Pregnancy Safe Skincare: Your Go-To Guide
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Time to read 15 min
From dry patches and melasma to unexpected breakouts and sensitivity, pregnancy can bring a whole new wave of skin challenges…courtesy of those ever-changing hormones. While most expecting mums are well aware they need to steer clear of wine and soft cheeses, many don’t realise their skincare ritual might need a pregnancy-friendly makeover too.
Navigating the beauty aisle during pregnancy can be overwhelming. With so many high-performing products on the market, it can be a hard pill to swallow that only a limited amount is actually considered pregnancy safe skincare.
The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice healthy, glowing skin. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing pregnancy safe skincare in Australia — so you can feel confident in what you're putting on your skin, from your first trimester to post-birth. Let’s get started!
The Quick Guide
Why Should You Change Your Skincare Ritual During Pregnancy? What Happens to Your Skin During Pregnancy?
What skincare should I avoid when pregnant?
1. Retinoids 2. Hydroquinone 3. High-Dose Salicylic Acid 4. Phthalates The TL;DR for Pregnant Mamas Who’d Rather Nap Than Read: Ingredients to Avoid while Pregnant Pregnancy Safe Skincare: What Ingredients Can You Use? Skin Concern-Specific Pregnancy Safe Skincare Example Skincare Routine: A Day in The Life of A Pregnant Mama Step one: Use a good-quality gentle cleanser Step two: Add a hydration-boosting serum Step three: Nourish your skin overnight with a moisturiser Step four: Always apply SPF50+ in the AM
Why Should You Change Your Skincare Ritual During Pregnancy?
Just when you’ve finally nailed the winning skincare ritual to mitigate those unwanted skin concerns, pregnancy throws a curveball — alongside unrelenting rib kicks and indigestion (don’t worry, we promise it’s all worth it!).
Thankfully, we’ve got good news for you: You don’t have to choose between keeping bub safe and protected and maintaining that hard-earned glow. With the right pregnancy safe skincare, it’s absolutely possible to care for both your skin while caring for your little one.
Wondering why it’s a non-negotiable to read your skincare labels during pregnancy? There are two primary reasons behind this:
Not all ingredients are considered pregnancy-safe, with certain products scientifically proven to cause congenital disabilities.
Pregnancy hormones cause your skin to go through drastic changes during pregnancy, meaning new skin concerns require a new approach to skincare (more on this below).
What Happens to Your Skin During Pregnancy?
Unfortunately, for many of us, pregnancy is when we feel our skin needs TLC the most. From the unwanted dark patches and stretch marks to the unexplained hormonal acne, not everyone gets to bask in the blissful ‘pregnancy glow’ we’re all crossing our fingers (and toes) we’re lucky enough to experience.
So, what’s behind all of these skin changes? One word: hormones. During pregnancy, your body experiences some pretty intense hormonal changes. Levels of estrogen and progesterone surge, and the melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) increases. These changes alone can wreak havoc on your skin — altering skin tone and patches, the amount of oil your skin produces, and how sensitive and reactive your skin is to elements and skincare. For some, it’s a lot for their skin to handle, which is why choosing pregnancy safe skincare in Australia becomes more important than ever — because your skin deserves to be nourished during all of life’s stages.
Let’s unpack a few of the common changes your skin may experience in pregnancy and what is happening beneath the surface to warrant these changes:
Hyperpigmentation
It’s not uncommon to experience melasma and dark patches of skin during pregnancy caused by a boost in melanin production. Thankfully, this usually subsides post-pregnancy!
Acne
When progesterone levels rise, they naturally stimulate your sebaceous glands, which increases oil production and, in turn, potentially clogged pores and breakouts.
Skin sensitivity
As you likely know by now, pregnancy increases blood flow and hormonal fluctuations. This can cause some people to experience more skin irritation and reactivity to certain products.
