Pregnancy changes so much—your schedule, your sleep, and yes, even your skin. Maybe you’re dealing with pregnancy acne, hyperpigmentation, or newfound sensitivity. And if you’re like most pregnant people, you’ve probably wondered:
“Is my skincare safe for pregnancy?”
It’s a smart question. But it’s also important to know that there’s a wide spectrum when it comes to how much people want to dive into ingredient labels and how “clean” they want their skincare to be during pregnancy. What’s presented in this guide is a reasonable and cautious approach based on available evidence. Some may feel comfortable sticking with these balanced recommendations, while others may choose to take even more steps to limit exposures—at which point a resource like the EWG Skin Deep database* can be a next-level tool.
A personal note from me, Dr. Sterling: During my first pregnancy, I went all in. I swapped out everything and used only EWG-certified products. But looking back, I realize that the obsessive label-checking and constant worry about “toxins” added significant stress to my pregnancy—stress that, in many ways, outweighed the theoretical risks of some ingredients. That experience has shaped the balanced approach I now recommend.
The goal is not perfection. The goal is informed, thoughtful choices that support both your physical and mental well-being during pregnancy.
Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
Research suggests that the following skincare ingredients are best avoided during pregnancy:
Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives)
Found in anti-aging and acne treatments like retinol, tretinoin (Retin-A), adapalene, and tazarotene. High doses of vitamin A can be harmful during pregnancy. While the risk from topical use is lower than oral vitamin A medications (like isotretinoin), experts recommend avoiding them altogether as a precaution.
Hydroquinone
A powerful skin-lightener often used to treat hyperpigmentation. Due to its higher absorption rate through the skin, it’s best avoided during pregnancy.
Chemical Sunscreens with Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is under investigation for potential hormone-disrupting effects. While definitive research is limited, switching to mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) is a simple, safe alternative.
Sorting Out the Safety of Common Skincare Treatments
Many popular skincare treatments are surrounded by confusion during pregnancy, especially when it comes to ingredients like acids and acne treatments. Here’s what the evidence tells us:
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid is sometimes mistakenly believed to be unsafe in pregnancy because it is related to aspirin, which is generally avoided in high doses during pregnancy. However, low-dose aspirin is widely used safely in pregnancy under medical guidance, and topical salicylic acid—used in typical over-the-counter concentrations of 2% or less—is considered safe when used in small amounts, like in cleansers or spot treatments.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Considered safe in pregnancy when used topically and in moderation, benzoyl peroxide helps reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid are safe to use during pregnancy. These gentle chemical exfoliants help smooth skin texture, brighten dullness, and support healthy cell turnover.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is often promoted as a “pregnancy-safe retinol alternative” because it provides some similar skin-smoothing and brightening effects without being a vitamin A derivative. However, there are currently no published studies on the safety of Bakuchiol during pregnancy. While it may be less concerning than retinoids based on its structure, some people may choose to avoid it as a precaution, while others feel comfortable using it after consulting with their healthcare provider.
Hydrocolloid Patches
A safe option for managing individual breakouts. Hydrocolloid patches help draw out fluid, protect blemishes, and support healing.
Pregnancy takeaway:
Over-the-counter salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid, Bakuchiol, and hydrocolloid patches are commonly used skincare treatments that many consider during pregnancy. While most are supported as safe with available evidence, Bakuchiol is an area with limited research, so individual comfort levels may vary.
Important note:
Both AHAs and BHAs can increase sun sensitivity. If you’re using products containing these exfoliants, daily sun protection with physical barriers (such as a hat) and a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from sunburn and long-term damage.
What About Parabens and Phthalates?
Parabens
Preservatives that prevent mold and bacteria in cosmetics. Some research suggests they may act as endocrine disruptors, though typical exposure through skincare is generally low.
Phthalates
Chemicals often found in synthetic fragrances, with some studies linking them to potential developmental and reproductive risks, including preterm birth.
Pregnancy takeaway:
While evidence of harm from typical skincare exposure is limited, many people choose to avoid parabens and phthalates during pregnancy as a precaution, especially since alternatives are widely available.
How to Limit Paraben and Phthalate Exposure
- Choose products labeled “fragrance-free” or “phthalate-free.”
- Look for “paraben-free” labels on skincare and cosmetics.
- Prioritize simple, gentle formulas with minimal ingredients.
How to Read Skincare Labels
Reading skincare labels can feel overwhelming, but here are a few tips:
- Check the “active ingredients” section for any of the ingredients to avoid (see above)
- Scan the full ingredient list for names like retinol, hydroquinone, fragrance/parfum (a potential sign of phthalates), and common parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, ethylparaben).
- Watch for product claims—“fragrance-free” is not the same as “unscented,” which may still contain masking fragrances.
- When in doubt, prioritize simple formulas with minimal, well-known ingredients.
