Is retinol skincare safe during pregnancy?
Your favourite night serum might be on the pregnancy “no” list.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician ·
The short answer
Retinoids are best avoided in pregnancy. Oral isotretinoin (Accutane/Roaccutane) causes serious birth defects, and topical retinoids — tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene and retinol — are generally stopped as a precaution.
Why it matters
Retinoids are forms of vitamin A. Oral isotretinoin is one of the best-known causes of birth defects, which is why it comes with strict pregnancy-prevention rules.
Very little of a skin cream is absorbed, and studies are reassuring, but because the oral form is so harmful most doctors advise stopping topical retinoids in pregnancy too.
Retinol is also found in many “anti-ageing” and acne products under names like retinyl palmitate.
What to do
- Check skincare labels for retinol, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about pregnancy-friendly acne and skincare alternatives.
- If you took isotretinoin recently, tell your doctor.
Common questions
I used retinol before I knew I was pregnant. What should I do?
Stop using it and mention it to your midwife or doctor. The amount absorbed through the skin is small, and studies of accidental early use have been reassuring.
Sources
Medically reviewed by Dr. Christopher Sterling, obstetrician, on against the sources above. Guidance can differ between countries — always follow the advice of your own midwife, doctor or pharmacist. Medical disclaimer.
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