Stretch marks
When we think of pregnancy skin changes, most instantly think of stretch marks. When our body is growing rapidly (i.e., your belly and breasts), it may lead to stretch marks. This occurs when fast growth causes collagen and elastin fibres to break. While genetics play a major role in whether or not you’ll develop them, keeping your skin well-moisturised and hydrated is still very important. It can help improve elasticity and keep your skin feeling comfortable as it changes.
Spider veins
One less known pregnancy symptom is the potential for increased spider veins. It is believed this occurs due to extra blood circulating throughout the body, which may result in more visible veins. It’s common to notice this on your legs.
What skincare should I avoid when pregnant?
By now, you’ll know that pregnancy calls for a few important tweaks to your skincare routine to help keep your precious bundle of joy safe. The upside? There are plenty of effective, pregnancy safe skincare alternatives out there. But first, let’s take a look at the key skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy:
1. Retinoids
We totally get it — this one hurts to hear. Retinoids are without a doubt one of the most popular skincare ingredients of the decade, and for good reason. However, the science stacks up and sadly it isn’t in favour of using retinoid products during pregnancy.
What it is:
Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A and are widely adored for their anti-ageing benefits. They work by speeding up skin cell turnover and stimulating collagen production, which helps to reduce the signs of ageing like the onset of fine lines and wrinkles.
What the science says:
Retinoid products range from low-dose over-the-counter (OTC) creams to potent prescription treatments like Retin-A and Accutane (isotretinoin). While research suggests low-dose OTC options may pose less risk as the amount of retinoids absorbed is likely low, congenital disabilities have been proven for higher-dose products.
According to studies, the risk for congenital disabilities in infants exposed to isotretinoin (a high-dose prescription retinoid) in utero is estimated to be 20-35%. These defects include craniofacial, cardiovascular, neurological, and thymic malformations. Even where physical effects aren’t obvious, roughly 30-60% of children exposed to isotretinoin in utero have shown neurocognitive impairment.
The take-home message:
High doses of Vitamin A, whether oral or topical, are proven to cause congenital disabilities in infants exposed prenatally. While most OTC topical retinol products are suggested to have lower absorption rates, experts agree that all retinol/retinoid use, topical and oral, should be avoided during pregnancy due to the potential risk to the fetus.
2. Hydroquinone
It might not be a name you hear every day, but chances are you’ve used a brightening product with hydroquinone in it without even realising.
What it is:
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent commonly used to treat hyperpigmentation, melasma, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. It works its magic by inhibiting the production of melanin (which is responsible for giving your skin pigment), slowly fading discolouration. You’ll find lower-dose OTC options and more potent prescription-strength skin care treatments.
What the science says:
Unlike many other topical ingredients, hydroquinone is absorbed into the bloodstream at significantly higher rates. According to a PubMed study, its absorption through the skin ranges between 35% and 45.3%, raising concerns about potential fetal exposure and associated risks.
The take-home message:
While more research is needed to determine the full extent of hydroquinone’s effects on unborn babies, its high absorption rate and potency have led experts to recommend avoiding it entirely during pregnancy.
3. High-Dose Salicylic Acid
What it is:
Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that has earned its stripes in the skincare world for its acne-fighting capabilities. It helps with skin exfoliation, clearing clogged pores, and reducing skin inflammation. You’ll also find it in formulas to help treat dandruff, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, warts, and more.
What the science says:
When it comes to pregnancy, things get a little more complex. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that low-dose, topical salicylic acid is generally considered safe due to minimal absorption into the bloodstream. Although, the same Healthline article suggests OTC salicylic acid products are likely unsafe to use during pregnancy. However, oral and prescription salicylic acid products have certainly been linked to birth defects and pregnancy complications, including a higher risk of intracranial bleeding when taken later in pregnancy.
High-concentration peels and treatments containing salicylic acid should definitely be avoided while pregnant. And while some experts deem low-dose topical salicylic acid (2% or less) safe, frequent use of BHAs overall are often advised against during pregnancy.