Beneficial Skincare Ingredients to Use During Pregnancy
- Even with a few ingredients off the table, there are still plenty of ways to nourish and support your skin through pregnancy. These safe, effective ingredients can help with hydration, brightness, skin texture, and overall skin health:
- Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant that brightens the skin, helps reduce hyperpigmentation, and supports collagen production, making it a great choice if you’re experiencing dullness or dark spots. - Niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide helps soothe inflammation, improve skin elasticity, strengthen the skin barrier, and even out skin tone. It’s well-tolerated and pairs well with other active ingredients. - Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help support collagen production, promoting skin firmness and repair. They’re a great addition to moisturizers and serums for extra skin support. - Hyaluronic Acid
A deeply hydrating ingredient that attracts moisture to the skin, helping to plump and smooth the appearance of fine lines while supporting overall hydration. - Azelaic Acid
A multitasking ingredient that’s helpful for calming redness, managing acne, and reducing pigmentation. Azelaic acid provides gentle exfoliation and improves overall skin texture, making it an excellent option during pregnancy. - Glycolic Acid
A chemical exfoliant that helps smooth skin and boost radiance by encouraging cell turnover. In pregnancy, stick with lower concentrations (under 10%) to safely support glowing skin. - Ceramides and Glycerin
These are barrier-repairing and moisture-locking ingredients. Ceramides help restore the skin’s natural protective barrier, while glycerin draws water into the skin to keep it hydrated and comfortable.
What About Ingestible Skincare?
Ingestible skincare has become incredibly popular, with products promising glowing skin from within. During pregnancy, it’s important to focus on supplements that are both safe and supported by evidence.
Collagen
Collagen powders and supplements are often used to support skin elasticity and hydration. While there’s no strong evidence that taking collagen during pregnancy directly improves your skin, collagen is generally considered safe when sourced from reputable brands.
If you’re considering collagen supplements:
- Choose high-quality, third-party tested products.
- Avoid blends with herbs or added ingredients that might not be recommended in pregnancy.
- Check with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Collagen can also contribute to your overall protein intake, which is especially important during pregnancy.
Other Ingestible Skincare to Consider (or Skip) in Pregnancy
Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
Early research suggests oral hyaluronic acid may support skin hydration, but there’s limited data in pregnancy. It’s likely low-risk but not essential, especially if you’re using topical hyaluronic acid products.
Vitamin C
Supports collagen production and overall skin health, but most prenatal vitamins already provide enough. Additional supplementation is typically unnecessary unless directed by your provider.
Zinc
Zinc can support skin healing and inflammation and is safe in the amounts found in prenatal vitamins. High doses should be avoided unless recommended by your provider.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)
Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory benefits that may indirectly support skin health and are widely recommended in pregnancy for fetal brain and eye development.
Biotin
Commonly marketed for hair, skin, and nail health, biotin is safe at the levels found in prenatal vitamins. High-dose biotin supplements are unnecessary and can interfere with certain lab tests.
Herbal “Glow” Powders and Elixirs
Many trendy ingestible skincare products contain herbal blends and adaptogens, which are often not recommended in pregnancy due to limited safety data.
Pregnancy takeaway:
Stick with evidence-backed, high-quality supplements like collagen, omega-3s, and prenatal vitamins to support skin health. Be cautious with trendy powders and blends, and always check with your provider before starting any new supplement.
Sunscreen Safety in Pregnancy
Sunscreen is one of the most important parts of any skincare routine, especially during pregnancy. Hormonal shifts can make your skin more prone to hyperpigmentation (like melasma), and protecting against UV damage helps prevent worsening discoloration, premature aging, and skin cancer.
What Kind of Sunscreen Should You Use?
During pregnancy, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are often the top choice. These create a physical barrier on the skin, reflect UV rays, are gentle on sensitive skin, and are not absorbed into the bloodstream in meaningful amounts. The FDA recognizes these ingredients as safe and effective, making them a simple option if you want to minimize exposure to active chemicals.
What About Chemical Sunscreens?
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat. Today, the most commonly used chemical filters in U.S. sunscreens include: Avobenzone (for UVA protection), Octisalate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Octinoxate.
While these ingredients are FDA-approved and widely used, studies show that some chemical filters can be absorbed into the bloodstream, which has raised questions about potential health effects. Oxybenzone, an older chemical filter, has received the most attention due to concerns about possible hormone disruption and environmental impact, though it’s become less common in newer formulations as brands move away from it.
Is Oxybenzone Still in U.S. Sunscreens?
Yes, but it’s now uncommon. Oxybenzone is still FDA-approved at concentrations up to 6%, though many brands have phased it out. Certain regions, like Hawaii, have banned its sale, and “oxybenzone-free” has become a common label callout. However, if you’re using an older product or a specific formula, it’s worth double-checking the ingredient list.
