Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: Ingredients to Avoid & Safe Swaps

Pregnancy changes everything—your body, your hormones, and yes, your skin. While glowing skin is a common hope, breakouts, dryness, sensitivity, and melasma are just as common. That’s why building a pregnancy-safe skincare routine matters: you want effective products without ingredients that could pose potential risks.

The good news? You don’t have to give up skincare altogether. You just need to know what to avoid—and what to use instead.

During pregnancy, your skin can absorb certain ingredients more readily, and some actives have been linked (or suspected) to developmental risks when used in high concentrations. While research is ongoing and recommendations can vary, most dermatologists agree it’s best to err on the side of caution—especially with leave-on products.

Think of pregnancy skincare as gentler, supportive, and barrier-focused, rather than aggressive or corrective.

Here are the most commonly recommended ingredients to pause while pregnant:

1. Retinoids (Vitamin A Derivatives)

Includes:

• Retinol

• Retinal

• Retinyl palmitate

• Tretinoin (prescription)

Why avoid: High doses of vitamin A have been linked to birth defects. Even topical forms are typically discouraged.

2. Chemical Sunscreens (Select Filters)

Includes:

• Oxybenzone

• Avobenzone

• Octinoxate

Why avoid: Some chemical filters may disrupt hormones or be absorbed into the bloodstream.

3. Salicylic Acid (High Concentrations)

Includes:

• High-strength peels

• Spot treatments over 2%

Why avoid: Oral salicylic acid is linked to risks; topical use in small amounts is debated, but many providers recommend limiting it.

4. Hydroquinone

Used for:

• Dark spots

• Melasma

• Hyperpigmentation

Why avoid: Absorption rates are higher than many skincare ingredients, and safety data during pregnancy is limited.

5. Essential Oils (Certain Types)

Includes:

• Rosemary

• Clary sage

• Peppermint (in high concentrations)

Why avoid: Some essential oils may stimulate uterine contractions or cause sensitivity.

Here’s where it gets good—you can still treat acne, dullness, dryness, and pigmentation safely.

1. For Acne & Breakouts

Safe alternatives:

• Azelaic acid (anti-inflammatory + brightening)

• Lactic acid (gentle exfoliation)

• Niacinamide (oil-balancing, calming)
  
  

2. For Brightening & Uneven Tone

Safe alternatives:

• Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid or derivatives)

• Licorice root extract

• Tranexamic acid (generally considered low risk topically)
  
  

3. For Anti-Aging & Texture

Safe alternatives:

• Bakuchiol (retinol-like benefits, plant-based)

• Peptides

• Ceramides
  
  
  

4. For Sun Protection

Best choice:

• Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide

These sit on top of the skin rather than absorbing into it and are widely considered pregnancy-safe.

5. For Hydration & Barrier Support

Look for:

• Hyaluronic acid

• Glycerin

• Squalane

• Shea butter

Healthy skin barrier = calmer skin during hormonal changes.

Morning

1. Gentle cleanser

2. Vitamin C or niacinamide serum

3. Moisturizer with ceramides

4. Mineral SPF

Evening

1. Gentle cleanse

2. Azelaic acid or bakuchiol

3. Nourishing moisturizer or facial oil

Less is more—your skin will thank you.

Mineral SPF & Sun Protection

Daily sun protection is a must-have during pregnancy to prevent melasma and protect sensitive skin.

• EltaMD UV Clear Broad‑Spectrum SPF 46 – A dermatologist favorite mineral SPF with zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection plus niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to soothe and hydrate — ideal for sensitive, hormonal skin.

• EltaMD UV Glow SPF 36 Sunscreen Moisturizer – Lightweight SPF with added hydration and radiance for a glow-boosting finish.

Dermatologists recommend choosing mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide during pregnancy to minimize systemic absorption concerns.

Hydration Boosters (Hyaluronic Acid Serums)

Hydration is key during pregnancy as skin can become dry or sensitive — these hyaluronic serums help lock in moisture safely:

• Jan Marini Hyla3D Face Serum – Hyaluronic acid complex for deep, replenishing hydration and plumper-looking skin.

• ClarityRx Daily Dose of Water Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Serum – Lightweight, moisture-binding daily serum to smooth and hydrate dry, dull skin.

• Neocutis HYALIS+ Intensive Hydrating Serum – Dual sodium hyaluronate serum to intensely moisturize and support skin barrier function.

• Jane Iredale BeautyPrep Hyaluronic Serum – Antioxidant-rich hyaluronic support that also preps skin for moisturizer or makeup.

• Dr. Barbara Sturm Darker Skin Tones Hyaluronic Serum – High-performance hydrating serum with multi-weight hyaluronic acids.

Hyaluronic acid is a safe and effective pregnancy-friendly hydrator that helps maintain moisture without irritation.

Moisturizers & Barrier Support

Moisturizers that support the skin’s protective barrier while boosting hydration are essential when hormones are shifting.

• EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer – A calming, restorative evening moisture that reinforces the skin’s natural barrier.

Every pregnancy is different, and recommendations can vary by provider. When in doubt:

• Check with your OB-GYN or dermatologist

• Patch test new products

• Focus on gentle, fragrance-free formulas

Pregnancy is not the time for aggressive treatments—but it is the perfect time to build a supportive, glow-boosting routine that works with your skin, not against it.