Pregnancy Guide

Evidence reviewedNovember 13, 2026

Medical reviewDr. Abdurrahman Efem

Practical reviewMerve Akkaya

Skincare during pregnancy

Pregnancy changes your skin, and it changes which ingredients are a good idea. This guide sums up what dermatology bodies advise avoiding, what is generally considered acceptable, and how to handle melasma and acne. It is a starting point for a conversation with your prenatal clinician, not a replacement for one.

Avoid retinoids and hydroquinone Mineral sunscreen daily Check every active with your clinician

Generally avoidRetinoids, hydroquinone

Use sparinglySalicylic acid above 2%

Often acceptableAzelaic acid, sunscreen

AlwaysAsk your clinician

The short answer

Stop retinoids (including retinol and adapalene) and hydroquinone, and use stronger salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide only sparingly after talking to your clinician. A gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer and a mineral sunscreen are the core. The AAD says azelaic acid is thought to be safe in pregnancy, and it is used for both acne and melasma, but check with your prenatal clinician first.

Key takeaways

The American Academy of Dermatology advises avoiding retinoids, hydroquinone and some prescription drugs during pregnancy because of possible risks to the baby.
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen matters even more in pregnancy, because sun exposure darkens melasma.
No skincare ingredient can be called absolutely safe in pregnancy, so bring your products to your prenatal visits.

Generally avoided

Which skincare ingredients should you avoid while pregnant?

Ingredient	What the AAD advises	Where you might find it
Retinoids: isotretinoin, tretinoin, tazarotene, adapalene, retinol	Avoid during pregnancy	Anti-aging serums, acne gels, prescription creams and pills
Hydroquinone	Avoid during pregnancy	Skin-lightening creams for dark spots and melasma; prescription only in the US, and rules vary by country
Spironolactone, finasteride	Avoid during pregnancy	Prescription treatments for acne or hair loss
Tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline	Avoid; the AAD acne page says to stop by the 15th week at the latest	Prescription acne antibiotics
Salicylic acid above 2%	Use sparingly and discuss with your dermatologist	Stronger peels and some body or wart products
Benzoyl peroxide	Use sparingly and discuss with your dermatologist	Acne washes, gels and spot treatments
Some essential oils, parabens, phthalates, triclosan	Use sparingly and discuss with your dermatologist	Fragranced products, some preserved formulas

Generally considered acceptable

What skincare is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy?

Core routine

Gentle cleanser and moisturizer

The AAD suggests cleansing up to twice a day and after sweating, with a moisturizer that suits your skin type. Fragrance-free products without harsh alcohols are a good default.

Daily

Mineral sunscreen

The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both. See mineral vs chemical sunscreen.

Check first

Azelaic acid

The AAD acne page says it is thought to be safe, with no birth defects in animal studies. The US label for the 15% gel adds that very little is absorbed through the skin. A 2023 American Family Physician review lists it among preferred topical acne treatments in pregnancy. See how to use azelaic acid.

Limited use

Low-strength salicylic acid

The AAD acne page says salicylic acid is generally considered safe when used for a limited time, and advises talking with your obstetrician or dermatologist first. Keep to 2% or lower unless your clinician says otherwise.

Ask first

Vitamin C and glycolic acid

In an AAD article on pregnancy skincare, a dermatologist suggests morning vitamin C and evening glycolic acid to help prevent and treat color changes. Ask your clinician about your specific products.

Dark patches

How to handle melasma during pregnancy

Melasma is patches of skin darker than your natural tone, usually on the central face. Pregnancy is a common trigger, and the AAD notes it can fade after you deliver.

Sun protection is the most important step. The AAD explains that sunlight makes skin produce more pigment, which darkens existing melasma and can cause new patches. Use sunscreen every day, reapply, and add a wide-brimmed hat and shade.

Hydroquinone, a common melasma treatment, is on the AAD list of ingredients to avoid in pregnancy. A review in American Family Physician lists tretinoin, hydroquinone and corticosteroid creams as options after delivery; ask your clinician first, especially if you are breastfeeding. Learn more on our melasma page.