The take-home message:
Studies show that you should avoid oral forms and high-dose salicylic skincare products and treatments during pregnancy. While research suggests over-the-counter, low-dose salicylic acid skincare products (no more than 2% is considered safe), always check with your healthcare professional before using any skincare during pregnancy as online findings are contradicting — especially salicylic acid. Our personal stance is that it’s always best to be extra precautionary while pregnant. With so many pregnancy safe skincare alternatives available, there’s no need to take unnecessary risk!
4. Phthalates
What is it:
Phthalates — also known as plasticisers — refer to a group of chemicals commonly used in everyday plastic items, cosmetics, and fragrances to soften plastic to make it more durable. While the sad reality is that these chemicals have become deeply woven into modern manufacturing and are nearly impossible to avoid entirely, it’s important to take precautions where possible and look for safer alternatives…particularly when pregnant.
What the science says:
The primary concern with phthalates is that they are not chemically bound to the plastic products they’re added to, meaning the chemical itself can be released into the products — like your skincare. But why exactly should this concern you when pregnant? Studies show that phthalates are endocrine disruptors and can have detrimental effects on reproduction and child development.
Psst — a quick note on endocrine disruptors to save you the Google Search:
The endocrine system is your body’s hormone system (i.e., things like your thyroid, ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands), which helps control growth, mood, metabolism, reproduction, sleep and more. An endocrine disruptor is essentially a chemical that mimics, blocks or alters how your hormones work, which can cause severe health implications.
Now that we’ve got that squared away, let’s take a closer look at a few studies:
A 2021 paper that reviewed several studies found that exposure to phthalates is shown to be linked to various developmental concerns in pregnancy. This includes an increased prenatal mortality rate, reduced birth weight and growth, and malformations in skeletal, visceral, and external body parts, as per a study conducted on rats.
Phthalates exposure is shown to impact reproductive hormone levels, particularly when referring to luteinising hormone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and more.
A 2019 study showed that mothers exposed to phthalates during pregnancy had higher chances of birthing children with motor skill problems. A second study found children exposed to phthalates during pregnancy were more likely to have problems with language development.
Two studies conducted by epidemiologist Shanna Swan found that three to six-year-old boys of mothers who were exposed to high levels of phthalates during pregnancy were less likely to engage in play-fighting and playing with trucks—typical male behaviour. The second study found that one-year-old boys of mothers with high phthalate exposure during pregnancy produced less testosterone.
The take-home message:
While phthalates aren’t necessarily an ingredient we’re intentionally putting on our skin — like retinol, for example — there are simple measures we can take to reduce exposure, even if it’s impossible to entirely avoid them. Consider a few of the following options:
Be mindful about how much plastic you’re exposing yourself to. Be particularly cautious when using plastics numbered 3 or 7 (you’ll usually find this labelled on the container).
Where possible, opt for skincare in glass containers.
Keep products containing fragrance to a minimum, as phthalates are frequently used in production.
Many brands will use “phthalate-free” packaging, so look for that where possible.
The TL;DR for Pregnant Mamas Who’d Rather Nap Than Read: Ingredients to Avoid while Pregnant
Has that pregnancy fatigue kicked in, and you just want the quick facts? Say no more, mama! Here’s a snapshot of what to avoid and why:
Ingredient: |
Reason: |
Retinoids |
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High-dose salicylic acid |
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Hydroquinone |
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Phthalates |
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Pregnancy Safe Skincare: What Ingredients Can You Use?
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, let’s shift the focus to what you can use. The good news? There’s still plenty of effective, nourishing, and pregnancy safe skincare ingredients for you to pick and choose from to support your skin through every trimester (and beyond), without compromising bub’s safety:
Ingredient: |
Pregnancy Safe Skincare Alternative: |
Retinoids: Generally used to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. |
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High dose salicylic acid: A BHA that’s generally used due to its exfoliation and acne-minimising benefits. |
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Hydroquinone: A topical skin-lightening solution to help treat hyperpigmentation. |
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Skin Concern-Specific Pregnancy Safe Skincare
New to skincare and looking for something specific to your pregnancy skincare concerns? Let’s breakdown what each of our go-to pregnancy safe skincare ingredients can be used for:
But first, a quick note on pregnancy safe skincare: It’s important to recognise that, due to ethical reasons, many skincare ingredients haven’t been thoroughly tested in clinical trials to assess their safety. As such, it’s important to err on the side of caution with all skincare products during pregnancy and to always consult your healthcare professional first.
