Retinoids in Pregnancy: What to Avoid and What to Use Instead #

Retinoids are vitamin A derived ingredients used for acne, texture, and pigmentation. They are also the class most commonly paused during pregnancy. Below is a risk snapshot based on the MamaSkin ingredient dataset, plus lower-risk options to discuss with your healthcare team.

Why this category matters in pregnancy #

Retinoids are among the most effective skincare actives, but in the MamaSkin dataset they sit in the high-risk band, so pregnancy decisions are naturally more cautious. Pregnancy skin can be drier or more reactive, and a weakened barrier can increase absorption, especially with leave-on formulas or larger application areas. Hormonal shifts also drive acne and pigmentation, which is why retinoids are tempting, yet general obstetric and dermatology guidance is conservative because pregnancy data are limited and oral retinoids are contraindicated. Many people choose extra caution in the first trimester and then reassess later with a clinician, but the safest route is usually to pause the entire retinoid class.

How retinoids work and why they are popular #

Retinoids bind to retinoic acid receptors and signal faster cell turnover, which helps with acne, uneven tone, and texture over time. They also support collagen pathways, so they are popular for fine lines and early skin aging. Outside of pregnancy, they are considered a core ingredient in long-term routines because they deliver visible changes with consistent use.

Where they appear and common misconceptions #

You will find retinoids in serums, night creams, eye treatments, spot treatments, and prescription gels, often marketed as "gentle" or "clean." Common misconceptions include assuming natural equals safe, assuming a low percentage is always safe, or assuming wash-off products eliminate exposure; none of those guarantees apply with this ingredient class. Because exposure depends on formula type, frequency, and surface area, it is worth scanning labels instead of relying on marketing claims.

Retinoid risk snapshot (from the MamaSkin ingredient dataset) #

• Retinol (high risk): Vitamin A alcohol that converts to retinoic acid in skin; most guidance advises avoiding leave-on use in pregnancy.
• Retinal / retinaldehyde (high risk): Converts to retinoic acid; treated as a retinoid-class ingredient.
• Retinyl palmitate / retinyl acetate / retinyl linoleate (high risk): Retinyl esters that hydrolyse to retinol.
• Tretinoin / all-trans retinoic acid (high risk): Topical absorption is lower than oral use, but avoidance is generally recommended.
• Adapalene (high risk): Limited pregnancy data; most guidelines advise discontinuation.
• Isotretinoin / 13-cis retinoic acid (high risk): Oral/systemic retinoid with strong pregnancy warnings.
• Alitretinoin (high risk): Oral retinoid with strict pregnancy prevention requirements.
• Retinoic acid (high risk): Active metabolite of vitamin A; avoid in pregnancy.
• Hydroxypinacolone retinoate (high risk): Retinoic-acid ester; limited pregnancy data and class-level caution.

Why retinoids are paused during pregnancy #

• Retinoids act on retinoic-acid pathways that are tightly regulated in pregnancy.
• Oral retinoids are contraindicated; topical use is treated conservatively.
• Many clinicians recommend pausing all retinoids when trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and often while breastfeeding.

Lower-risk alternatives in our dataset #

These ingredients sit in lower-risk bands in the MamaSkin dataset:

• Azelaic acid (low risk) for acne, redness, and pigmentation.
• Bakuchiol (no known risks) as a retinoid-like alternative for texture and tone.
• Lactic acid (low risk) for gentle exfoliation and hydration support.
• Mandelic acid (low risk) for sensitive or reactive skin.
• Glycolic acid (low risk) for texture and dullness in careful use.
• Tranexamic acid (low risk) for discoloration support.

Label clues to look for #

If you are scanning ingredient lists, watch for:

• Retinol, retinal, retinaldehyde
• Retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate, retinyl linoleate
• Tretinoin, adapalene
• Retinoic acid, all-trans retinoic acid
• Isotretinoin, 13-cis retinoic acid, alitretinoin
• Hydroxypinacolone retinoate

Read next #

• Is Retinol Safe During Pregnancy?
• Ingredients to Avoid in Pregnancy (Quick List)
• Is Azelaic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?

Build a retinoid-free routine with MamaSkin #

• Scan your products to spot hidden retinoids and vitamin A derivatives.
• Compare routines by pregnancy risk band instead of guessing.
• Save your safe swaps so you can keep your routine consistent.

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