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Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: What to Use and What to Avoid

Important: This guide provides general shopping information only—not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider (OB-GYN, midwife, or dermatologist) about skincare during pregnancy. Individual circumstances vary, and your provider can give personalized guidance.

Navigating Skincare During Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings skin changes—some welcome (that "glow"), some less so (acne, melasma, sensitivity). At the same time, you're suddenly wondering which products are safe for you and your baby.

While many skincare ingredients are perfectly safe during pregnancy, some should be avoided, and others fall into a gray area. This guide provides general information to help you shop, but always verify with your healthcare provider.

Ingredients to Avoid

These ingredients are generally recommended to avoid during pregnancy:

Retinoids (Vitamin A Derivatives)

The most commonly cautioned ingredient. Includes:

• Retinol
• Retinaldehyde
• Tretinoin (Retin-A)
• Adapalene (Differin)
• Tazarotene
• Isotretinoin (Accutane)—absolutely contraindicated

High doses of vitamin A (especially oral) have been linked to birth defects. While topical retinoids absorb minimally, they're typically avoided as a precaution. See alternatives below.

High-Dose Salicylic Acid

• Chemical peels with salicylic acid
• Oral salicylates (aspirin in high doses)
• High-concentration BHA products

Low-concentration topical salicylic acid (2% or less) in leave-on products and cleansers is generally considered safe by many providers, but check with yours.

Hydroquinone

A skin-lightening agent with higher absorption rates. Typically avoided during pregnancy. Safer alternatives exist for hyperpigmentation.

Certain Essential Oils

Some essential oils are cautioned during pregnancy, including:

• Rosemary
• Clary sage
• Juniper
• Wintergreen

This doesn't mean all essential oils are unsafe, but it's an area where caution is warranted. Fragrance-free products avoid the issue entirely (see our fragrance-free skincare guide).

Chemical Sunscreen Filters (Debated)

Some providers recommend avoiding oxybenzone and other chemical filters due to potential hormonal effects. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are universally considered safe alternatives (see our sunscreen guide).

Generally Considered Safe

These ingredients are typically considered safe during pregnancy:

Hydrating Ingredients

• Hyaluronic acid: Safe and helpful for hydration (see our HA guide)
• Glycerin: Gentle humectant
• Ceramides: Support skin barrier (see our ceramides guide)
• Squalane: Lightweight oil

Antioxidants

• Vitamin C: Safe; good for hyperpigmentation and overall skin health
• Vitamin E: Antioxidant protection
• Niacinamide: Safe and versatile; helps with multiple concerns (see our niacinamide guide)
• Green tea extract: Antioxidant

For Acne

• Azelaic acid: Pregnancy-safe and effective for acne and hyperpigmentation
• Glycolic acid: In lower concentrations (avoid strong peels)
• Benzoyl peroxide: Generally considered safe in topical form, limited absorption
• Low-dose topical salicylic acid: Usually okay per most providers (but ask yours)

Sunscreens

• Zinc oxide: Safe mineral filter
• Titanium dioxide: Safe mineral filter

Soothing Ingredients

• Centella asiatica (cica): Calming
• Aloe vera: Soothing
• Oat extract: Gentle and calming

Common Pregnancy Skin Concerns

Melasma (Pregnancy Mask)

Hormonal hyperpigmentation common during pregnancy. Safe approaches:

• Diligent sun protection: Mineral sunscreen, hats, shade (most important!)
• Vitamin C: Can help brighten
• Azelaic acid: Safe for melasma
• Niacinamide: May help with pigmentation

Note: Melasma often improves after pregnancy. Aggressive treatment isn't recommended during pregnancy.

Pregnancy Acne

Hormonal changes can trigger breakouts. Safe options:

• Azelaic acid (see our acne-prone skincare guide)
• Benzoyl peroxide (topical, limited use)
• Low-concentration salicylic acid (verify with provider)
• Gentle, non-comedogenic products

Increased Sensitivity

Pregnancy can make skin more reactive. Tips:

• Simplify your routine
• Choose fragrance-free products
• Patch test new products
• Use gentle, minimal-ingredient formulas (see our sensitive skin guide)

Stretch Marks

No topical product is proven to prevent stretch marks (they're largely genetic), but keeping skin moisturized may help with comfort. Safe options include:

• Cocoa butter
• Shea butter
• Bio-oil (check ingredients with provider)
• Plain oils like coconut or sweet almond oil

Retinol Alternatives During Pregnancy

Missing your retinol? These ingredients can help with similar concerns:

• Vitamin C: For brightening and some anti-aging benefits
• Glycolic acid: For texture and cell turnover (lower concentrations)
• Niacinamide: For pores, texture, and overall skin health
• Bakuchiol: Plant-derived "retinol alternative"—less research, but some use it during pregnancy (ask your provider)
• Azelaic acid: For texture and acne

Building a Pregnancy-Safe Routine

Basic Routine

1. Gentle cleanser: Fragrance-free, non-stripping
2. Hydrating serum: Hyaluronic acid or niacinamide
3. Moisturizer: Ceramide-based if barrier is compromised
4. Sunscreen (morning): Mineral formula, SPF 30+

Adding Treatments

• For acne: Add azelaic acid
• For brightening: Add vitamin C (morning)
• For texture: Add glycolic acid 1-2x weekly (night)

Where to Shop

Many brands offer pregnancy-safe options or lines:

Frequently Asked Questions