The short answer: bakuchiol is generally seen as a lower-risk choice than retinol in pregnancy, but no health authority has confirmed it is safe. There are no pregnancy-specific studies, and the FDA has not given it a pregnancy safety rating. Dermatology guidance suggests checking with your own provider before using it.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived skincare ingredient, often used as an alternative to retinol for smoothing and anti-aging. Importantly, it is not a retinoid. It does not convert to retinoic acid in the skin, so it does not share the chemical pathway that makes retinoids a known concern in pregnancy. That difference is why many dermatologists treat it as gentler.
The AAD advises against retinoids in pregnancy, and bakuchiol is often suggested as a substitute. But being different from retinol is not the same as being proven safe. There are no clinical studies on bakuchiol use in pregnancy, and the FDA has not assigned it a pregnancy rating. Pregnant people are not enrolled in these trials, so definitive safety data does not exist. Cleveland Clinic notes more research is needed before safety claims can be substantiated.
If your goal is treating skin during pregnancy, several ingredients have longer track records of use, such as azelaic acid, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. The AAD and NHS both recommend discussing skincare actives with your dermatologist, GP, or midwife during pregnancy. Patch-test any new product, and stop use if you notice irritation.