People reach for bakuchiol in pregnancy because retinoids are off the table, not because bakuchiol has been proven safe. That distinction is the whole note.
This is not medical advice. It is not a go-ahead. If you are pregnant, trying, or breastfeeding, ask your midwife, GP or pharmacist before you add anything new, including a "natural" serum.
Why it comes up
Retinol, retinal, Granactive Retinoid and tretinoin are vitamin A derivatives. Standard pregnancy guidance is to avoid topical retinoids. People still want something for the look of fine lines, so they search for a stand-in.
Bakuchiol is not vitamin A. Brands therefore market it as pregnancy-friendly. Some even put that on the box. What they cannot put on the box, if they're being careful, is a large human pregnancy trial. There isn't one.
What we actually know
We know bakuchiol is a plant-derived cosmetic used at low percentages. The wrinkle studies were not done on pregnant women. "Not a retinoid" is not the same as "studied in pregnancy". Crude babchi oil is not identical to isolated bakuchiol in a cosmetic: don't improvise with herbal oils.
We don't know that bakuchiol is proven safe in pregnancy. Anyone who says it is proven is ahead of the data.
If a brand says "suitable during pregnancy", read the small print. Some, including Medik8, note the formula hasn't been tested on pregnant women and you should check with a doctor.
What to do instead of guessing from a blog
Ask the person actually in your notes: midwife, GP, pharmacist. Take the INCI list. If they would rather you skip actives, skip them. Moisturiser and SPF remain the useful pair.
Ingredients with a more established pregnancy conversation in dermatology circles include azelaic acid (often used for acne and marks) and niacinamide. That still isn't a personal green light. Confirm for you.
Don't start Paula's Choice 0.3% retinol + 2% bakuchiol. The retinol is the problem. Don't start The Ordinary Granactive either; it's a retinoid, and they don't make bakuchiol anyway (UK list).
If a clinician is happy for you to use it
Keep it simple. One moisturiser or a simple booster. Patch test, because pregnancy skin can be jumpy. Don't add extra acids at the same time. How to use bakuchiol is the same mechanically: thin layer, sunscreen in the day.
Don't expect miracles. Results take months and they're modest. If the answer is "just moisturise", that's a complete routine.
Sensitive skin still needs a barrier that isn't raw. Repair beats a new plant active. Breastfeeding is the same rule: ask, don't assume plant equals fine.
The verdict
Bakuchiol is a popular retinol stand-in because it isn't vitamin A. Popular is not the same as proven. Ask your midwife or GP. If they say no, that's the answer. If they say a simple formula is acceptable for you, use it like any other cosmetic: briefly, with SPF, without turning it into a medical plan.
FAQs
Is bakuchiol safe during pregnancy?
It hasn't been proven safe in pregnancy. People use it because it isn't a retinoid. Ask your midwife or GP rather than a product page.
Can I use bakuchiol instead of retinol while pregnant?
That's the usual reason people look it up. Substituting the ingredient does not automatically make the product appropriate. Get personal advice.
Is The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturiser OK in pregnancy?
Same answer as the ingredient: not a special exemption. Check with a clinician and read the full ingredient list.
What skincare is usually discussed as an option in pregnancy?
Moisturiser, sunscreen, and often azelaic acid or niacinamide after professional advice. Retinoids are the ones to avoid. This is general information, not a prescription for you.