Is The INKEY List Safe During Pregnancy? #

The INKEY List is popular for affordable, ingredient focused skincare. Most of its basic hydrators and barrier products are pregnancy friendly. The main things to avoid are retinol treatments and very strong exfoliants. Below is a data-backed snapshot using our MamaSkin product database.

Quick verdict #

• Safe-leaning: hydrators, gentle cleansers, oils, PHA toner, barrier creams.
• Use with caution: stronger exfoliants if you are sensitive, keep frequency low.
• Avoid: retinol and retinal products during pregnancy.

Safe INKEY List picks (brand - name - safety score - notes) #

• The INKEY List Squalane Oil (score 100) - light, non-greasy barrier support.
• The INKEY List Rosehip Oil (score 100) - richer oil for dry or flaky patches.
• The INKEY List Omega Water Cream (score 99) - gel cream for combo skin.
• The INKEY List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Toner (score 99) - gentle exfoliation option.
• The INKEY List Tripeptide Plumping Lip Balm (score 99) - softens dry lips.
• The INKEY List Hydrating Cream-To-Milk Cleanser (score 76) - non-stripping cleanse.
• The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum (score 76) - daily hydration.
• The INKEY List Multi-Biotic Moisturizer (score 76) - barrier friendly finish.
• The INKEY List Madecassoside Mask (score 76) - calming wash-off mask.
• The INKEY List Vitamin C Serum (score 80) - brightening in a gentle base.

Products to use with caution #

• Stronger leave-on exfoliants: keep frequency low and avoid stacking with other acids.
• High strength AHA or BHA treatments: patch test and keep contact short.

Products to avoid in pregnancy #

• The INKEY List Retinol Serum (score 20, high risk).
• The INKEY List 1% Retinol Serum (score 26, high risk).
• The INKEY List Retinol Eye Cream (score 26, high risk).
• The INKEY List Scar, Mark And Wrinkle Solution 1% Retinol Serum (score 26, high risk).
• The INKEY List Mandelic Acid Treatment (score 26, high risk).

Ingredient watchlist from our library #

• Retinol (high risk): vitamin A derivatives should be avoided in pregnancy.
• Salicylic acid (low risk): generally fine at low strengths, avoid high dose peels.
• Fragrance (low risk): not a pregnancy concern, but can irritate sensitive skin.

Simple INKEY List routines #

• AM (dry skin): Hydrating Cream-To-Milk Cleanser -> Hyaluronic Acid Serum -> Omega Water Cream -> mineral SPF.
• PM (dry skin): Hydrating Cleanser -> Multi-Biotic Moisturizer -> a few drops of Squalane Oil.
• AM (oily or acne prone): PHA Toner (2 to 3 mornings a week) -> Omega Water Cream -> mineral SPF.

FAQs #

• Is the PHA toner safe? It is a gentler acid and scored low risk, use it a few times a week.
• Can I use vitamin C? Yes, the Vitamin C Serum is low risk, patch test if sensitive.
• Are lip products ok? The Tripeptide Lip Balm is low risk and a great daily option.

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
• DermNet NZ on salicylic acid: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/salicylic-acid

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