One of the most frustrating aspects of the skincare industry is the marketing of products that claim to be “safe for pregnancy.” However, the underlying reasons for this frustration might not be what you expect.

While you may think my concern stems from my role as a physician, driven by the fact that nothing can ever be deemed 100% safe, my irritation runs deeper. What truly troubles me is the implicit narrative suggesting that other skincare items are inherently harmful during pregnancy, while the promoted product is portrayed as the only virtuous choice. This messaging subtly implies that opting for their “safe” product signifies superior motherhood, while any other choice is framed as irresponsible.

This fear-driven advertising taps into a troubling history of societal control over women’s bodies, perpetuating unnecessary feelings of guilt, anxiety, and shame. It can make women feel that even the most mundane aspects of pregnancy—such as applying a face cream, enjoying deli meats, or cooking with wine—are fraught with risk.

Understanding Bakuchiol and Its Safety During Pregnancy: Insights from a Mother and Physician

Throughout my own pregnancy, I grappled with relentless anxiety associated with every decision I made regarding my health and skincare.

I often found myself questioning whether using shampoo was safe or if including a splash of wine in a recipe posed a risk. These fears were not just exhausting—they were a continuous source of guilt. The worst part is that such anxieties can become internalized, leading some women to unjustly blame themselves for unfortunate outcomes like pregnancy loss.

As a physician, I can assert that these concerns are largely unfounded. Most topical skincare products, including bakuchiol, do not enter the bloodstream at levels high enough to pose any significant risk to a developing baby. The research supports this conclusion, allowing for a more informed perspective on skincare choices during this critical time.

Bakuchiol, a natural and plant-derived ingredient, has no documented evidence of harm. During my own pregnancy, I utilized bakuchiol products without hesitation. It is essential to prioritize informed, evidence-based decisions over unfounded fears that can complicate the already challenging journey of pregnancy.

Skincare Brand Founder’s Perspective on Bakuchiol Products: Navigating Pregnancy Safety Claims

This is where many skincare brands encounter a dilemma. The fear of potential legal issues often drives companies to label their products as “pregnancy safe,” even if the scientific backing for such claims is tenuous. Alternatively, some brands choose to remain silent, avoiding the topic altogether, which can imply uncertainty.

As a founder of a skincare brand, I refuse to engage in this kind of marketing—it feels deceptive and fails to serve the needs of consumers seeking clarity.

No skincare product can be deemed 100% safe, primarily because comprehensive, high-quality studies are scarce for most items. However, the absence of definitive studies should not be mistaken for evidence of harm; rather, it highlights the practical and ethical challenges associated with conducting research on pregnant populations.

Our focus should be on delivering accurate, evidence-driven information instead of perpetuating fear. Women who are pregnant deserve to receive factual information rather than marketing tactics that exploit their apprehensions and concerns.

The Science of Absorption: Understanding Why Most Topical Products Are Safe for Pregnant Women

The reality is that skincare products are rarely absorbed into the bloodstream in significant quantities.

The skin serves as a highly effective barrier, limiting most substances to only penetrate its superficial layers. Bakuchiol, for instance, is a celebrated plant-based alternative to retinol, known for its gentleness and effectiveness in enhancing skin texture without posing significant risks.

Even retinol, often feared for its potential effects, lacks substantial evidence of harm when used topically. The majority of concerns stem from its oral form, isotretinoin, which is a known teratogen. However, the dermal absorption from topical applications is so minimal that any associated risk remains theoretical.

While it’s prudent to approach retinoids with caution, this does not equate to a blanket dismissal of bakuchiol or most other skincare products. In fact, bakuchiol is often regarded as a safer choice during pregnancy compared to retinol, allowing for peace of mind while maintaining a skincare routine.

Addressing the Absence of Data: Understanding Safety Assumptions

The lack of extensive data available should not be misinterpreted as an indication of harm.

Certain types of studies, such as double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving pregnant women and skincare products, will never be feasible due to ethical and practical constraints.

