Is Avène Safe During Pregnancy? #

Avène is a sensitive skin favorite, especially for redness and barrier repair. Most of the core cleansers, creams, and Cicalfate+ products are low risk. The key watchout is any product with retinal or retinol, which should be avoided in pregnancy.

Quick verdict #

• Safe-leaning: Thermal Spring Water, Cicalfate+ creams, Tolerance moisturisers, gentle cleansers.
• Use with caution: chemical sunscreen formulas if you want the lowest absorption.
• Avoid: retinal or retinol products.

Safe Avène picks (brand - name - safety score - notes) #

• Avène Thermal Spring Water (score 100) - soothing mist for reactive skin.
• Avène Tolerance Extreme Emulsion (score 99) - light daily moisturiser.
• Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream (score 99) - barrier support for sensitive skin.
• Avène Cleanance Hydra Soothing Cleansing Cream (score 99) - gentle cleanser for irritation.
• Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream (score 99) - healing balm for dry patches.
• Avène Cicalfate+ Hydrating Skin Recovery Emulsion (score 99) - calming daily moisturiser.
• Avène Ultra Fluid Invisible SPF 50 (score 99) - light daily SPF.
• Avène Ultra Fluid Oil Control SPF 50 (score 99) - oil control SPF for combo skin.
• Avène SPF 50+ Tinted Mineral Fluid (score 99) - mineral, tinted protection.
• Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm (score 99) - rich body balm for itch.

Products to use with caution #

• Chemical sunscreen variants if you want the lowest absorption, opt for mineral formulas instead.

Products to avoid in pregnancy #

• Avène Triacnéal Night Moisturiser for Blemish-prone Skin (score 26, high risk).
• Avène A-Oxitive Night Peeling Cream (score 26, high risk).
• Avène RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream (score 26, high risk).
• Avène Physiolift Eyes (score 26, high risk).
• Avène Cleanance Comedomed Peeling (score 26, high risk).

Ingredient watchlist from our library #

• Retinol and retinal (high risk): avoid in pregnancy.
• Oxybenzone and avobenzone (medium risk): chemical filters with absorption data, mineral filters are preferred by some.
• Fragrance (low risk): not a pregnancy concern but may irritate sensitive skin.

Simple Avène routines #

• AM (sensitive skin): Tolerance Extreme Emulsion -> Ultra Fluid Invisible SPF 50.
• PM (sensitive skin): Cleanance Hydra Soothing Cleansing Cream -> Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream on dry areas.
• Body care: XeraCalm A.D Balm after showering.

FAQs #

• Is Cicalfate+ ok for daily use? Yes, it is low risk and widely used for barrier support.
• Can I use Avène sunscreen? Yes, choose mineral formulas if you prefer the lowest absorption.
• Are retinal products safe? No, avoid retinal and retinol in pregnancy.

References #

• ACOG on skin changes in pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy
• DermNet NZ on skin changes in pregnancy: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/skin-changes-in-pregnancy
• DermNet NZ on topical retinoids: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/topical-retinoids
• FDA on sunscreen basics: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun

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