Acids and retinol during pregnancy. How to care for your skin without risk?
Many women use cosmetics with acids or retinol in their daily skincare routine, but after pregnancy, many questions arise regarding the safety of certain active ingredients in cosmetics. Are acids, such as AHAs (lactic acid, mandelic acid), glycolic acid, azelaic acid, or lactobionic acid, safe during pregnancy? Many doubts also arise regarding the topic "retinol cosmetics and pregnancy." When you enter this term in a search engine, you'll quickly find numerous online forums for expectant mothers, where you'll find much conflicting information about using retinol cosmetics during pregnancy.
In this article, we dispel the most common doubts about the use of cosmetics with acids or retinol during pregnancy.
Salicylic acid, retinol and pregnancy – cosmetic ingredients that may be harmful
Discussions on many internet forums for expectant mothers show that pregnant women often wonder about the safety of using retinol during pregnancy and the use of cosmetics containing stronger acids, such as salicylic acid.
Retinol and pregnancy – why do dermatologists say “no”?
Retinoids (retinal, retinol), i.e vitamin A derivatives, are substances used in cosmetics, famous for their exceptional effectiveness in the fight against wrinkles, discoloration and acne.
Retinol concentrations in cosmetics are approximately 10 times higher than those of retinal, meaning its drying and irritating effects are also greater. Retinal is used in much lower concentrations, making it gentler on the skin. According to EU regulations, cosmetics containing more than 0,3% retinoids are not permitted. will disappear from the market from November 1, 2025.
Retinol and pregnancy – is it safe to use when you are expecting a baby?
Expert advises
Retinol is the compound with the highest risk during pregnancy. Percutaneous absorption of vitamin A derivatives leads to the formation of retinoic acid, which may have a strong teratogenic effect (damaging the fetus). The use of retinoids (retinal, retinol) during pregnancy, especially in large amounts, may contribute to developmental defects, such as craniofacial defects or nervous system defects, especially when retinoids are used in the first trimester. Therefore, during pregnancy, retinol and retinal are cosmetic ingredients that should be strictly eliminated from an expectant mother's skincare routine. Similar recommendations apply during breastfeeding.
Did you use retinol products during pregnancy, before you knew you were pregnant? Find out what to do next.
It's safest to avoid using retinoid-containing cosmetics while you're trying to conceive. However, if you used retinol or retinal-based cosmetics and didn't know you were pregnant, don't blame yourself or panic. This happens to many women, especially if the pregnancy wasn't planned.
The most important thing is that from the moment you discover you are expecting a baby, immediately discontinue use of cosmetics containing retinoids i inform your gynecologist about thisThe doctor will assess the situation and dispel your doubts.
Salicylic acid and pregnancy – is it safe when you are expecting a baby?
Salicylic acid (BHA) is valued for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is often used in anti-acne and cleansing cosmetics.
Expert advises
However, special caution should be exercised during pregnancy. When used in large amounts or at high concentrations (over 2%) on large body surfaces, salicylic acid during pregnancy may increase the risk of serious complications, including miscarriage or premature birth. High concentrations of salicylic acid can cross the blood-placenta barrier, negatively impacting fetal development and even causing birth defects and blood clotting disorders in the newborn. Therefore, during pregnancy, when acne occurs, it is best to avoid cosmetics containing salicylic acid.
Safe acids during pregnancy – what ingredients can be used?
Special care should be taken when caring for skin during pregnancy, but this doesn't mean that expectant mothers have to give up on effective skincare! The hormonal rollercoaster often causes skin problems (seborrhea, acne, discoloration), and gentle exfoliation is desirable during this time. Acids and pregnancy? Yes, it's possible because there are acids with large molecules and a mild effect, which are generally recognized as safe during pregnancy.
Azelaic acid during pregnancy – the best support for acne
When acne appears on the skin of the future mother, the question is often asked about azelaic acid during pregnancyThis ingredient has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and brightening effect. That's why it works perfectly in pregnancy acne or redness.
Most doctors confirm that Azelaic acid is safe and effective during pregnancy, but before implementing cosmetics with azelaic acid (in high concentrations) into your daily care routine, consult your gynecologist or dermatologist just in case.
AHA acid during pregnancy: lactic acid and mandelic acid – gentle exfoliation during pregnancy
AHA acids (alpha-hydroxy acids), including lactic acid and mandelic acid, are generally considered safe during pregnancy, provided they are used in low concentrations.
- Lactic acid (Lactic Acid)
It's one of the gentlest exfoliating acids and is a safe choice during pregnancy. Besides gentle exfoliation, this AHA also acts as a humectant during pregnancy, binding water to the epidermis and providing hydration.
- Almond acid (Mandelic Acid)
It has a larger molecule than, for example, glycolic acid, which makes it gentler and penetrates the skin more slowly. Mandelic acid can be used during pregnancy at low concentrations (e.g., 5%) in products that are washed off the skin (products such as rinse off)Positive effects include exfoliation and comedolytic action (reduction of blackheads).
However, you must remember that AHA acids during pregnancy (i.e. the mentioned mandelic acid, lactic acid) can make the skin sensitive to the sunBecause hormonal changes during pregnancy contribute to the development of discoloration (chloasma/melasma), it is essential to use sun protection. SPF 50 or SPF 50+.
Polyhydroxy acids and pregnancy: lactobionic acid and gluconolactone
Polyhydroxy acids (PHA) are another a safe option for pregnant women. Lactobionic acid in pregnancy are gluconolactones valued for gentle exfoliating action and strong moisturizing propertiesThanks to their large molecules, they don't irritate the skin and are a great choice if your skin has become particularly delicate and dry during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, dermatologists increasingly recommend gluconolactone or lactobionic acid to women as safe alternatives to other acids.
Glycolic acid in pregnancy – small molecules, big risk
Glycolic acid belongs to the group AHA acids and has a small molecule, which allows him to deep penetration and effective exfoliation of the epidermisOn almost every forum for expectant mothers, there are many questions about glycolic acid during pregnancy, as it has become a popular ingredient in many cosmetics in recent years.
Most dermatologists indicate that glycolic acid can only be used during pregnancy in low concentration and preferably under the supervision of a specialistIf your skin is particularly sensitive, a safer choice during pregnancy would be AHAs such as lactic acid, mandelic acid, or a gentle PHA such as lactobionic acid.
Conscious skin care is essential, so it's worth completely eliminating certain ingredients from cosmetics during pregnancy. In this article, you'll read: What exactly should you avoid in your pregnancy care routine?.
Summary: Conscious cosmetic choices: retinol and acids during pregnancy
Remember that during pregnancy, your health and that of your unborn child is a priority, so you should carefully analyze the composition of cosmeticsIf you're looking for information on topics like "acids and pregnancy" or "retinal and pregnancy," remember these fundamental safety rules:
- Absolutely avoid: Retinoids (retinol, retinal, retinoic acid) and high concentrations of salicylic acid.
- Use safe alternatives: Choose mild ingredients such as azelaic acid during pregnancy (for acne and discoloration), lactic acid (mild AHA acids), or polyhydroxy acids, e.g. lactobionic acid.
- Glycolic acid treat with caution due to the risk of irritation, preferably after consulting a doctor.
- sun protection: Acids used during pregnancy increase the risk of discoloration (chloasma), so use SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen daily.
On every internet forum for expectant mothers, you'll find dozens of threads about which acids are safe during pregnancy and which aren't. However, remember that the most reliable answer will come from a doctor. a dermatologist or gynecologist supervising the pregnancy.
A specialist knows your skin, your health, and the latest scientific news, so they can best advise you on how to care for your skin in a truly safe way.
Medical consultation