Instead, safety assessments are based on decades of real-world usage, animal studies, and established pharmacological mechanisms. When there is no evidence of harm and systemic absorption is minimal, it is unwarranted to assume a significant risk.

The Dangers of Fear-Mongering: How Misinformation Affects Expecting Mothers

Fear-based messaging is not only inconvenient; it can have harmful consequences.

When pregnant women are led to believe that every product they use poses a potential threat to their baby, it generates tremendous psychological stress, which can be far more harmful to fetal health than most topical skincare products could ever be.

These anxieties can even extend into the realm of breastfeeding, where misguided advice such as “pump and dump” can unnecessarily jeopardize breastfeeding relationships.

This pervasive misinformation fosters guilt and undermines mothers’ confidence, eroding their ability to trust their own bodies and choices. Arbitrarily advising women to pump and dump without any evidence of harm can lead to the premature cessation of breastfeeding—a tragic and entirely avoidable outcome.

Distinguishing Between Science and Myth: Clarifying Fact from Fear in Skincare

Much of the caution surrounding pregnancy skincare revolves around extrapolated risks rather than direct evidence. For example, studies involving retinoids often use oral doses thousands of times higher than what a topical application would deliver. Yet, these findings are frequently generalized, leading to unnecessary panic.

Bakuchiol, which is not even classified as a retinoid, unfairly suffers from these associations. Its gentle, plant-based formula makes it a safe and effective choice for maintaining skincare routines during pregnancy, allowing women to enjoy their beauty regimen without fear.

A Call for Clarity: Advocating for Evidence-Based Skincare Advice During Pregnancy

It is high time we move away from blanket restrictions and fear-based marketing strategies. The vast majority of topical skincare products, including bakuchiol, are safe for use during pregnancy.

Only a small subset of ingredients genuinely requires caution, and these should be clearly identified without resorting to alarmism. Pregnant women deserve the opportunity to navigate their skincare choices without the persistent anxiety perpetuated by myths and fear-driven narratives.

In the case of bakuchiol, the science is unequivocal: it is safe, effective, and completely distinct from the harmful substances often placed in the “avoid” category.

Let us empower women to make informed choices based on facts rather than fear, allowing them to embrace their pregnancy journey confidently.

References for Further Reading on Bakuchiol Safety in Pregnancy

• Chaudhuri, R. K., & 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.
• Dhaliwal, S., Rybak, I., Ellis, S. R., Notay, M., Trivedi, M., Burney, W. A., & Yan, D. (2019). Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. British Journal of Dermatology, 180(2), 289–296.
• Choi, S. Y., Lee, S., Choi, W. H., Lee, Y., & Jo, Y. O. (2010). Isolation and anti-inflammatory activity of bakuchiol from Ulmus davidiana var. japonica. Journal of Medicinal Food, 13(3), 618–624.
• Katsura, H., Tsukiyama, R., Suzuki, A., & Kobayashi, M. (2001). In vitro antimicrobial activities of bakuchiol against oral microorganisms. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 45(11), 3009–3013.
• Haraguchi, H., Inoue, J., Tamura, Y., & Mizutani, K. (2002). Antioxidative components of Psoralea corylifolia (Leguminosae). Phytotherapy Research, 16(6), 539–544.
• Lim, S. H., Ha, T. Y., Kim, S. R., Ahn, J., & Park, H. J. (2009). Ethanol extract of Psoralea corylifolia L. and its main constituent, bakuchiol, reduce bone loss in ovariectomized Sprague–Dawley rats. British Journal of Nutrition, 101(7), 1031–1039.
• Meredith, F. M., & Ormerod, A. D. (2013). The management of acne vulgaris in pregnancy. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 14(5), 351–358.
• Murase, J. E., Heller, M. M., & Butler, D. C. (2014). Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 70(3), 401.e1–401.e14.
• Chien, A. L., Qi, J., Rainer, B., Sachs, D. L., & Helfrich, Y. R. (2016). Treatment of acne in pregnancy. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 29(2), 254–262.