Bakuchiol for Pregnancy: An Alternative to Retinol
Navigating skincare during pregnancy can be tricky as picking out the perfect maternity outfit. With the safety of baby in mind, many expectant individuals steer clear of Retinol, a common ingredient found in skincare products, fearing potential birth defects. But there’s good news, a potential retinol alternative has emerged: Bakuchiol serum. Let’s dive into the details to understand the safety and benefits of Bakuchiol serum for pregnant women.
Derived from the Babchi plant, Bakuchiol serum has been causing quite the buzz in the skincare world, especially among moms-to-be. Unlike retinol, which might come with some unwanted risks during pregnancy, Bakuchiol serum offers a safer retinol alternative. According to Harvard Health, the British Journal of Dermatology found Bakuchiol to be just as effective as retinol in smoothing out fine lines and improving skin tone, but with less peeling and burning. Bakuchiol serum exhibits retinol-like effects on the skin without the associated risks, making it a preferred choice for expecting mothers. Talk about a win-win!
Now, let’s address the effects of pregnancy hormones on your skin. From acne to melasma, these hormonal changes can cause various skin issues, creating a challenging situation to manage. While some may be tempted to reach for more aggressive treatments, Prioritizing safety is paramount when considering skincare treatments, like bakuchiol, during pregnancy.
Is Bakuchiol Safe during Pregnancy?
Bakuchiol is a relatively “new” ingredient used in commercial skincare. This is due to advances in extraction techniques and increased interest in botanical alternatives to synthetic compounds. The demand for natural skincare has prompted exploration of Bakuchiol’s benefits, but limited research on its safety and efficacy, particularly in contexts like pregnancy, contributes to the scarcity of available data. This lack of data causes some healthcare providers to err on the side of caution in promoting Bakuchiol as 100% pregnancy-safe.
After numerous consultations with medical experts, such as Dr. Heather Rogers MD, we decided to add Bakuchiol as a safe ingredient in our pregnancy safe ingredient checker. Our app simplifies this process by offering summaries from peer-reviewed medical research for each potentially harmful ingredient identified.
As with any skincare ingredient, it is recommended to perform a patch test before incorporating Bakuchiol serum into your routine, especially during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, Bakuchiol offers numerous advantages over retinol for pregnant women seeking safe skincare options. Its natural origin and gentle formulation make it suitable for sensitive skin types, including pregnant women who may be more prone to skin sensitivity due to hormonal changes.
Additionally, Bakuchiol’s retinol-like effects effectively address common skin concerns during pregnancy, such as acne and hyperpigmentation. Some research suggests that Bakuchiol may have additional benefits for pregnant women, such as its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate common skin issues like acne and melasma.
The Best Pregnancy-safe Bakuchiol Serums
While Bakuchiol is currently Little Bean Approved, it’s still important to double-check the full ingredient list of any product you use—some serums may include other active ingredients that aren’t pregnancy-safe. The good news? Several high-quality Bakuchiol products are both gentle and effective, offering a safer alternative to retinol during pregnancy.
Here are a few of our top picks:
1. LilyAna Naturals Bakuchiol Face Lift Cream ($14.39): Our top pick for pregnancy-safe anti-aging overnight moisturizer. This gentler alternative to retinol has left customers with positive reviews as an effective moisturizer for dry and sensitive skin.
2. Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative + Peptides serum ($58): Customers contest to an improved skin texture and brighter complexion. Made for those concerned with the first signs of aging + for hydrating skin.
3. Beekman 1802 Dream Booster Bakuchiol Beta-retinol serum ($29): Night serum for sensitive skin with powerhouse ingredient squalane. To read more on the significant improvement this ingredient can bring you you can read our previous blog post on squalane pregnancy safe.
4. Doctor Rogers Night Repair treatment ($98): Named Best Retinol Alternative During Pregnancy 2024 by Vogue, this powerful formula includes bakuchiol, glycolic acid, and gluconolactone to boost collagen and even out skin tone. It’s created by dermatologist Dr. Heather Rogers—our trusted go-to for pregnancy-safe skincare advice.
In our recent chat with Dr. Heather Rogers, she recommended layering your skincare. For anti-aging specifically she recommends using bakuchiol at night, followed by a moisturizer to support healthy skin renewal. And a Vitamin C serum during the daytime followed by a hydrating moisturizer and SPF as a final step.
