Pregnancy Skincare: The Do’s & Don’ts
Pregnancy is a season of total transition and adjustment. From hormonal fluctuations to changes in hydration and sensitivity, your skin can behave quite differently during this time. And when it comes to skincare, knowing what is safe to use can feel like a bit of a minefield.
What ingredients should you avoid? Which ones can you continue using? And what are some effective alternatives for the skin concerns that commonly arise during pregnancy?
Our guiding mantra is simple: be gentle, both with yourself and your skin. A considered routine with nourishing ingredients and a little extra attention to what goes into your products can help keep your skin feeling its best.
Here, we break down some of the common skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, the ones worth keeping in your routine, and a few of our favourite INÈS picks.
First Up, What to Avoid
There are a handful of skincare ingredients that are generally recommended to avoid during pregnancy. This isn't an exhaustive list, and individual circumstances can differ, so always check product ingredients and speak with your GP, midwife or dermatologist if you're unsure about a particular formula.
Vitamin A and Retinoids
Usually at the top of the pregnancy skincare avoid list is vitamin A, particularly retinoids such as retinol, retinaldehyde, tretinoin and retinyl retinoate.
Retinoids are widely loved for their ability to improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone and blemishes. However, because oral forms of vitamin A can affect foetal development, topical retinoids are generally recommended to be avoided as a precaution during pregnancy.
If retinol has been a staple in your routine, don't worry. There are other ingredients worth exploring that can help support skin texture, tone and overall radiance. We'll cover one of our favourite alternatives below.
Hydroquinone
Pregnancy can bring about changes in pigmentation, including melasma, often referred to as the 'mask of pregnancy'. While it can be tempting to reach for a targeted brightening treatment, hydroquinone is an ingredient best avoided during pregnancy.
This is largely due to the relatively high amount that can be absorbed through the skin, combined with limited research into its safety during pregnancy. If pigmentation is a concern, speak with your healthcare professional about suitable alternatives.
Arbutin
Arbutin is a skin-brightening ingredient commonly used to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and pigmentation. It is related to hydroquinone, and while it isn't the same ingredient, there isn't enough pregnancy-specific research to confidently establish its safety.
As a precaution, we'd recommend discussing arbutin-containing products with your healthcare professional before using them during pregnancy.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Salicylic acid is a popular beta hydroxy acid (BHA), often used in skincare to help clear congestion, exfoliate the skin and improve the appearance of blemishes.
The guidance around salicylic acid is more nuanced than a blanket ban. Low-concentration topical products may be suitable during pregnancy, but high-strength treatments, chemical peels and extensive use are best avoided unless advised by your healthcare professional.
If you're experiencing breakouts, there are other ingredients such as azelaic acid that may be worth discussing with your GP or dermatologist.
Chemical Sunscreen Filters
Sun protection is especially important during pregnancy, particularly if you're experiencing increased pigmentation or melasma.
You may come across advice suggesting that all chemical sunscreen filters should be avoided during pregnancy. However, there isn't sufficient evidence to say that chemical sunscreens are unsafe when used as directed. Both chemical and mineral sunscreens can offer effective broad-spectrum protection.
If you have sensitive skin or simply prefer a mineral formula, look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. The most important thing is finding a sunscreen you'll use consistently.
Now, The Ingredients We Love
The good news is that pregnancy doesn't mean putting your entire skincare routine on hold. Many familiar skincare ingredients can still have a place in your routine, helping to address concerns such as dehydration, dullness, uneven skin tone and changes in skin texture.
As always, check the full ingredient list of individual products rather than relying on one hero ingredient alone.
Bakuchiol
If you're looking for an alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is one ingredient worth knowing about.
Derived from the Babchi plant, bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient often used in skincare as a retinol alternative. It has been studied for its ability to improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone and skin texture, without being a retinoid itself.
While pregnancy-specific research is still limited, some skincare brands formulate bakuchiol products specifically for those who prefer to avoid vitamin A. Medik8 positions its Bakuchiol Peptides serum as an alternative for expecting and nursing women. If you're pregnant and unsure whether it's right for you, check with your GP or midwife before use.
Our Pick: Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides 30ml
A lightweight, oil-based serum formulated with 1.25% pure bakuchiol and peptides. Designed as a plant-based alternative to vitamin A, it helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while supporting a smoother, more even-looking complexion.
A lovely option for anyone wanting to maintain a targeted anti-ageing step in their routine without using traditional retinoids.
Shop Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a brilliant antioxidant and one of our favourite ingredients for maintaining a bright, healthy-looking complexion.
