Hello doctor,
Can I use bakuchiol instead of Retin-A during my pregnancy? I have been told it is a natural vitamin-a and, thus, safe to use. If not, what dupe can I use for retin-a?
Thanks,
Padma, Mumbai.
Hello Padma,
Unfortunately, just because something is natural, it need not necessarily be safe. There is no clinical data to support the safety of this relatively newer chemical in pregnant women. We still do not know for sure the level of risk. What we do know is both bakuchiol and topical retinoids like Retin-A (that are contraindicated in pregnancy) take the same pathways and activate the same genes.
I would not recommend using bakuchiol when pregnant for these reasons.
As for a replacement of the Retin-A, it depends on what you were using it for primarily. If for
stimulating collagen or pigmentation, vitamin-c is a suitable replacement, and if for pigmentation or acne, azelaic acid. Both are safe to use when pregnant.
For more details, refer to this article:
Is Bakuchiol Pregnancy or Lactation Safe?
Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
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* If needed, questions will be edited for clarity and conciseness.
