Can You Use Retinol When Pregnant and Breastfeeding?
Everything you need to know about retinol during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and how to care for your skin without it.
Pregnancy comes with a lot of change, and your skincare routine is part of that too. Ingredients you’ve used for years can suddenly feel less straightforward, especially when you’re trying to make the right choices for both you and your baby.
Retinol is one of the most talked-about examples. Often recommended for smoothing, refining and supporting your skin over time, it’s a staple in many routines.
If you’re unsure whether retinol is safe to use during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Understanding what to avoid (and why) can help you feel more confident.
Is retinol safe to use during pregnancy?
First and foremost, retinol isn’t recommended during pregnancy.
It belongs to a group of ingredients called retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A. While vitamin A is essential for the body, high levels, especially from supplements or medication, have been linked to birth defects.
Most of what we know comes from vitamin A taken internally, where it can affect how a baby develops.
With topical retinol, the kind used in skincare, the evidence is less clear. There isn’t strong proof that it causes harm, but there also isn’t enough research to confirm that it’s completely safe.
A small amount of what you apply to your skin can still be absorbed into the bloodstream. This depends on the formula and your skin, but it means it can’t be fully ruled out.
Because of this uncertainty, retinol is best avoided during pregnancy.
Why shouldn’t you use retinol while pregnant?
The reason for that cautious approach comes down to how vitamin A works in the body.
When vitamin A enters the body, it can cross the placenta and be absorbed by the baby. At the same time, any excess is stored in the liver and fatty tissues, which means levels can build up over time.
At higher levels, this is where the risk comes in. Too much vitamin A has been linked to changes in how a baby develops.
With retinol in skincare, even though it’s applied to the skin, a small amount can still be absorbed into the bloodstream. This means it can contribute to your overall vitamin A levels.
Because vitamin A can build up in the body, and because it isn’t fully understood at what point it becomes too much, or how much your skincare can impact those levels, it remains an unsafe choice to use it.
So rather than trying to manage that balance, the guidance stays simple. It’s best to avoid retinol during pregnancy.
Is retinol safe to use while breastfeeding?
When it comes to retinol and breastfeeding, the answer isn’t completely clear.
Unlike during pregnancy, where the guidance is more consistent, topical retinol is sometimes considered low risk once your baby has been born, particularly when used in small amounts. But there is still some caution around it.
The reason comes down to absorption. A small amount of retinol can enter the bloodstream, and there’s a theoretical possibility that it could pass into breast milk. There isn’t enough evidence to confirm how likely this is or what level would be considered completely safe.
Because of that uncertainty, many healthcare professionals recommend taking a more cautious approach and continuing to avoid retinol while breastfeeding.
At the same time, this stage isn’t always straightforward. Your skin can feel more sensitive or less predictable, and what worked before may not feel quite right now.
So if you’re thinking about reintroducing retinol, it’s less about rushing back into your previous routine, and more about deciding what feels comfortable for you.
Alternatives to retinol for anti-ageing while pregnant and breastfeeding
The panic might set it while you're left wondering, how can I support my skin without retinol? From adult acne to ageing support, retinol is a staple for many, and we get it.
But, stepping away from retinol doesn’t mean stepping away from results. There are a number of ingredients that can support your skin in a similar way, just with a gentler approach.
If you’re looking for a retinol alternative while breastfeeding or during pregnancy, these are good options to consider:
Glycolic acid
A type of exfoliating acid that helps to remove dead skin cells and improve your skin's texture. It can also support breakouts. If you’re using it during pregnancy, it’s generally recommended to keep concentrations at 10% or below.
Our head of clinic and skincare expert Kimberley Meed recommends the Environ Focus Care Youth+ Concentrated Alpha Hydroxy Toner.
Vitamin C
Known for its brightening benefits, vitamin C helps to even out skin tone while supporting collagen and protecting against environmental damage.
Niacinamide
Also called vitamin B3, this ingredient helps to calm the skin, reduce the appearance of pores and support your skin barrier.
Hyaluronic acid
A hydrating ingredient that helps the skin hold onto moisture, keeping it feeling comfortable and looking more plump.
Kimberley recommends the mesoestetic HA Densimatrix.
Ceramides
These help to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss, which is especially useful if your skin feels more sensitive than usual.
You can read more on our blog about supporting your well-being through and after pregnancy. Take a look at how to support your hair, too.
Discover Pregnancy Safe Skincare Hyaluronic Acid concentrate in several forms and molecular weights, in combination with a potent antioxidant, delivers a moisturising, anti ageing and filling action whilst also promoting collagen and elastin synthesis to improve skin firmness and...
