Retinoids during Pregnancy
Pause all retinoids during pregnancy and while trying to conceive.
back to the index
pause it for this moment.
Pause all retinoids during pregnancy and while trying to conceive.
how to use it. Stop retinoid products immediately on a positive pregnancy test or when actively trying to conceive; most sources recommend stopping topical retinol at least one month before conception. Azelaic acid 15-20% and bakuchiol are the pregnancy-permissible alternatives; azelaic has the stronger safety record.
why it works. Oral retinoids are established teratogens. Topical absorption is low and a 2025 Nordic cohort study of ~7,000 first-trimester exposures found no increased malformation risk, but ACOG and AAD still recommend avoidance out of caution given the severity of retinoid embryopathy if absorption were meanin...
Reviewed with 5 sources on 2026-07-03.
Alpha Arbutin during Pregnancy
Alpha arbutin is considered acceptable during pregnancy.
also about pregnancyAzelaic Acid during Pregnancy
Azelaic acid is the pregnancy-safe active workhorse. Use freely.
also about pregnancyBakuchiol during Pregnancy
Bakuchiol pregnancy safety data are thin. Consider pausing.
also about pregnancyCentella Asiatica (Cica) during Pregnancy
Centella Asiatica is fully safe throughout pregnancy.
also about pregnancyCeramides during Pregnancy
Ceramides is fully safe throughout pregnancy.
also about pregnancyFragrance during Pregnancy
Not teratogenic — but pregnancy commonly heightens fragrance sensitivity.