From where do you source your ingredients?

We source our ingredients from all over the world, ensuring we find the very best nature has to offer. For instance, our ayurvedic ingredients come from 3-farm cooperative in Indore, India. This partnership not only supports traditional farming practices but ensures that our ingredients are fresh, potent, and aligned with Ayurvedic principles. We also seek out oils, botanicals, and extracts from regions renowned for their excellence - like unrefined Shea butter from Africa, sake kasu (rice extract) from Asia, and magnesium chloride from the Dead Sea. Every step of our sourcing process reflects our commitment to sustainability, ethical partnerships, and delivering skincare that’s both effective and respectful to the planet.

Are OM Botanical products cruelty-free?

Yes. We’re passionate about animal welfare and firmly oppose animal testing. All our products are 100% cruelty-free and vegan. We also carefully source our ingredients from suppliers who share our strict ethical standards - values upheld by our vegan founder. With us, you can feel good about skincare that’s kind to animals and the planet.

Are OM Botanical products safe for kids?

Absolutely! Our products are made with natural, unprocessed ingredients and are free from harmful chemicals, dyes, fillers, and synthetic fragrances. This makes them gentle and safe for kids' delicate skin. Because we believe skincare should be as kind and nurturing as nature itself, our formulations are perfect for the whole family - little ones included!

Are OM Botanical products microbiome friendly?

Of course. Unlike chemical laden mainstream beauty products that destroy your healthy microbiome and cause chemical induced dysbiosis, OM Botanical products are gentle on your beneficial microbiome and made with plant-based prebiotics for them to flourish in. Healthy microbiome is your first defence against external pathogens and related skin conditions.

Why aren’t OM Botanical products white, like other skin care products?

Most natural ingredients, like unrefined cold-pressed oils, herbs, and botanical extracts, aren’t white. At OM Botanical, we embrace nature’s authentic beauty, which means no chemical processing, bleaching, or artificial additives like dyes, fillers, or perfumes. The natural tints and earthy fragrances of our products reflect the purity and integrity of our ingredients. Celebrate the beauty of skincare that stays true to its roots - naturally vibrant and genuinely effective!

Where are OM Botanical products made?

We proudly make all our products in the USA! Unlike many skin care brands that rely on mass production in overseas factories, we formulate and manufacture everything in our own facility in North Carolina. Each product is hand-crafted in small batches, which means you may notice slight variations from time to time. But rest assured, the quality, purity, and effectiveness of our products remain our top priority.

How long should I use OM Botanical products before I see results?

Because our products are made with natural, full-spectrum botanical ingredients, your skin may need a little time to detox and adjust. With some products, like our One Step Face Cleanser, you’ll notice improvements right away. However, for most of our skincare items, it typically takes about 2–4 weeks of consistent use to see the full benefits. Patience pays off when it comes to truly natural, skin-loving care!

Cheerful pregnant woman looking through window

Is Bakuchiol In Pregnancy Safe? A Comprehensive Guide

Key Highlights

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient that delivers retinol-like skin benefits without being a retinoid or a vitamin A derivative.
Clinical studies have shown that bakuchiol can improve wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin texture while causing less irritation than retinol.
Pregnancy-specific research on bakuchiol is still limited, so skincare choices should be based on the complete formulation and guidance from your healthcare provider.
During pregnancy, prioritize well-balanced formulations that support your skin barrier instead of products with multiple high-strength active ingredients.
The same thoughtful approach applies while breastfeeding, with extra care taken to review ingredient lists and use products as directed.
OM Botanical's Bakuchiol Serum pairs bakuchiol with food-grade, microbiome-friendly botanicals to deliver gentle, well-balanced skincare through thoughtful ingredient synergy.

Pregnancy often changes the way you think about skincare. Ingredients that once felt like a regular part of your routine suddenly deserve a closer look.

This is especially true for retinol, which is generally avoided during pregnancy due to concerns about its potential effects on fetal development. As a result, many people turn to bakuchiol as a gentler alternative.

If you're wondering, "Is bakuchiol pregnancy safe?", the answer requires a closer look at the available research rather than a simple yes or no.

In this guide, we'll explore what the research says about bakuchiol during pregnancy, how it compares to retinol, and the key factors to consider before adding it to your skincare routine.

What Is Bakuchiol, and Why Are People Asking About It During Pregnancy?

Bakuchiol is a plant-derived skincare ingredient extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant.

