Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with excitement—and often, a few skin surprises. As hormones fluctuate, your skin might start acting differently: Sudden acne, Melasma, dryness, or increased sensitivity. And while you might be tempted to reach for your go-to skincare heroes, not all skincare ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
As a dermatologist, one of the most common questions I get from expectant moms is:
“Can I still use my active skincare ingredients during pregnancy?”
So, what can be used and what is not considered safe?
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Ingredients
1. Azelaic Acid
- Naturally derived, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial.
- Great for treating acne, rosacea, and pigmentation.
- Bonus: Often well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
2. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- A multi-tasking gem—soothes inflammation, evens skin tone, and strengthens the skin barrier.
- Safe and non-irritating.
3. Hyaluronic Acid
- Deeply hydrating and completely safe.
- Perfect for maintaining that pregnancy glow (or restoring it!).
4. Zinc-Based (Mineral) Sunscreens
- Essential during pregnancy, especially for preventing melasma.
- Choose physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for maximum safety.
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
These are either known to be harmful or lack enough safety data to justify their use. Best to skip them—there are safer alternatives available.
1. Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin, Adapalene, Isotretinoin)
- Oral or topical—completely contraindicated.
- Retinoids are linked to birth defects and should be avoided at all costs.
2. Salicylic Acid (BHA)
- Low dose is usually considered safe, however more studies are required to conclude the same. Higher dosage should definitely be avoided.
- Instead, switch to azelaic acid or lactic acid for acne.
3. Hydroquinone
- Used to lighten pigmentation, but has high systemic absorption.
- There are safer pigmentation-fighting ingredients to consider.
Pregnancy is not the time to chase perfect skin—it’s a time to nourish and protect. With the right actives, you can safely support your skin through breakouts, pigmentation, and sensitivity.