Ingredients to Avoid in Pregnancy (Quick List)
Here is a concise list of ingredients often avoided during pregnancy, plus safer swaps to consider. When in doubt, scan in the MamaSkin app and ask your clinician. For medical background, see ACOG on skin changes in pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy and NHS overview: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/skin-changes/
- Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, isotretinoin, adapalene): high risk; avoid.
Swap: bakuchiol, niacinamide. - Hydroquinone: high absorption; avoid.
Swap: azelaic acid, niacinamide, mineral SPF. - High-strength salicylic acid peels: limit/avoid strong leave-on peels.
Swap: gentle lactic or mandelic cleansers if approved. - High-dose AHAs/chemical peels: avoid strong peels.
Swap: mild exfoliating cleansers, azelaic acid. - Formaldehyde releasers (certain nail/hair products): avoid where possible.
Swap: formaldehyde-free formulas. - High-dose essential oils (camphor, certain terpene-rich oils): avoid concentrated or undiluted use.
Swap: fragrance-free or mild-scented products. - Oral acne agents (isotretinoin, high-dose salicylates): prescription-only; avoid unless clinician-directed.
- Unknown "whitening/bleaching" creams: often unlabelled; avoid.
Swap: proven safer brighteners (azelaic, niacinamide). - Strong hair removal/depilatory acids if irritating: avoid if you react.
Swap: gentler hair removal methods with clinician guidance. - High-strength resorcinol or phenol peels: skip; opt for clinician-approved milder options.
- Unregulated "at-home peel kits": avoid; ingredients and strengths may be unclear.
General rule: if potency is unclear or irritation is likely, skip it and choose a gentler option.
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FAQs
Are all retinoids unsafe in pregnancy?
Topical and oral retinoids are generally avoided; oral/systemic retinoids are high risk. Use only if your clinician prescribes and approves.
Can I use strong chemical peels?
High-strength peels are best avoided unless supervised by a clinician. Opt for gentle cleansers or low-strength acids if approved.
Is fragrance itself unsafe?
Not inherently, but fragrance can irritate sensitive pregnancy skin. Fragrance-free or mild options are often better tolerated.