Pregnancy Safe Skincare Ingredient: |
Skin Concerns/Benefits: |
Hyaluronic Acid |
Fun fact: Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, meaning it is a humectant that attracts water to your skin and helps maintain the moisture for improved skin hydration. |
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) |
Fun fact: Niacinamide plays a role in building keratin, which is a protein that supports skin health. |
Glycolic Acid (under 10%) |
Fun fact: Glycolic acid is suggested to be most beneficial for combination, dry, oily, and normal skin. Sensitive skin types may see benefits, however, it may cause irritation to the skin. [Read Full Article: 5 Glycolic Acid Benefits You Likely Didn’t Know] |
Azelaic Acid |
Fun fact: Azelaic Acid is considered a very gentle and safe skincare ingredient, making it one of the few options considered safe for children and pregnant/breastfeeding mums. As always, consult your doctor before using any new product though. |
Vitamin C (topical) |
Fun fact: When you pair Vitamin C with your sunscreen, you will boost your sun defence capabilities. The more antioxidants you add to your daytime routine, the better protected your skin is against damaging UV rays and other environmental pollutants. |
Squalane |
Fun fact: Squalane is a naturally-occuring lipid present in your skin’s sebum (oil), playing an important role in your skin’s natural hydration. |
Example Skincare Routine: A Day in The Life of A Pregnant Mama
Note: The best skincare routine for pregnancy is one that you can consistently follow and that fits within your budget. This is a simple morning and evening skincare routine guideline for a pregnant mum with no specific skin conditions. To learn more about the importance of building a skincare ritual and how to order your products, check out How to Build A Skincare Ritual: The AM to PM Guide to Glowing Skin.
Step one: Use a good-quality gentle cleanser
Increased skin sensitivity is one of the many fun symptoms you may experience when pregnant. As such, it’s important to opt for a mild cleanser that will adequately remove dirt, makeup, and oil without stripping your skin or interfering with your skin barrier. We recommend steering clear of products containing heavy fragrances and sulphates.
Step two: Add a hydration-boosting serum
It’s no secret that your skin may feel drier than usual during pregnancy. While not all pregnant women will experience this, hormonal fluctuations can alter oil production and skin elasticity during pregnancy, resulting in unwanted dryness. As such, we recommend opting for a serum that will nourish and hydrate your skin, like Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, or Holy Basil.
Our recommendation: Did you know Dr Tanya’s Holy Basil Face Serum is a pregnancy-safe product? Enjoy the antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory goodness of Holy Basil, which supports acne-prone skin and pigmentation, the hydrating and protective nature of Cacao Oil, and the moisture-sealing benefits of Jojoba Oil.
Step three: Nourish your skin with a moisturiser
You’ll want a moisturiser that complements your serum’s efforts by helping to lock in moisture during the day and overnight while you sleep. A hydrating moisturiser will help keep your skin nourished and strengthen your skin barrier when skin sensitivity and dryness are at an all-time high, like during pregnancy.
Our recommendation: Much like our Holy Basil Face Serum, our Holy Basil Day & Night Cream is also pregnancy-safe, meaning you can enjoy the benefits of nourished skin without worrying if it’s safe for your little one. This one contains Holy Basil for antioxidant and pigmentation support, squalane for skin hydration and skin-soothing benefits, and jojoba oil for hydrating, repairing, and protecting the skin barrier.
Step four: Always apply SPF50+ in the AM
A quality broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must-have in Australia all year round, thanks to our harsh, damaging UV rays. However, it’s even more vital when pregnant as it can help protect your skin against melasma, which commonly occurs during pregnancy due to hormones, and made worse by the sun.
Our recommendation: Avoid all chemical sunscreens when pregnant and breastfeeding. Instead, opt for physical/mineral sunscreens, particularly those containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
