Some active ingredients are not recommended during pregnancy due to harmful effects on foetal development. Retinol, known for its action on skin ageing, is among them. Often presented as its plant-based alternative, bakuchiol raises the question: should pregnant or breastfeeding people also avoid it? Discover the answer in this article.
Should bakuchiol be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Published on July 15, 2025, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
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Should bakuchiol be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Pregnant people know: pregnancy brings dietary, exercise and cosmetic constraints. While raw fish, cured meats, soft cheeses, wine and many other foods and drinks are to be avoided during pregnancy, the list of prohibited items does not end there and certain cosmetic actives must not be used. Although these do not penetrate beyond the epidermis in theory, some are suspected of entering the bloodstream and reaching the developing foetus or breast milk. This is the case with retinoids, potent teratogens that can cause serious congenital physical and mental malformations. The bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, does it also pose these risks?
Extracted from the seeds of the plant Psoralea corylifolia, known as bakuchi, the bakuchiol shares several properties with retinol. Like retinol, it can stimulate collagen production by fibroblasts, reinforce skin firmness, fight pigment spots and imperfections, and prevent photoageing. This does not mean the two actives are identical. In addition to its mild profile, which makes it suitable for sensitive skin, bakuchiol is not subject to any contraindications during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Unlike retinoids, bakuchiol is not listed among substances considered risky during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Its plant origin and distinct chemical structure explain this difference. Although it acts on biological pathways similar to those of retinol by stimulating collagen synthesis and promoting cell renewal, it induces no known teratogenic effects. In addition, bakuchiol is associated with fewer irritative reactions than the retinol. It is better tolerated by sensitive skin, including during the pregnancy, a period when skin can be more fragile. Hormonal changes during this period can affect the skin and lead to blemishes and pigmented spots (the so-called "pregnancy mask"). Able to address these concerns, bakuchiol is a safer alternative to retinol during pregnancy.
Sources
MARCHIO F. & al. Bakuchiol in the management of acne-affected skin. Cosmetics & Toiletries (2011).
Thèse de Mathilde THÉRON. Cosmétiques et femme enceinte : étude prospective et multicentrique auprès de 250 femmes (2012).
CHAUDHURI R. K. & al. Bakuchiol: A retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2014).
DESESSO J. M. & al. Teratogen update: Topical use and third-generation retinoids. British Defects Research (2020).
DEWI N. K. & al. Skin changes and safety profile of topical products during pregnancy. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2022).
SODHA P. & al. The use of bakuchiol in dermatology: A review of in vitro and in vivo evidence. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (2022).
