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. derivatives of vitamin A , 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 will be banned from the market as of November 1, 2025.
Retinol and pregnancy – is it safe to use when you are expecting a baby?
Expert advises
Retinol is a compound that carries the highest risk during pregnancy. Percutaneous absorption of vitamin A derivatives leads to the formation of retinoic acid, which can 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 neurological defects, especially if retinoids are used in the first trimester. Therefore, during pregnancy, retinol and retinal are cosmetic ingredients that should be strictly eliminated from the 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 to immediately discontinue using retinoid-containing cosmetics as soon as you discover you're pregnant and inform your gynecologist . Your doctor will assess the situation and address any concerns you may have.
Salicylic acid and pregnancy – is it safe when you are expecting a baby?
Salicylic acid (BHA) is valued for its 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 that doesn't mean expectant mothers have to forgo effective skincare! The hormonal rollercoaster often causes skin problems during pregnancy (seborrhea, acne, discoloration) , and gentle exfoliation is even desirable during this time. Acids and pregnancy? Yes, it's possible, as there are large-molecule, mild acids that are generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Azelaic acid during pregnancy – the best support for acne
When expecting mothers experience acne, questions often arise about azelaic acid during pregnancy . This ingredient has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and brightening properties , making it ideal for treating pregnancy acne and 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
AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), including lactic acid and mandelic acid, are generally considered safe during pregnancy when 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 rinsed off the skin ( rinse-off products) . Its positive effects include exfoliation and comedolytic action (reduction of blackheads).
However, you should remember that AHA acids (i.e., the aforementioned mandelic and lactic acids) can make your skin more sensitive to the sun during pregnancy. Because hormonal changes during pregnancy can contribute to discoloration (chloasma/melasma), it's essential to use SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Polyhydroxy acids and pregnancy: lactobionic acid and gluconolactone
Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are another safe option for pregnant women . Lactobionic acid and gluconolactone are valued for their gentle exfoliating properties and powerful moisturizing properties . Thanks 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 AHA group and has a small molecule , allowing it to penetrate deeply and effectively exfoliate the epidermis . Almost every forum for expectant mothers has many questions about glycolic acid during pregnancy, as it has become a popular ingredient in many cosmetics in recent years.
Most dermatologists recommend that glycolic acid should only be used in low concentrations during pregnancy, preferably under the supervision of a specialist . If your skin is particularly sensitive, AHAs, such as lactic acid, mandelic acid, or a gentle PHA, such as lactobionic acid, are a safer choice.
Conscious skincare is essential, so it's best to completely eliminate certain ingredients from cosmetics during pregnancy. This article explains exactly what to avoid in your skincare routine during pregnancy.
Summary: Conscious cosmetic choices: retinol and acids during pregnancy
Remember that during pregnancy, your health and that of your unborn child are a priority, so you should carefully analyze the ingredients of cosmetics . If 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 any online 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 dermatologist or gynecologist supervising your 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