Used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries, it has become a popular skincare ingredient because it helps improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and skin texture. Although it's often described as a retinol alternative, bakuchiol is not a retinoid or a vitamin A derivative.

During pregnancy, bakuchiol has gained attention because:

Retinol is generally avoided during pregnancy due to concerns about its potential effects on fetal development.
Bakuchiol offers similar cosmetic benefits for smoother-looking skin and a more even complexion without belonging to the retinoid family.
Many skincare products market bakuchiol as a natural retinol alternative, prompting expectant mothers to question whether the same precautions apply.
Research on bakuchiol during pregnancy remains limited, making it important to understand what current evidence does, and does not, tell us before adding it to your routine.

The answer lies in understanding what bakuchiol is and what current research says about its use during pregnancy, rather than assuming it should be treated the same as retinoids.

At OM Botanical, our Bakuchiol Serum pairs bakuchiol with astaxanthin, olive-derived squalane, vitamin E, jojoba oil, raspberry seed oil, and carrot seed oil.

Rather than relying on a single hero ingredient, each botanical is carefully selected to complement the others, creating a well-balanced formula that nourishes the skin while supporting its natural barrier.

If you'd like to learn more about bakuchiol's skincare benefits during and beyond pregnancy, read our complete guide to the science behind our Bakuchiol Serum.

Is Bakuchiol Really Safe? Here's What Research Says

Although research on bakuchiol during pregnancy is still limited, there is currently very little clinical research evaluating its safety in pregnant individuals. Most studies have focused on its skincare benefits and skin tolerability rather than its use during pregnancy.

Here's what the research does tell us about bakuchiol:

1. A Clinical Trial Found Bakuchiol Comparable to Retinol

A randomized, double-blind study published in the British Journal of Dermatology compared bakuchiol with retinol over 12 weeks in participants with facial photoaging. The researchers concluded that bakuchiol and retinol both significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, with no statistical difference between the compounds. Participants using bakuchiol also reported less facial skin scaling and stinging than those using retinol.

2. A Systematic Review Highlighted Bakuchiol's Dermatological Benefits

A systematic review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology evaluated the available evidence on bakuchiol in dermatology. The review concluded that bakuchiol has demonstrated anti-aging, anti-acne, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and depigmenting properties across the available studies. The authors also noted that the current body of evidence is promising, while emphasizing the need for additional high-quality clinical trials.

While these findings are encouraging, it's important to remember that most research has focused on bakuchiol's performance as a skincare ingredient rather than its use during pregnancy.

Instead of relying on bakuchiol alone, our formulation combines complementary ingredients that help nourish the skin barrier while supporting healthier-looking skin.

If you're pregnant or planning to conceive, we recommend discussing any new active skincare ingredient with your healthcare provider so you can choose products that align with your individual needs.

Bakuchiol vs. Retinol: Which Is Better During Pregnancy?

If you're pregnant, the question isn't just which ingredient is more effective. It's also about which one is considered appropriate to use during this stage of life.

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that healthcare professionals generally recommend avoiding during pregnancy because of concerns associated with vitamin A exposure. Bakuchiol, on the other hand, is a plant-derived ingredient that is not part of the retinoid family and is often chosen by people looking for a gentler alternative.

Bakuchiol	Retinol
Plant-derived ingredient	Vitamin A derivative (retinoid)
Not a retinoid	Member of the retinoid family
Helps improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and skin texture	Helps improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and skin texture
Generally well tolerated by most skin types	Can cause dryness, peeling, and irritation
Limited research on use during pregnancy	Generally not recommended during pregnancy

If you're considering bakuchiol during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider before adding it to your routine. If you decide it's right for you, OM Botanical's Bakuchiol Serum offers a thoughtfully crafted formula made with minimally processed, naturally derived botanicals that stay true to our philosophy of gentle, intentional skincare.

How to Choose a Bakuchiol Product During Pregnancy?

Infographic on Choosing Bakuchiol during pregnancy tips

Choosing skincare during pregnancy isn't just about finding the right active ingredient. It's about selecting a well-formulated product that supports your skin without adding unnecessary complexity to your routine.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before choosing a bakuchiol for pregnancy.

1. Look Beyond the Hero Ingredient

Bakuchiol may be the star of the formula, but the supporting ingredients matter just as much. Look for products that include barrier-supporting ingredients such as squalane, ceramide rich cold pressed oils, and antioxidant-rich botanicals, while avoiding formulations that combine bakuchiol with retinoids.