A word of caution: Even if a serum contains Bakuchiol, it doesn’t mean all its ingredients are automatically pregnancy-safe. Avoid products that include retinoids (like retinol or retinyl palmitate), salicylic acid in high concentrations, or isotretinoin, which are not recommended during pregnancy.
Salicylic acid, in particular, is commonly used for acne but is commonly advised by doctors to be used in low concentrations (under 2%).
What is Bakuchiol?
Let’s dig a little deeper into Bakuchiol, a natural compound derived from the Babchi plant with a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. During pregnancy, Bakuchiol offers similar benefits to retinol but without the associated side effects. Additionally, it possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it particularly suitable for sensitive or reactive skin types. In essence, Bakuchiol provides soothing effects for the skin without causing irritation.
But how does Bakuchiol serum stack up against its counterpart, retinol? While both are hailed for their anti-aging prowess, they differ in their chemical makeup and mechanisms of action. Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, works wonders in boosting collagen production and cell turnover, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Bakuchiol serum, on the other hand, works its magic in a similar fashion which can help improve skin elasticity, firmness, and overall, but without the potential risks, making it a safer option for pregnant women and those with sensitive skin.
Pregnancy Safety: Retinol Vs Bakuchiol
Retinol and Bakuchiol are skincare ingredients known for their anti-aging properties, but they differ in their chemical structures and mechanisms of action. Retinoids increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, resulting in smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, is a plant-based compound that functions similarly to retinol but without the potential side effects as it is not a vitamin A derivative, making it a safer retinol alternative for pregnant women and individuals with sensitive skin.
The use of retinol during pregnancy is a topic of concern due to its potential to cause birth defects. Retinoids, including isotretinoin and tretinoin, have been associated with an increased risk of developmental abnormalities when used orally or topically in high doses during pregnancy. Despite minimal systemic effects from topical application, published case reports have linked topical tretinoin use to birth defects, indicating retinoid embryopathy. Due to these finding, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises against the use of retinoids during pregnancy. Despite that the role of topical retinoids in these instances remains contentious, they advise until data on larger cohorts are collected, women should not be encouraged to use topical retinoids during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, Bakuchiol offers a safer retinol alternative during pregnancy, providing similar anti-aging benefits without the risk of harm to the developing fetus. Studies have shown that Bakuchiol is well-tolerated and non-irritating, making it suitable for use on sensitive skin, including pregnant women. By incorporating a Bakuchiol into their skincare routine, expectant mothers can address their skincare concerns without compromising the safety of their pregnancy.
Compared to retinol, Bakuchiol offers similar skincare benefits without the potential risks associated with vitamin A derivatives. On the other hand, Bakuchiol, considered safer during pregnancy, provides comparable results in improving skin appearance, offering peace of mind to expectant mothers seeking skincare solutions.
Recap: Safe Skincare Alternatives during Pregnancy
As expectant mothers prioritize the safety of their pregnancy experience, it’s essential to explore skincare alternatives that effectively balance efficacy and safety. Bakuchiol emerges as a notable substitute for retinol, providing a gentle yet effective solution for maintaining skin health during pregnancy and beyond.
Bakuchiol does not replicate hormones or disrupt their natural balance. Some synthetic retinoids, like isotretinoin, have been associated with hormonal changes, particularly in the regulation of oil production in the skin.
While Bakuchiol serum is a top choice for pregnant women seeking safe skincare, alternatives like vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are also available and generally considered safe during pregnancy.
In navigating pregnancy-safe skincare, knowledge is crucial. Bakuchiol serum stands out as a well-supported option, providing skincare benefits without compromising safety. Consulting a healthcare provider before introducing new products, especially during pregnancy, is essential to ensure they meet your needs and concerns.
Comparing Bakuchiol with its counterpart, retinol reveals differences in chemical makeup and mechanisms of action. Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, boosts collagen production and cell turnover for smoother, youthful-looking skin. Bakuchiol serum achieves similar effects without the potential risks, making it a safer option for pregnant women and those with sensitive skin.
Sources:
Bakuchiol: Does it make skin look younger? | Harvard Health Publishing
Safety of skin care products during pregnancy | NCBI
Isotretinoin Influences Pituitary Hormone Levels in Acne Patients | Medical Journals