It helps protect the skin against environmental free radicals, supports collagen production and can improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and pigmentation. With hormonal changes sometimes contributing to dullness and pigmentation during pregnancy, a well-formulated vitamin C serum can be a useful addition to your morning routine.
Look for a stable, well-formulated product and remember to pair your vitamin C with broad-spectrum SPF during the day.
Our Pick: Medik8 C-Tetra Serum 30ml
A highly stable, low-irritation vitamin C serum formulated with vitamins C and E. This lightweight formula helps brighten and smooth the complexion while providing antioxidant support against environmental free radicals.
A great everyday option for supporting radiance and a more even-looking skin tone.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a versatile skincare ingredient that can benefit a wide range of skin types.
It helps support the skin barrier, improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, regulate excess oil and reduce the look of redness. It's also a useful ingredient for skin that feels more reactive or sensitive than usual.
If hormonal changes have left your skin feeling unsettled, niacinamide is a lovely ingredient to incorporate into a simple, supportive routine.
Our Pick: Hyeja Niacinamide Heartleaf Calming Serum 95ml
A lightweight, soothing serum combining niacinamide with heartleaf to help calm the appearance of redness and irritation. Its quick-absorbing formula is designed with sensitive skin in mind, making it a lovely everyday option when your complexion needs a little extra care.
Shop Hyeja Niacinamide Heartleaf Calming Serum
Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides & Ceramides
Hydration and skin barrier support are always important, but particularly when your skin is going through changes.
Hyaluronic acid is a moisture-binding ingredient that helps attract and retain water in the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and looking plumper. Peptides are commonly used to support the appearance of smoother, firmer-looking skin, while ceramides help maintain the skin's natural protective barrier.
Rather than introducing too many new active ingredients, this is a good time to focus on keeping your skin comfortable, hydrated and well moisturised.
Our Pick: Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Intense 30ml
A supercharged hyaluronic acid serum designed to deliver both immediate and long-lasting hydration. Formulated to help support the skin's natural moisture levels and protect against dehydration, it's a great option for skin that feels dry, tight or lacking in suppleness.
Skin Barrier Support
With hormonal changes and increased sensitivity, some people find that their usual skincare routine suddenly feels too active or irritating.
This is where a little extra attention to your skin barrier can make all the difference. Look for gentle, nourishing moisturisers that help maintain hydration without overwhelming the skin. Niacinamide, glycerin and ceramides are all ingredients worth looking for when choosing a supportive moisturiser.
Keeping your routine simple and avoiding unnecessary irritation is often the best approach.
Our Pick: Salt & Stone Facial Lotion – Pacific Kelp & Niacinamide
A lightweight, fragrance-free moisturiser formulated with niacinamide and seaweed extracts. It absorbs quickly to provide hydration while helping support a comfortable, balanced-looking complexion. An easy everyday moisturiser for anyone wanting a simple addition to their routine.
Shop Salt & Stone Facial Lotion
Physical SPF
Sun protection should remain a non-negotiable throughout pregnancy. Hormonal changes can make some people more prone to pigmentation, so daily SPF is particularly important if you're concerned about uneven skin tone or melasma.
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. They can be a good option for those who prefer a physical sunscreen or find certain formulas more comfortable on sensitive skin.
Whatever type of sunscreen you choose, look for broad-spectrum protection of at least SPF 30, apply generously and remember to reapply throughout the day.
Our Pick: iS Clinical ECLIPSE SPF 50+
A lightweight physical sunscreen formulated with transparent titanium dioxide and micronised zinc oxide, alongside vitamin E. Designed for daily use and outdoor activities, this non-greasy formula provides broad-spectrum sun protection without feeling heavy on the skin.
Shop iS Clinical ECLIPSE SPF 50+
Keeping Your Pregnancy Skincare Routine Simple
Pregnancy is a good opportunity to reassess your skincare routine and focus on what your skin really needs. You don't need an extensive line-up of products or a complicated routine to keep your complexion feeling healthy.
A gentle cleanser, a hydrating serum, a nourishing moisturiser and daily broad-spectrum SPF are a great place to start. From there, you can introduce targeted ingredients depending on how your skin is changing.
Most importantly, remember that every pregnancy is different. Ingredient recommendations can vary depending on the product formulation, concentration and your individual circumstances. Always check the full ingredient list, and if you're unsure about a product or active ingredient, speak with your GP, midwife or dermatologist before incorporating it into your routine.
For questions about your pregnancy skincare routine or help finding suitable products, get in touch with the INÈS team at info@inesstore.com.
