Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Isn't a Needle in a Haystack as Long as You Know This
Honestly, I find myself overwhelmed by the world of skincare enough as it is, but it seems to be even worse if you're pregnant. So many labels on my everyday skincare products say "Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding," and I wonder what exactly you can use during a pregnancy. I don't have any children yet and probably won't any time super soon, but I'd like to be prepared and have expert advice handy for when the time does roll around. If you're pregnant, nursing, or are just like me and want to be prepared, keep scrolling! I asked two board-certified dermatologists for a full rundown on the best pregnancy-safe skincare.
What skincare ingredients should pregnant people avoid?
There are quite a few ingredients derms say you should avoid if you're pregnant, and board-certified dermatologists Divya Shokeen, MD, and Lauren Penzi, MD, shared a list of the top five ingredients.
Retinoids: Both derms agree that retinoids should be avoided. Even if you're using a non-prescription retinol, it might be better to exercise caution and forego that for the duration of your pregnancy.
"Prescription retinoids, such as isotretinoin and tretinoin, should be avoided, as they have been associated with birth defects. Over-the-counter retinol products are also best to be avoided due to the potential risk they may pose." — Shokeen
Salicylic Acid: "While low concentrations of salicylic acid in skincare products are generally considered safe, it's best to avoid high concentrations or peels, as they can potentially be absorbed systemically." — Shokeen
Hydroquinone: Both Penzi and Shokeen agree that hydroquinone should be left out of your routine.
"This skin-lightening ingredient is often used to treat hyperpigmentation, but its safety during pregnancy is uncertain and best avoided." — Shokeen
Formaldehyde: "Found in some nail hardeners and hair-straightening treatments, formaldehyde is best avoided due to potential toxicity concerns." — Shokeen
Chemical Sunscreen: Penzi says it's best to avoid chemical sunscreens that contain ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, cinoxate, and more. To be safe, stick with a mineral sunscreen that only contains ingredients like zinc oxide.
What ingredients should pregnant people look for?
I know. It's hard to ditch the retinol and salicylic acid, especially if you have acne. But don't worry. Penzi and Shokeen provided an alternative list of ingredients that are A-okay for pregnant people. First, they both recommend sticking to mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They also say that gentle and soothing skincare formulations tailored to sensitive skin will work well since pregnant people often experience increased skin sensitivity. Safe ingredients include…
Clindamycin: "Available as a prescription, clindamycin comes in pads, gel, a cream, etc., and is a topical antibiotic that fights acne-causing bacteria." — Penzi
Benzoyl Peroxide: This ingredient is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and reduces oil production. A word of caution with this one, though, as it can be drying and irritating to sensitive skin.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): "Mandelic, lactic, and glycolic acid are safe for use in pregnancy in lower strengths (i.e. glycolic acid less than 10%)." — Penzi
Azelaic Acid: Safe and versatile, azelaic acid can help fight acne as well as hyperpigmentation and rosacea.
Bakuchiol: Bakuchiol is a natural retinol alternative that has been shown to boost collagen, diminish wrinkles, and combat hyperpigmentation and acne.
Vitamin C: This antioxidant helps prevent oxidative damage from UV rays.
Below, find a few of Penzi's and Shokeen's favorite pregnancy-safe skincare products.
The Best Pregnancy-Safe Skincare
"This cream-like formula brightens skin tone and visibly improves skin texture. It has a lower irritation potential than other direct acids, which means it's gentle enough for daily use as part of your skincare regimen, even in pregnancy." — Penzi
"This retinol-alternative serum for aging skin, packed with gentle AHAs and bakuchiol to instantly brighten, targets the look of fine lines and wrinkles and visibly diminishes dark spots and pores." — Penzi
"This can be excellent for a moisturizer that helps maintain the moisture barrier and is gentle enough for regular use." — Shokeen
"This contains glycolic acid and glycerin to exfoliate while maintaining skin's water balance, keeping skin hydrated and nourished." — Penzi
Both Shokeen and Penzi recommend this physical sunscreen from Isdin. It's light on the skin, contains only mineral filters, and is an innovative formula that contains DNA repairsomes, which help correct existing sun damage.
"This is something I personally worked on with another board-certified dermatologist, Mona Mislankar, during a time that we were both pregnant. TBH has triple acids (lactic, mandelic, and glycolic—all at less than a 10% concentration), bakuchiol, and manuka honey. It is ideal for those who are looking for exfoliation as a retinol alternative, acne and pigmentation help, and maintaining their healthy glow." — Shokeen
I can never find enough good things to say about this gentle clearing serum with mandelic acid from esteemed NYC esthetician Sofie Pavitt. I use it already as a daily exfoliating serum for acne, but it's great to know that it's also pregnancy-safe. Mandelic acid is one of the most gentle yet highly effective acids that clears up acne, controls the production of acne-causing bacteria, and helps reduce fine lines. There's also no irritation, which is ideal for anyone struggling with acne-prone skin that's also extremely sensitive. This began clearing up my acne in a matter of days—it's truly remarkable!
IS Clinical's Active Serum is a fan, derm, and esthetician favorite. The formula is simple but potent with a blend of glycolic acid, willow bark extract, and mushroom extract. It brightens, clears clogged pores, and reduces the appearance of fine lines.
This moisturizer from Paula's Choice has a whipped texture and hydrates skin with a blend of omega fatty acids, shea butter, borage-seed oil, ceramides, and amino acids.
With bakuchiol, vitamin C, and melatonin, this serum-in-oil helps exfoliate the skin while restoring radiance, elasticity, and vitality.
This rich hyaluronic acid serum also contains tissue-repairing vitamin B5 to restore moisture levels in sensitive and acne-prone skin. It also helps maximize the effects of your daily moisturizer.
Shawna Hudson is a beauty, wellness, lifestyle, and travel writer with over 10 years of experience. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, and more. She is currently a beauty writer at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.
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