2. Choose Gentle, Thoughtfully Formulated Products

Pregnancy can make skin more reactive than usual. Products with minimal, well-balanced ingredient lists are often a better choice than formulas packed with multiple high-strength actives.

At OM Botanical, we formulate with food-grade, microbiome-friendly botanicals that work together to nourish the skin while respecting its natural barrier. Our approach focuses on supporting healthy skin rather than overwhelming it with unnecessary ingredients.

3. Patch Test Before Full Application

Even if you've used bakuchiol before, pregnancy can change the way your skin responds to skincare products. Apply a small amount to a discreet area and wait 24 to 48 hours before incorporating it into your daily routine.

4. Review the Entire Ingredient List

If you're wondering whether bakuchiol is safe during pregnancy, remember that the answer depends on more than just bakuchiol. Don't rely on the claims on the front of the bottle. Instead, turn the product over and read the full ingredient list to understand exactly what's in the formula before deciding if it's right for you.

At OM Botanical, we believe a skincare formula is only as good as the way its ingredients work together. Rather than relying on a single hero ingredient, we formulate with ingredient synergy in mind, pairing bakuchiol with food-grade, microbiome-friendly botanicals that complement and support one another.

In our Bakuchiol Serum, olive-derived squalene, astaxanthin, jojoba oil, raspberry seed oil, and carrot seed oil work alongside bakuchiol to help nourish the skin, reinforce the skin barrier, and maintain a healthy moisture balance, creating a thoughtful, well-balanced formula without harsh retinoids.

Explore our thoughtfully formulated Bakuchiol Serum

5. Keep Your Routine Simple

You don't need an extensive skincare routine to maintain healthy-looking skin during pregnancy. A gentle cleanser, a thoughtfully formulated serum, a nourishing moisturizer, and daily sunscreen are often enough to keep your skin balanced and protected.

Many mainstream skincare products focus on packing in more actives. We take a different approach. At OM Botanical, every ingredient serves a purpose, combining food-grade, microbiome-friendly botanicals in balanced formulations that nourish your skin while delivering high-performance results.

Want to understand why your skin microbiome matters? Explore our guide to the best microbiome-friendly skincare products for healthier, more balanced skin.

What Ingredients Are Usually Avoided During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a good time to take a closer look at your skincare routine. While many topical ingredients are considered safe, healthcare professionals often recommend avoiding or limiting certain active ingredients because of limited safety data or known risks.

Some of the ingredients commonly discussed include:

Retinoids (Retinol, Retinal, Tretinoin): Vitamin A derivatives that are generally not recommended during pregnancy.
High-Strength Salicylic Acid: Small amounts in cleansers are often considered acceptable, but high-concentration leave-on products or oral forms should be avoided unless advised by a healthcare provider.
Hydroquinone: Has a relatively high absorption rate through the skin, so many healthcare professionals recommend avoiding it during pregnancy.
Chemical Sunscreen Filters (such as oxybenzone): Some people choose to avoid certain chemical UV filters during pregnancy due to ongoing research and instead opt for mineral sunscreens. Speak with your healthcare provider about the best option for you.
Certain Essential Oils: Not all essential oils have been studied for use during pregnancy, so it's best to check with your healthcare provider before using products that contain them.

If you're unsure about an ingredient, don't rely solely on marketing claims or social media advice. Reading the ingredient list and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider is the safest approach.

At OM Botanical, we believe skincare should be as clean and intentional as possible. That's why we formulate with naturally derived, minimally processed ingredients inspired by Ayurvedic principles, selecting each one for a specific purpose.

Rather than relying on a single hero ingredient, our products are built around ingredient synergy, allowing every botanical to work together to nourish the skin, support its natural barrier, and deliver balanced, effective results.

Is Bakuchiol Safe While Breastfeeding?

Questions about skincare don't stop after pregnancy. If you're breastfeeding, you may also be wondering whether it's time to reintroduce active ingredients or continue taking a more cautious approach.

Unlike pregnancy, there are no specific clinical studies evaluating topical bakuchiol during breastfeeding. However, because bakuchiol is applied to the skin and is not a retinoid or a vitamin A derivative, many dermatologists consider it a reasonable topical ingredient when used as directed.