Chemical Sunscreens and Pregnancy
For people applying sunscreen daily on their entire body, minimizing exposure to chemical sunscreen may make sense. But for occasional or localized use—such as using a chemical sunscreen on your face—the overall absorption is very low and considered very low risk. Protecting your skin from UV damage during pregnancy is important, especially if you’re prone to melasma or hyperpigmentation.
UVA Protection: What’s PA and PPD?
While SPF measures protection against UVB rays (which cause sunburn), protecting against UVA rays (which drive skin aging and pigmentation) is equally important. In the U.S., sunscreens labeled “broad-spectrum” provide UVA and UVB protection, but outside the U.S., other rating systems give more detailed UVA information:
- PA rating (Asia/Korea): Measures UVA protection with a scale from PA+ (some UVA protection) to PA++++ (extremely high UVA protection).
- PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) rating (Europe): Measures how much longer your skin is protected from UVA-induced pigmentation. For example, a sunscreen with a PPD of 10 allows your skin to tolerate 10 times more UVA exposure before darkening than it would without protection. PPD 2-4: Low UVA protection, PPD 4-8: Moderate UVA protection, PPD 8-16: High UVA protection, PPD 16+: Very high UVA protection
European sunscreens with the UVA circle logo (a “UVA” inside a circle) indicate that the UVA protection is at least one-third of the SPF value, ensuring balanced coverage.
Pregnancy Takeaway
The most important thing is consistent sun protection. Mineral sunscreens are an easy, low-absorption choice during pregnancy, but if your favorite facial sunscreen is chemical and works well for you—especially if it helps prevent melasma—it’s reasonable to continue using it. Skipping sunscreen entirely is never the safer option.
Safe Skincare Routine Example
Morning:
Gentle cleanser
Vitamin C serum
Niacinamide serum (optional)
Moisturizer with peptides or ceramides
Broad-Spectrum mineral sunscreen
Evening:
Gentle cleanser
Azelaic acid or glycolic acid serum (optional)
Moisturizer with peptides or hyaluronic acid
For Acne:
Add a benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid spot treatment or hydrocolloid patch as needed
The Bottom Line
Pregnancy-safe skincare is about making thoughtful, informed choices that protect your well-being—both physical and mental. You don’t have to overhaul everything or aim for perfection. With a few mindful swaps and an emphasis on gentle, effective ingredients, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing throughout pregnancy.
*A Note About the EWG Skin Deep Database
The EWG Skin Deep database is a popular tool for checking skincare ingredients, and it can be helpful if you’re trying to avoid certain chemicals like parabens and phthalates. However, the EWG has been criticized for overstating risks, focusing on hazards without accounting for real-world exposure, and having potential financial incentives tied to their verification program. It’s best used as a general reference alongside evidence-based guidance from trusted medical sources like ACOG and the FDA.
Sources
General Pregnancy Skincare Safety:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2020). Skin Conditions During Pregnancy.
- March of Dimes. (2021). Beauty products and treatments during pregnancy.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2021). Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling (Drugs).
Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide, and Acne Treatments:
- ACOG. (2020). Skin Conditions During Pregnancy.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023). Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed): Salicylic Acid.
- Chien, A.L., et al. (2016). Evaluating the safety of over-the-counter acne treatments during pregnancy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
AHAs and BHAs:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2021). Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Cosmetic Products.
Bakuchiol:
- Dhaliwal, S., et al. (2019). Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoaging. British Journal of Dermatology.
- No safety data found specifically for use in pregnancy.
Parabens and Phthalates:
- Philippat, C., et al. (2014). Prenatal exposure to phenols and growth in boys. Epidemiology.
- Braun, J.M., et al. (2014). Prenatal phthalate exposure and child behavior. Environmental Health Perspectives.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2020). Parabens in Cosmetics.
EWG Skin Deep Database:
- Environmental Working Group (EWG). (2023). Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2022). Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
- Cohen, S. (2019). The trouble with EWG’s Skin Deep database. Self.
Ingestible Skincare:
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023). Collagen supplements: What the research says.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2023). Dietary Supplements and Pregnancy.
- Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), NIH. (2022). Vitamin C Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), NIH. (2022). Zinc Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), NIH. (2022). Biotin Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
- Calder, P.C. (2017). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory skin diseases. Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes, and Essential Fatty Acids.
Sunscreen Safety in Pregnancy:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2021). Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun.
- Matta, M.K., et al. (2020). Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients. JAMA.
- Krause, M., et al. (2012). Sunscreens: Are they safe for humans? Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.
- Hawaii State Legislature. (2018). Act 104: Sunscreen Ban on Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.
- European Commission. (2016). Guidance on the UVA protection of sunscreens.
- Diffey, B.L. (2011). The PPD method and UVA protection. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine.