Ingredients to Avoid in Pregnancy (2026 Guide) #

We track more than 200 risky ingredients in MamaSkin with pregnancy-specific guidance. This article is intentionally focused on the most common flagged ingredients in products we scan, plus a short list of high-risk actives that you should always check even if they appear less often. If you want the full library and real-time ingredient flags, scan any product in the app.

How this list was built #

• Data-led: we used our internal ingredient library plus product scan data to surface the most frequent high- and medium-risk ingredients.
• Pregnancy-first: we prioritize ingredients with documented reproductive, endocrine, or systemic absorption concerns.
• Practical: we include example products so you can see how these appear on labels.

High-risk actives to always check (start here) #

Isotretinoin #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Oral/systemic retinoid - strong teratogen (FDA category X). Oral isotretinoin is contraindicated in pregnancy due to high teratogenic risk.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), MotherToBaby (OTIS), ACOG, UKTIS (BUMPS)

Tazarotene #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Third-gen topical retinoid; FDA Pregnancy Category X - avoid.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM)

Example products:

• Almirall Tazorac Gel 0.1% (score 26)
• Bausch Health Arazlo Tazarotene Lotion, 0.045% (score 26)

Tretinoin (Retinoic Acid) #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Same active as Retin-A; topical absorption is low but avoidance in pregnancy is generally recommended.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), MotherToBaby (OTIS), ACOG, UKTIS (BUMPS)

Example products:

• Bausch Health Vitamin A Acid Tretinoin Gel 0.01 (score 20)
• iNova Pharmaceuticals ReTrieve Cream (score 20)

Adapalene #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Topical retinoid; animal teratogenicity plus limited human data - most guidelines advise discontinuation during pregnancy.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM)

Example products:

• Bausch Health Acnelec Cream (score 26)
• Belupo Belakne Krem (score 26)

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR / Granactive Retinoid) #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Retinoic-acid ester; lower irritation but same RA-receptor activity - class teratogenicity risk. Retinoic acid ester; human pregnancy data are limited; avoid as a precaution.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), MotherToBaby (OTIS), ACOG, UKTIS (BUMPS)

Example products:

• Ampleur Clear Concentrate HQ Shot (score 15)
• Azarine Retinol Complex + 5x Ceramide Mighty Serum (score 15)

Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Animal and epidemiologic studies link DBP prenatal exposure to impaired male reproductive development.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), ACOG, CDC

Phthalates (general) #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Class plasticisers; prenatal exposure linked to male reproductive tract anomalies (phthalate syndrome).
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), ACOG, CDC

Example products:

• Murad Clarifying Cream Cleanser (score 15)
• SANA Nameraka Honpo Wrinkle Gel Cream (score 15)

Formaldehyde #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: IARC group 1 carcinogen; limited pregnancy data but irritant / sensitiser warrants avoidance when feasible.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), FDA, EU CosIng, DermNet NZ

Example products:

• Murad Clarifying Cream Cleanser (score 15)
• Nail Tek Moisturizing Strengthener 2 (score 15)

Quaternium-15 #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Formaldehyde donor; contact-allergy and carcinogenicity concerns warrant caution in pregnancy.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), FDA, EU CosIng, DermNet NZ

Example products:

• Peter Thomas Roth Intensive Anti-Aging Eye Creme (score 20)
• Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Intensive Anti-Aging Eye Creme (score 20)

Toluene (Methylbenzene) #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Solvent in nail products; epidemiology links high exposure to neuro-developmental deficits. Synonym of toluene.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), NHS, ACOG

Example products:

• Iroiro Premium Hair Shampoo (score 23)
• L'Oreal Casting Creme Gloss (score 23)

Minoxidil #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Topical hair-growth drug; small human series report fetal cardiac anomalies - most guidelines advise discontinuation before conception.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM)

Example products:

• Minoxidilmax Dualgen-15 With PG Plus (score 26)
• Evolan Minoxidil Net (score 37)

Aspirin (High-dose salicylates) #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: High-dose linked to ductus arteriosus closure & bleeding; low-dose prophylaxis only under medical supervision.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), NHS, MotherToBaby (OTIS), UKTIS (BUMPS)

Most common flagged ingredients in our database #

Retinyl Palmitate #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Most common retinyl ester; avoid in pregnancy.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), MotherToBaby (OTIS), ACOG, UKTIS (BUMPS)

Example products:

• Ampleur Clear Concentrate HQ Shot (score 15)
• Beaute Pacifique Creme Symphonique Eye Zone Gel (score 15)

Retinol #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Vitamin A alcohol; dermal enzymes convert to retinoic acid - avoid leave-on products. Systemic retinoids are teratogenic; most guidelines advise avoiding topical retinoids during pregnancy.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), MotherToBaby (OTIS), ACOG, UKTIS (BUMPS)

Example products:

• Ampleur Clear Concentrate HQ Shot (score 15)
• Azarine Retinol Complex + 5x Ceramide Mighty Serum (score 15)

Retinal (Retinaldehyde) #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Retinaldehyde converts to retinoic acid in skin; avoid due to retinoid class teratogenicity.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), MotherToBaby (OTIS), ACOG, UKTIS (BUMPS)

Example products:

• Azarine Retinol Complex + 5x Ceramide Mighty Serum (score 15)
• Beaute Pacifique Creme Symphonique Eye Zone Gel (score 15)

Rosemary Leaf Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil) #

Risk band: High Risk

• Why we flag it: Same as rosemary oil; contains camphor & thujone; high oral doses uterotonic - topical cosmetic use with caution.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM)

Example products:

• Belif Super Drops Peptide Firming Serum (score 15)
• Belif Super Drops Retinol & Peptide Barrier Serum (score 15)

Methylparaben #

Risk band: Medium Risk

• Why we flag it: Paraben preservative; weak estrogenic activity and fetal-growth correlations in cohort studies. Animal studies suggest it is only dangerous in very high doses
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), EU SCCS, ACOG

Example products:

• Saborino Vitamin A Night Mask (score 15)
• SANA Soy Milk Wrinkle Care Lotion N (score 15)

Propylparaben #

Risk band: Medium Risk

• Why we flag it: Paraben preservative; moderate estrogen-receptor affinity and fetal-growth associations in cohorts.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), EU SCCS, ACOG

Example products:

• Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer With Sunscreen (score 19)
• Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Face Moisturizer -SPF 50 (score 19)

Ethylparaben #

Risk band: Medium Risk

• Why we flag it: Paraben with relatively strong estrogen receptor affinity; fetal-growth associations in cohorts.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), EU SCCS, ACOG

Example products:

• Saborino Vitamin A Night Mask (score 15)
• Biretix Soothing Gel (score 20)

Arbutin #

Risk band: Medium Risk

• Why we flag it: Skin-brightening ingredient related to hydroquinone. In cosmetic products, skin absorption is considered very low, and many dermatologists view low-concentration topical use as likely safe during pregnancy. However, because arbutin can theoretically convert to hydroquinone and pregnancy-specific data is limited, cautious use is advised.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM)

Example products:

• Quality First Quality 1st Super VC + Retinol + Super Delivery Eye Sheet (score 15)
• Sesderma Reti Age Eye Contour Gel (score 15)

Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) #

Risk band: Medium Risk

• Why we flag it: Octinoxate UV filter; estrogenic/thyroid disruption in vitro and animal models.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), FDA, EU CosIng, ACOG

Example products:

• Jung Saem Mool Masterclass Glow Base SPF30 (score 19)
• ZO Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (score 19)

Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane) #

Risk band: Medium Risk

• Why we flag it: Organic UV filter; in-vitro and zebrafish data show thyroid & anti-androgen effects - mineral sunscreens preferred. Synonym of avobenzone.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), FDA, EU CosIng, ACOG

Example products:

• Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ (score 19)
• Neutrogena Anti-Wrinkle Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer With Sunscreen (score 19)

Octocrylene #

Risk band: Medium Risk

• Why we flag it: UV filter; endocrine activity plus concerns over benzophenone impurity formation.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), FDA, EU CosIng, ACOG

Example products:

• Biovene Barcelona Retinol Day Lift Firming Moisturizer (score 20)
• Biretix Hydramat Day SPF 30 (score 20)

Homosalate #

Risk band: Medium Risk

• Why we flag it: UV-B filter; endocrine-disrupting evidence and measurable systemic levels. Chemical UV filter; systemic absorption noted prefer mineral alternatives in pregnancy.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM), FDA, EU CosIng, ACOG

Example products:

• AMUSE Dew Jelly Master Cushion (score 19)
• Jung Saem Mool Masterclass Glow Base SPF30 (score 19)

Benzophenone-4 (Sulisobenzone) #

Risk band: Medium Risk

• Why we flag it: Sulfonated BP; detected in maternalfetal pairs, potential endocrine disruption similar to other BPs.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM)

Example products:

• Aiken Derma Care Deep Cleansing Oil Control Skin Cleanser (score 26)
• Alterna Haircare Bamboo Color Hold+ Rehab Deep Hydration Masque (score 26)

Talc #

Risk band: Medium Risk

• Why we flag it: Inhaled talc linked to respiratory issues; ovarian-cancer debate ongoing - use cosmetic-grade only.
• Sources: PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM)

Example products:

• Colourpop Fade Into Hue Rainbow Powder Palette (score 23)
• Dasique Eyeshadow Palette (score 23)

Safer swaps and routine tips #

• For retinoids, switch to bakuchiol, azelaic acid, niacinamide, or gentle AHAs like mandelic or lactic acid.
• For chemical sunscreens, choose mineral filters (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide).
• For fragrance-sensitive routines, go fragrance-free and avoid heavy parfum blends.
• For brightening, use azelaic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C in gentle formulas.

FAQs #

• How many risky ingredients does MamaSkin track? Our ingredient library tracks 200+ risky ingredients with pregnancy-specific guidance. This guide covers the most common and highest-concern items.
• Does every product with these ingredients need to be thrown away? Not necessarily. Some are medium risk or depend on concentration. The safest approach is to scan the exact product in MamaSkin and follow clinician advice.
• What if I used one before I knew I was pregnant? Do not panic. Stop use and speak with your clinician for individualized advice and reassurance.

Read next #

• Ingredients to Avoid in Pregnancy (Quick List)
• Retinoids in Pregnancy: Safety Guide
• Chemical Sunscreen Filters in Pregnancy

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