To use bakuchiol more mindfully while breastfeeding:

Avoid applying it directly to the nipple or areola, where it could come into contact with your baby during feeding.
Wash your hands after application if you'll be handling your baby.
Follow the product directions and avoid excessive application.
Speak with your healthcare provider or dermatologist if you have any questions about your skincare routine while breastfeeding.

Whatever stage you're in, the goal isn't to avoid skincare altogether but to choose products thoughtfully. At OM Botanical, that philosophy guides every formulation, helping you build a routine that's both effective and intentional.

Why Choose OM Botanical for Your Bakuchiol Skincare Routine?

Not all bakuchiol skincare is created the same. While many brands focus on a single trending ingredient, we believe the entire formulation matters.

At OM Botanical, we formulate with ingredient synergy, carefully selecting food-grade, minimally processed botanicals that work together to nourish the skin, support its natural barrier, and promote long-term skin wellness. Rather than relying on multiple high-strength actives, our philosophy is simple: healthy skin is balanced skin.

That commitment to thoughtful formulation extends across our entire product range. Every OM Botanical product has earned a Yuka rating of higher than 90, reflecting our focus on ingredient quality, transparency, and clean formulations. We also preserve the natural character of our botanicals instead of over-processing them, allowing each ingredient to retain its integrity while delivering balanced, effective skincare.

Discover OM Botanical's Bakuchiol Serum and experience the difference a thoughtfully formulated product can make.

Conclusion

Every pregnancy is unique, and so is every skincare journey. Rather than chasing stronger actives, choose thoughtfully formulated products where every ingredient works together to support balanced, healthy skin. Read the full ingredient list, seek guidance from your healthcare provider, and make informed choices that suit your needs.

Rather than searching for stronger ingredients, focus on choosing formulations where every ingredient works together to support balanced, healthy skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any pregnancy-safe moisturizers containing bakuchiol?

Some bakuchiol moisturizers also contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and ingredients that support the skin's barrier function and hydration. Because formulations differ, review the full ingredient list and ask your OBGYN before trying new products during pregnancy.

Are there any official guidelines about using bakuchiol for pregnant women?

There are no official guidelines specifically addressing bakuchiol’s safety during pregnancy. Most experts follow the precautionary principle, recommending consultation with an obstetrician because further research is needed to understand its effects on the developing baby.

Are there any known risks or side effects of using bakuchiol while pregnant?

Current evidence has not linked topical bakuchiol to birth defects, fetal development concerns, or harm to the fetus. Some people may experience mild allergic reactions, particularly if they have increased skin sensitivity due to pregnancy hormones.

Has bakuchiol been reviewed or discussed by pregnancy support forums or online communities?

Yes. Pregnancy forums frequently discuss bakuchiol as an alternative to retinoids, especially for concerns like melasma, pigmentation, fine lines, and other skin changes caused by hormonal changes. These experiences are personal and shouldn't replace medical advice.

Is bakuchiol safer than retinol?

Bakuchiol is not a form of vitamin A and differs from topical retinoids, retinoic acid, and prescription retinoids, which are generally avoided because of potential risk factors for fetal development. However, pregnancy-specific evidence for bakuchiol remains limited, so professional guidance is recommended.

Is bakuchiol safe during pregnancy?

Current evidence has not identified any adverse effects from topical bakuchiol during pregnancy, but human studies remain limited. Derived from the babchi plant, bakuchiol may support collagen production, improve skin tone, and reduce signs of aging, making professional guidance an important part of your decision.

Why should I choose OM Botanical's Bakuchiol Serum?

Our Bakuchiol Serum is thoughtfully crafted in small batches using carefully selected botanical ingredients that work in harmony to nourish the skin. Rather than relying on unnecessary complexity, we focus on balanced formulations that deliver visible results while supporting a healthy-looking complexion.

What makes OM Botanical's formulations different from other bakuchiol products?

We create balanced formulations using minimally processed food grade botanicals, where every ingredient is chosen to complement the others, combining Ayurvedic wisdom with modern skincare science to support healthy, balanced skin.

Is OM Botanical's Bakuchiol Serum pregnancy safe?

If you're wondering whether our pregnancy-safe bakuchiol serum is right for you, we recommend reviewing the complete ingredient list and speaking with your healthcare provider. While our formula is thoughtfully crafted with purposeful botanical ingredients, every pregnancy is unique, and personalized medical guidance is always the best approach.