We often get questions on what's safe to use on your skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Firstly, congratulations to either you or your loved one. We hope you embrace the changes your body makes, it is such a fascinating time. We'll start out with some generally accepted guidelines, and then go into detail about which products and procedures you can proceed with at [Skin + Tonic]. (Skip to the keypoints here)
Following is an excellent and brief summary from Paula's Choice:
Benzoyl peroxide is an excellent ingredient to control acne and in low concentrations (5% or less), is considered the best acne treatment safe for pregnancy.
Salicylic acid (BHA) is a superior exfoliant for skin, and the small percentages used in skin care are considered low risk to use while pregnant. Look for concentrations between 1–2% and reserve use for small areas, such as the face, when needed.
You can also consider using glycolic acid or lactic acid (AHA) exfoliants during your pregnancy. What about in-office AHA or BHA peels? AHA peels are preferred if the peel is to be applied over a large area of the body.
Tranexamic acid is a newcomer to skin care that isn’t known to be a problem for topical use on skin with hyperpigmentation while pregnant; however, we don’t have enough data yet for it to be recommended without reservation. It’s another ingredient to discuss with your physician.
Azelaic acid via topical prescription is considered safe for use during pregnancy and has good research showing it can improve brown skin discolorations plus help with breakouts and visible symptoms of rosacea.
Anti-aging products with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides and niacinamide are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy—there’s no research proving they’re a problem for topical use. But we repeat: If you’re uncertain about starting a new anti-aging product or a combination of ingredients, check with your physician and follow their advice.
Avoid prescription retinoids (Renova, Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac, and generic tretinoin) and over-the-counter products with retinol due to its relation to prescription retinoids. Consider switching to an anti-aging serum that does not contain retinol or its derivatives (retinyl retinoate, retinaldehyde, or hydroxypinacolone retinoate).
Avoid hydroquinone (which is available by prescription only) during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The same caution goes for the ingredient arbutin and derivatives such as alpha-arbutin because both break down to hydroquinone on skin. Instead, look to products that contain niacinamide and various forms of vitamin C.
Prescriptions for other skin concerns: Your doctor will be able to advise you on which topical medications are suitable for use during pregnancy, how they should be used, and whether the benefits outweigh the risks (if any).
Sunscreen actives (AKA UV filters): With the exception of oxybenzone (explained below), UV filters are not known to be a risk during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists hasn’t found any of the alleged fears about sunscreen ingredients substantiated by medical or animal research; however, they now recommend avoiding oxybenzone due to a potential link to a congenital disorder known as Hirschsprung’s Disease. This disorder impacts nerve cell formation in the colon and can impact a baby’s ability to have normal bowel movements. It’s important to note that this association is not proof that oxybenzone causes Hirschprung’s Disease.
Procedures:
Microneedling: avoid, especially due to the numbing ointments involved.
Nanoneedling: can consider, since no numbing ointments are involved.
Exosome products: avoid in general, stem cell action.
Aerolase/Laser: in general, becoming more acceptable, but since no studies on particular devices, each manufacturer would recommend avoiding since no studies have been done on pregnant populations..
Sylfirm/Radiofrequency Microneedling: avoid, due to the numbing ointments involved and use of exosomes/stem cells.
Hydrafacial: The use of low concentration AHA's is generally regarded as safe, same with salicylic acid (topical, not systemic, at concentrations of 1-2% on small surface area such as the face, and not chronic use), therefore Hydrafacial should be OK to use. Hydrafacial company points out that skin can be more sensitive during pregnancy:
Red LED: also generally regarded as safe in short durations, most cite a calming effect on muscles. Again, no specific studies are done on pregnant or breastfeeding populations, so if there is concern, can certainly choose to avoid.
Blue light LED: emerging data discussing the blue wavelengths associated with electronic device exposure being associated with gestational diabetes, decreased infant birth weight, but certainly can be considered if acne is exacerbated during these hormonal shifts.
Custom Facials: the gift of relaxation and pampering is like embracing this soon to be mother in love and care: think deep clean and exfoliation, and then hydration station for the skin!
Botox: avoid.
Fillers: avoid.
Products:
SkinBetter: I love this list from 15minutebeauty (who's a PICU doc by training and I've followed for years!)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe:
Instant Effect Eye Gel
Interfuse Intensive Treatment Lines, Eye, Face + Neck (although they JUST went through a reformulation, so I'll check on this and update as needed 2/2025), Techno Neck, Trio Luxe
Breastfeeding safe (just not safe for pregnancy)
Alto Advanced (wahhhh!!!): licorice root, stem cells.
Mystro: Stem Cells
Refining Foam Cleanser: Sal acid, malic acid.
Solo Men: licorice root, stem cells, salicylic acid
SunBetter Sheer and ToneSmart (!!): salicylates (I was surprised at this one!)
Trio REBALANCING: salicylic acid.
Not safe for Pregnancy or Nursing:
AlphaRet anything: retinoids (and depending on the product, different types of AHAs and concentrations, and BHA's)
EvenTone: Arbutin
Avéne:
Avéne Retrinal (retinaldehyde): avoid this during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Bakuchiol (i.e Avene Retrinal SERUM): It seems to be leaning towards generally regarded as safe, but no large scale studies so it continues to be debatable.
Hydrinity:
Generally regarded as safe during pregnancy. I am going to check on specifically Vivid (for hyperpigmentation) and update here!
Chemist Confessions: I appreciate all their blog posts, and here's a great one on pregnancy-safe products!
Mr. Reliable (oil) and Aquafix (oil-free) moisturizers are products I would recommend.
I would avoid using retinols for reasons stated above, and probably avoid continued use of 'The Specialist' (the main one we carry at [Skin + Tonic]).
Stratia:
We carry Lipid Gold and Interfuse, which are considered pregnancy-safe.
Beauty of Joseon: SPF's
Sun Relief with Probiotics (SPF50, PA++++): can use during pregnancy
OneSkin: thanks again to 15minutebeauty for her summary-- coming soon to [Skin + Tonic]
Face topical supplement: safe.
Body lotion: safe.
TL;DR:
Hydrating products, especially with botanicals and HA (ie Hydrinity Restorative Serum)
Great moisturizers that calm the skin, like Chemist Confessions' Mr. Reliable and Aquafix and Stratia Lipid Gold.
If needed, azelaic acid, for breakouts or hyperpigmentation. Up to 10%, twice a day.
Hydrafacials or custom facials
Red LED tx
Embracing the fascinating changes during pregnancy, but also knowing that we can modify your current regimen to supply the feeling of nourishing and caring for yourself or for the mom to be in your life!
xoxo,
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