Is Retinol Safe During Pregnancy? Here’s What You Need to Know

Retinol has been marketed as a miracle ingredient for years, but the truth is, it’s harsh, inflammatory, and damaging to the skin barrier—even when you’re not pregnant. During pregnancy, it’s not just an irritating ingredient; it’s a serious risk. Retinol is a form of vitamin A, and high doses of vitamin A derivatives have been directly linked to severe developmental risks in unborn babies. Even though topical retinol is absorbed at lower levels than oral retinoids, there is no proven safe amount during pregnancy. Dermatologists widely agree that it’s simply not worth the risk.

The good news? Retinol isn’t necessary for healthy skin—safer, pregnancy-friendly alternatives exist that deliver real results without compromising your skin or your baby’s health.

All vitamin A derivatives, including retinol, are part of the retinoid family, and while they vary in potency, they share one critical problem: they can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Prescription-strength retinoids like isotretinoin (Accutane) have been proven to cause birth defects, which is why they come with strict pregnancy warnings. While there’s less research on topical retinol, there’s enough concern that dermatologists strongly recommend avoiding it. Retinoids aren’t an essential part of skincare—but protecting your baby is.

No, retinol isn’t up for debate. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and dermatologists across the board recommend stopping retinol immediately when you find out you’re pregnant. The research on topical retinol’s risks is limited, but what we do know about oral retinoids is alarming enough. The bottom line? There is no safe level of retinol use during pregnancy. If it’s in your routine, remove it now. If you’re unsure about any ingredient, always check with your doctor or dermatologist.

Retinol isn’t the only path to healthy skin. The Hydrolytic® Enzyme is a cutting-edge alternative that delivers renewed, smoother, and firmer skin—without the risks associated with retinol. Unlike vitamin A derivatives, which force rapid cell turnover and often lead to irritation, enzymes work in sync with your skin’s natural renewal process, gently dissolving dead skin cells without disrupting the skin barrier. This means glowing, refreshed skin—without sensitivity, dryness, or long-term damage.

Retinol isn’t the only ingredient you should be watching out for. Salicylic Acid is to be avoided because it is similar to aspirin -which can cause birth defects. In our opinion preservatives should be avoided at all times in skincare routines. Check your products with Yuka to see if they have preservatives. If they do then don’t use them.

Always check labels and be skeptical of ‘clean beauty’ claims—just because something is labeled ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s pregnancy-safe. Be careful of endocrine disruptors. Other ingredients to avoid include Benzoyl Peroxide, Tetracycline, Hydroquinone, Formaldehyde, Chemical sunscreens.

The issue with retinol isn’t just speculation—it’s science. Retinoids have a well-documented history of interfering with fetal development. Oral versions like isotretinoin are strictly regulated because they cause birth defects, including neurological, cardiovascular, and craniofacial abnormalities. Even though topical retinol absorbs at lower levels, there’s still no proven safe threshold. The risk isn’t worth it.

If you’ve been using retinol before realizing you’re pregnant, don’t panic—but stop immediately. We also recommend raising this with your doctor. The risk of occasional topical use is likely low, but because vitamin A toxicity is linked to birth defects, you don’t want to take chances. If you’re concerned, speak with your doctor. Going forward, stick with pregnancy-safe skincare that gives you peace of mind.

The FDA categorizes oral retinoids like isotretinoin (Accutane) as Category X—which means they are strictly prohibited during pregnancy due to their severe risks. While topical retinol hasn’t been formally classified, the lack of conclusive research has led most dermatologists to advise against all forms of retinoids during pregnancy. The safest move? Avoid them completely.

If you’re planning to get pregnant, it’s best to stop using retinol well in advance to eliminate any potential risks. While topical retinol absorbs at lower levels than oral retinoids, there is no established “safe” exposure threshold during pregnancy.

Most dermatologists recommend discontinuing retinol at least one month before trying to conceive—this allows your body time to metabolize and clear any residual vitamin A derivatives. However, if you’ve been using stronger prescription retinoids like tretinoin or oral isotretinoin (Accutane), the timeline is much longer. Because these medications have been directly linked to birth defects, they require a strict washout period of several months, sometimes up to a year, before it’s considered safe to conceive.

If you’ve been using retinol or any form of retinoid and are now pregnant, stop immediately and consult your doctor. And if you’re in the planning stages of pregnancy, switching to pregnancy-safe, microbiome-supporting alternatives like the Hydrolytic® Enzyme will help keep your skin healthy—without any unnecessary risks.

A pregnancy-safe skincare routine should focus on hydration, nourishment, and microbiome support—not harsh, outdated actives like retinol. Swap out irritating ingredients for gentle cleansers, fragrance-free moisturizers, and mineral sunscreens. Glycerin, hyaluronic acid (HA), and gentle enzyme exfoliators help maintain a strong, resilient skin barrier without irritation.

Beyond hydration, your skin’s microbiome plays a crucial role in skin health. Prebiotics and the Hydrolytic® Enzyme help strengthen your skin’s natural defenses by supporting a diverse, balanced microbiome. And this isn’t just about your own skin—seeding a strong microbiome at birth is critical for your baby’s lifetime health. A well-supported microbiome can help build a stronger immune system, reduce skin sensitivity, and support overall well-being for your child.

If you’ve been relying on retinol for anti-aging, don’t worry—there are better, pregnancy-safe solutions. Hydration is key, with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides helping to keep skin plump and youthful by reinforcing the skin barrier.

For collagen support, peptides play an essential role in firming and strengthening the skin. But to be fully effective, peptides need to penetrate deeply—and this is where enzyme exfoliation comes in. By removing dead skin cells in a gentle, controlled way, enzymes allow peptides to absorb more efficiently, making them even more effective in supporting collagen production and skin renewal. The result? Smoother, firmer skin—without the risks of retinol or harsh actives.

Pregnancy-safe skincare doesn’t mean settling for less. With hydration, microbiome care, and enzymatic renewal, your skin can stay healthy, resilient, and radiant—all while supporting your baby’s health, too.

Navigating skincare during pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The most important takeaway? Retinol is not worth the risk. There are plenty of safe, effective alternatives that deliver real results without endangering your baby’s health. The key is to simplify your routine, focus on pregnancy-safe actives, and prioritize ingredients that truly work with your skin.

Your skin doesn’t need risky ingredients—it needs care and support. And with the right approach, you can have a healthy, radiant complexion without compromise.

However, this is not medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique, and skincare needs vary from person to person. Always consult with your doctor or dermatologist before making any changes to your skincare routine to ensure you’re making the safest choices for you and your baby.