancy-specific evidence. [3,4]
Can bakuchiol cause birth defects
The available human evidence cannot reliably answer that question. It would be inaccurate to claim either that normal topical use causes birth defects or that it has been proven free of that risk. [3]
What if I used bakuchiol before knowing I was pregnant
Previous use does not automatically mean harm occurred. Pause it and speak with your midwife or GP. Share the product name, full ingredient list, frequency of use and application area so they can assess your circumstances.
What about breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding involve different exposure considerations. Bakuchiol-specific nursing evidence is also limited, so seek individual advice before restarting. Avoid application to the nipple or areas your baby may lick or directly contact. [3,5]
Thoughtful care without pressure
You can care for your skin while acknowledging what we do not yet know. During pregnancy, a manageable routine and reliable sun protection offer a practical foundation.
There is no obligation to maintain a pregnancy glow. Comfortable skin, clear information and one less thing to worry about are worthwhile goals.
This article provides general skincare information, not individual medical advice. Discuss medicines, active skincare and pregnancy or breastfeeding questions with your midwife, GP or dermatologist.
References and notes
[1] Dhaliwal S et al. (2019). Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology, 180(2), 289–296.
Why included and limits: Primary clinical trial. Supports cosmetic effects and tolerability, not pregnancy safety. Small sample; different dosing schedules.
[2] Chaudhuri RK and Bojanowski K (2014). Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 36(3), 221–230.
Why included and limits: Primary mechanistic and early clinical research. Explains functional similarities despite different chemistry; not reproductive-safety research. Industry-linked research.
[3] Park SJH. A comprehensive review of topical bakuchiol for the treatment of photoaging. Journal of Integrative Dermatology.
Why included and limits: Secondary review cited in the original draft. The journal page displays 16 September 2022. Its reassuring pregnancy statement must be read alongside its acknowledgement of no pregnant or nursing clinical studies.
[4] American Academy of Dermatology (2025). Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care.
Why included and limits: Professional guidance for retinoid avoidance, a simple routine, topical vitamin C and mineral SPF 30 or higher. Not a product endorsement or clinical trial.
[5] Kovacs T, Nadir U, Goldenberg M et al. (2026). Cosmetic Dermatology in Pregnancy and Lactation: A Risk–Benefit Framework for Clinical Practice. International Journal of Dermatology. Published online 24 August 2026.
Why included and limits: Secondary clinical review. Supports distinctions between evidence, expected exposure and consensus for azelaic acid, vitamin C and niacinamide. Does not validate every vitamin C derivative or Azurlis™ formula.
[6] MotherToBaby (2026). Topical Acne Treatments. Fact sheet dated 1 February 2026.
Why included and limits: Teratology information service guidance, including ACOG advice about azelaic acid. Not a pregnancy trial.
[7] Therapeutic Goods Administration. Sunscreen ingredients; and Literature review on the safety of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens.
Why included and limits: Regulatory evidence assessment supporting the particle-size correction. General dermal-use assessment, not a pregnancy-specific trial. Linked review: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/publication/corporate-reports/literature-review-safety-titanium-dioxide-and-zinc-oxide-nanoparticles-sunscreens
[8] Putra IB, Jusuf NK and Dewi NK (2022). Skin Changes and Safety Profile of Topical Products During Pregnancy. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 15(2), 49–57.
Why included and limits: Secondary review for topical hydration and pregnancy skincare context. Does not establish safety of a multi-ingredient finished product.
