Pregnancy Safe Skincare (And Ingredients To Avoid)

Have you ever searched for a list of skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, expecting a simple list to be wrapped up in a neat little bow that you can take with you on your motherhood journey and, well, received the opposite? Yeah, same! Turns out there is a lot of information out there.

Knowing which skincare ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy, and those to avoid, can be confusing. On top of this, most women find their normal skincare routine becomes too harsh for their everchanging skin (thanks hormones). To make your life a little simpler, we’ve put together a list of ingredients to avoid plus our favourite pregnancy safe products that will be extra kind to your skin during pregnancy and beyond. 

Before we continue, always talk to your medical practitioner if you have any concerns*. We’ve also provided you with a list of resources at the end of the article that we have used to compile this information for you. 

Retinoids

Topical Vitamin A based products that are commonly found in anti-aging and acne treatments can come in over the counter and prescription form. Prescription retinoids must be avoided during pregnancy as they may increase the risk of birth defects. Your over-the-counter products have mixed reports so we would err on the side of caution and avoid during this time. They can also be too strong for newly sensitive skin and affect your skin barrier which is another reason to take a break while you’re pregnant.

Oral Retinoids should also be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding as they are known to cause serious birth defects. 

You don't need to worry though, there are some amazing pregnancy safe retinol alternatives on the market now. Our favourite is The Gracious Minds Photosynthesis Retinol Alternative Oil, which is rich in natural Vitamin A actives with collagen stimulating, skin firming and antioxidant properties. 

Hydroquinone

Often used to lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, hydroquinone can be absorbed through the skin at a much higher rate than other products and is recommended to be avoided during pregnancy. Hydroquinone can also be found in hair colour or bleaching products so definitely discuss with your doctor if you love a trip to the hairdresser.

Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid (a form of beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA) is a super star exfoliator and can be found in cleansers, body washes, serums, body cream, and acne treatments. In high doses this could be dangerous for your baby, however most over the counter products generally contain a low enough dose to be considered safe. If your favourite products includes Salicylic Acid, best to discuss with your doctor to be sure. Making the switch to physical exfoliants like Tribe Skincare Resurfacing 2-In-1 Exfoliant which can help with gentle exfoliation during pregnancy. 

So there you go Mama, there really isn’t too much you need to avoid. Phew! But you still may find some of your current products, while totally safe to use, are playing funny games with your skin now that you’re pregnant. This is why The Pregnancy Edit was born (pun intended) – we’ve curated a range of gentle (yet effective) skin and self-care solutions that won’t harm your growing bub or bump. We only partner with brands committed to ingredient transparency, the kind that only use high-quality ingredients, with no hidden nasties, limited fragrances and of course are 100% safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. We know it can feel pretty impossible at times during pregnancy (and beyond) to complete a 10 step skincare routine. Keep things simple with some of our favourite products that will support your skin and sanity...

1. Cleanse

Gently cleanse, hydrate and heal skin with one multi-tasking cleansing oil. SUN JUJU Universal Oil is perfect for removing dirt and impurities without stripping the skin’s natural oils. This can also be used as a massage oil over your bump and to massage a healed c-section wound. 

2. Hydrate

Most woman struggle with dry skin during pregnancy. Replenish your skins moisture levels with Gracious Minds Hydra-Marine Natural Serum containing Australian native Sea Parsley, Australian grown Wakame Seaweed and a low weight Sodium Hyaluronate which reaches the deeper levels of the skin. 

3. Brighten

Pregnancy Melasma anyone? Repair, smooth and brighten your skin overnight with Gracious Minds Vitamin Sea Luminosity Night Oil. A nutrient rich blend of nature’s most advanced antioxidant extracts to repair and deeply nourish your sensitive skin. This silky, red-orange brightening oil targets fine lines, elasticity, tone and dullness with Vitamin C, Omegas 3,6 and 9, and powerful antioxidants. You’ll be glowing in no time!

4. Repair

Support your skin through it’s changes with Tribe Skincare’s Repairing Facial Oil. With just three ingredients (yes, only THREE!), this facial oil will smooth out the texture of your skin and even out your skin tone with it’s rich and nourishing blend of oils. 

5. Protect

Wearing a sunscreen daily is non-negotiable (whether you’re pregnant or not). Pigmentation (melasma) can be amplified during pregnancy, so wearing a broad spectrum SPF like The Kind Sunscreen SPF 30 will help keep this as minimal as possible (protecting you from Skin Cancer is also a huge bonus!).

6. Self-Care

Last, but certainly not least, we highly recommend including a little self-care into your routine. The Unnamed Unwind Face & Bath Duo Set is designed to create the perfect bathing ritual at home. Simply apply the Brightening & Anti-Aging Sheet Mask to your face, place the Nourishing Bath Soak in the bath under running water, soak & unwind. 

We know pregnancy can feel overwhelming at times, but take this time to enjoy trying new products - you might even find a new favourite. 

Resources: Mothersafe - Royal Hospital For Woman. Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Factsheet. Last updated April 2021. 

*Information in this article should not replace personalised advice from your health care professional.