Is La Roche-Posay Safe During Pregnancy? #

La Roche-Posay is loved for gentle formulas and barrier care. The short answer is yes, many La Roche-Posay products are pregnancy friendly, especially the Toleriane and Cicaplast ranges. The main watchouts are retinoids and some chemical sunscreen formulas. Here is a clear guide based on our MamaSkin product database.

Quick verdict #

• Safe-leaning: Toleriane cleansers and moisturisers, Cicaplast B5 products, thermal water mists, mineral sunscreens.
• Use with caution: chemical sunscreen formulas and strong exfoliating treatments.
• Avoid: retinol and adapalene products during pregnancy.

Safe La Roche-Posay picks (brand - name - safety score - notes) #

• La Roche-Posay Serozinc (score 100) - calming zinc mist for oily or irritated skin.
• La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water (score 100) - simple soothing spray for sensitivity.
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser (score 99) - soft, fragrance free cleanser for daily use.
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser (score 99) - ultra gentle cream cleanser for reactive skin.
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Fluide (score 99) - light moisturiser for easily congested skin.
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Night Moisturizer (score 99) - barrier support overnight.
• La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Booster (score 99) - hydrating serum for plumpness.
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer (score 79) - daily cream with ceramides.
• La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ (score 78) - soothing balm for dry patches.
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral One SPF 50+ Tinted Sunscreen (score 76) - mineral protection with a tint.

Products to use with caution #

• Anthelios Ultra Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ (score 55, medium risk): chemical filters, opt for mineral if you prefer the lowest absorption.
• Anthelios line with chemical filters (scores in the low to mid 50s): fine for some, but many pregnant users choose mineral alternatives.
• Effaclar strong exfoliating or treatment products: use sparingly and keep routines simple.

Products to avoid in pregnancy #

• Retinol B3 Serum (score 20, high risk).
• Redermic R Intensive Anti-Aging Treatment (score 20, high risk).
• Redermic R Eyes Anti-Aging Eye Cream with Retinol (score 20, high risk).
• Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% Topical Retinoid For Acne (score 26, high risk).

Ingredient watchlist from our library #

• Retinol (high risk): vitamin A derivatives are widely advised against in pregnancy.
• Salicylic acid (low risk): generally acceptable in low concentrations, avoid high strength leave-on peels.
• Hydroquinone (medium risk): higher absorption, most clinicians recommend avoiding.
• Oxybenzone and avobenzone (medium risk): chemical filters with systemic absorption data, mineral filters are preferred by some.

Simple routines using La Roche-Posay #

• AM (dry or sensitive skin): Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser -> Hyalu B5 Booster -> Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer -> Anthelios Mineral One SPF 50+.
• PM (dry or sensitive skin): Toleriane Dermo Cleanser -> Cicaplast Baume B5+ on dry zones.
• AM (combo or oily skin): Toleriane Sensitive Fluide -> Anthelios Mineral One SPF 50+.

FAQs #

• Is Cicaplast Baume B5 ok daily? Yes. It is low risk and a common barrier rescue product.
• Can I keep using Effaclar? Stick to gentle cleansers and avoid retinoids or strong leave-on acids.
• Should I switch to mineral SPF? If you want the lowest absorption, mineral filters are the safest choice.

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

Download MamaSkin (iOS and Android): App Store | Google Play