What skincare ingredients should I avoid while pregnant?

Which ingredients should I avoid?

Retinoids are the clearest skincare category to avoid: do not use products with retinol or prescription topical retinoids such as tretinoin, tazarotene, or adapalene. Retinoids appear in prescriptions and ordinary skincare.12

Oral isotretinoin is a different, higher stakes case. Taking it while pregnant can cause severe birth defects, miscarriage or stillbirth, and premature birth. If you are taking isotretinoin and are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, contact your prescribing clinician and obstetrician promptly.13

The evidence about topical tretinoin is mixed: one review reports four birth defect case reports, while two prospective studies did not find an increased risk of major malformations. The review advises against topical retinoid use during pregnancy until larger groups have been studied, so avoid these products rather than trying to judge the risk from the strength on the label.4

For supplements, the NHS also advises against cod liver oil and supplements containing vitamin A during pregnancy. Vitamin A can appear on a label as retinol, so check supplement ingredients as well as skincare labels.5

Avoid hydroquinone, an ingredient used to lighten skin tone. A pregnancy review estimates that 35 to 45.3 percent can be absorbed through skin and recommends minimizing exposure because that absorption is substantial compared with other products.14

The avoid list also includes finasteride, spironolactone, tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline and minocycline, and fluorouracil cream. These are medicines rather than routine cosmetic ingredients. Guidance differs on oral tetracyclines: DermNet highlights their use in later pregnancy because they can discolor a baby's teeth, while the American Academy of Dermatology lists them among treatments to avoid during pregnancy.12

Pregnancy safety studies for many acne treatments are scarce because pregnant people are usually excluded from clinical trials. That is why the guidance separates ingredients to avoid from ingredients to limit or discuss, rather than treating every acne product as the same case.6

Which ingredients should I use sparingly?

High concentration salicylic acid needs a stricter rule: avoid high concentration preparations, and use products above 2 percent sparingly after discussing them with a dermatologist. Low concentration topical preparations are generally considered usable in pregnancy. The risk guidance depends on strength and how the product is used, not just the ingredient name.12

Advice on benzoyl peroxide is more cautious in some guidance than others. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends limited use and a discussion with a dermatologist; DermNet and a clinical review include topical benzoyl peroxide among options for acne during pregnancy. Ask your dermatologist whether your product belongs in your pregnancy routine.126

The American Academy of Dermatology also places parabens, phthalates, phenol, triclosan, and some essential oils in its use sparingly and discuss category. It names rosemary, basil, jasmine, and sage oils. The category reflects limited safety research, so raise these ingredients with your dermatologist instead of assuming they carry the same advice as retinoids.1

What can I use instead?

A simple routine can include cleansing up to twice daily and after sweating, moisturizing regularly, and using a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on uncovered skin. During pregnancy, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both.1

For common skin concerns, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid in the evening to help with skin color changes. DermNet also lists glycolic acid, azelaic acid, and low concentration salicylic acid as topical options during pregnancy. These are alternatives to discuss when changing a treatment, not a reason to add several new products at once.12

Pregnancy can make skin sensitive. To reduce irritation, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests checking for fragrance and harsh ingredients such as alcohols and sulfates. This is irritation guidance, distinct from its list of ingredients to avoid for pregnancy safety.1

How should I check a product?

Use the ingredient portion of the label, then take the product list to your care team if anything is unclear. Ingredient panels are not glamorous reading, but the product name does not get the final vote.

1. 1Check the ingredient panel, not only the product name.
2. 2Look for retinol and other retinoids, hydroquinone, and the prescription medicines listed above.
3. 3Note salicylic acid strength and ask about benzoyl peroxide or ingredients in the use sparingly category.
4. 4Tell your obstetrician and dermatologist about all medications and prescription skincare you use, including products you are trying to conceive while using.

If a clinician prescribed a treatment on the avoid list, tell the prescriber and your obstetrician that you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. They can help update your treatment plan; do not try to work out a substitute from the ingredient name alone.1

Is retinol safe during pregnancy?

No. Retinol is a retinoid, and the American Academy of Dermatology advises avoiding skincare with retinol during pregnancy. This is separate from the NHS advice to avoid vitamin A supplements, which may also list retinol on the label.15

Is benzoyl peroxide safe during pregnancy?

The guidance is not identical: the American Academy of Dermatology recommends limited use and a dermatologist discussion, while DermNet and a clinical review list topical benzoyl peroxide as an option. Ask your dermatologist about the specific product you plan to use.16

Can I use vitamin C while pregnant?

Yes. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying vitamin C in the morning to help prevent and treat pregnancy related changes in skin color.1

Can I use glycolic acid while pregnant?

Topical glycolic acid is generally considered an option during pregnancy, and the American Academy of Dermatology recommends it in the evening for skin color changes. Human pregnancy studies have not been conducted, but the available review says only a minimal amount is expected to be absorbed systemically.124