Pregnancy acne

How to handle acne during pregnancy

A review in American Family Physician notes that rising androgen hormones can worsen acne, especially in the second and third trimesters. These steps reflect AAD and American Family Physician guidance.

Stop retinoids
Stop adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and retinol products, and tell your clinician if you were taking isotretinoin, spironolactone or a tetracycline antibiotic.
Keep cleansing gentle
The AAD suggests washing up to twice a day and after sweating, with gentle, fragrance-free products. Harsh scrubbing tends to irritate skin.
Ask about azelaic acid
American Family Physician lists it among the preferred topical treatments for mild to moderate acne in pregnancy.
Use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid sparingly
The AAD says experts consider benzoyl peroxide safe in limited amounts and salicylic acid generally safe for limited use, and advises talking with your obstetrician or dermatologist before using either.
Get help for severe acne
Painful, deep or scarring acne needs a dermatologist, who can work with your obstetric team on options.

Do and avoid

A simple pregnancy skincare checklist

Do

Bring a list or photos of all your skincare and medicines to your prenatal visit.
Tell your dermatologist if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.
Use a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen every day.
Keep the routine short: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, plus one approved treatment if needed.

Avoid

Starting new strong actives without checking first.
Assuming “natural” or “clean” means safe in pregnancy; some essential oils are on the AAD use-sparingly list.
Ordering prescription-strength products online without a prescriber.
Treating any ingredient as guaranteed safe; advice can change as evidence grows.

Stretch marks: a review in American Family Physician says evidence for over-the-counter prevention products is limited, though products with centella asiatica or hyaluronic acid used with daily massage may help modestly. See stretch marks.

Safety and professional-help boundaries

When to call your prenatal clinician or a doctor.

Contact your clinician promptly if you used a retinoid pill, isotretinoin or another prescription drug and then found out you were pregnant.
Report severe itching, especially on the palms and soles, or a widespread rash during pregnancy. Itchy palms and soles later in pregnancy can signal a liver condition called cholestasis of pregnancy, which needs medical care.
See a doctor for painful, deep or scarring acne rather than self-treating with stronger products.
Get urgent help for swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or trouble breathing, after using any product.
Breastfeeding has its own considerations; ask before restarting retinoids or other actives after delivery.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to common questions

Can I use retinol while pregnant?

The AAD advises avoiding retinoids during pregnancy, and it includes retinol-containing products in that list. Stop using them and ask your clinician when it is reasonable to restart.

Is salicylic acid safe during pregnancy?

The AAD acne page says salicylic acid is generally considered safe for limited use, while its pregnancy skincare page advises using strengths above 2% sparingly and discussing them with your dermatologist. Low-strength washes are the cautious choice.

Is benzoyl peroxide safe in pregnancy?

The AAD says experts consider it safe in limited amounts, and lists it among ingredients to use sparingly and discuss with your dermatologist. Check with your clinician before using it daily.

Can I use azelaic acid when pregnant?

The AAD says azelaic acid is thought to be safe, with no birth defects seen in animal studies. The same page advises getting expert advice from your obstetrician or a dermatologist before using any acne treatment.

What sunscreen is best during pregnancy?

The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, choosing a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both.

Can I use hydroquinone for melasma while pregnant?

The AAD lists hydroquinone among ingredients to avoid in pregnancy. Focus on daily sun protection, and ask about treatment options after delivery.

Will pregnancy melasma go away?

Often, yes. The AAD says it can fade after delivery, and a review in American Family Physician reports it resolves in most cases, though it can return with later pregnancies or birth control pills. Daily sunscreen helps stop it darkening further.

Is vitamin C safe in pregnancy?

In an AAD pregnancy skincare article, a dermatologist suggests a morning vitamin C product to help with color changes. No ingredient can be called absolutely safe, so check the full label with your clinician.

Editorial Record

Editorial status: reviewed
Medical reviewer: Dr. Abdurrahman Efem
Practical reviewer: Merve Akkaya
Last reviewed: November 13, 2026

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Evidence behind this guide

Sources support the general editorial guidance shown here. They do not replace personal medical advice from a qualified clinician.