What Skincare to Avoid During Pregnancy

Why Your Skincare Routine Needs to Change During Pregnancy

Your skin changes significantly during pregnancy. Hormonal shifts - particularly the surge in oestrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone - cause increased sensitivity, dryness or oiliness (sometimes both at once), melasma (the "pregnancy mask"), acne breakouts, and stretch marks. Your skin in the first trimester may not behave like your skin in the third.

Here's the part that matters: your skin absorbs topical ingredients. Some of those ingredients can cross the placental barrier and reach your baby. That's why certain products that were fine before pregnancy now need a second look.

The precautionary principle: For most ingredients on the "avoid" list, evidence of harm comes from oral ingestion at high doses - not topical use at cosmetic concentrations. But when you're growing a human, "probably fine" doesn't feel good enough for most women. That's a completely reasonable position to take.

The good news: most of your current skincare is likely already safe. It's usually only one or two products that need swapping - typically your retinol serum and your sunscreen. Everything else probably stays.

When to make the switch: Ideally as soon as you know you're pregnant. For retinoids specifically, many dermatologists recommend stopping when you begin trying to conceive, since retinoids can remain in the body for some time after discontinuation.

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy (The Red List)

These are the ingredients most dermatologists and obstetricians agree should be avoided during pregnancy. Some carry stronger evidence than others - we've noted where the line between "proven risk" and "precautionary avoidance" falls.

Ingredient	Found In	Why to Avoid	Swap To
Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene)	Anti-ageing serums, acne treatments, prescription creams	Vitamin A derivatives. Oral retinoids (Accutane) cause birth defects. Topical risk is unproven but precautionary avoidance is universal medical advice	Bakuchiol, vitamin C, azelaic acid
High-dose salicylic acid (>2%)	Acne treatments, exfoliating toners, chemical peels	Aspirin-related compound. Low-dose topical (cleansers, <2%) generally considered safe. Avoid high-dose peels and leave-on treatments	Low-dose salicylic acid (cleanser), glycolic acid, lactic acid
Hydroquinone	Skin lightening creams, melasma treatments	High absorption rate through skin. Limited safety data in pregnancy	Vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid
Chemical sunscreens (oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate)	Most spray/liquid sunscreens	Potential endocrine disruption (oxybenzone specifically). Absorbed into bloodstream	Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15)	Shampoos, body washes, some moisturisers	Classified carcinogen. Released slowly from these preservatives	Products labelled "formaldehyde-free"
High-concentration essential oils (clary sage, rosemary, juniper, cinnamon)	Natural skincare, massage oils	Can stimulate uterine contractions at high concentrations. Low concentrations in commercial products generally safe	Lavender (safe), chamomile (safe), or fragrance-free products

Important note on salicylic acid: Low-dose topical salicylic acid in a cleanser that rinses off is considered safe by most dermatologists. The concern is leave-on treatments at concentrations above 2% and chemical peels. If your face wash contains salicylic acid at a low percentage, you likely don't need to change it - but check with your healthcare provider if you're unsure.

Key message: Most "avoid" ingredients are about precaution, not proven harm from topical use at cosmetic concentrations. But precaution is reasonable when you're pregnant. You're not being overcautious - you're being sensible.

Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Ingredients (The Green List)

These ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and can address most common pregnancy skin concerns - from acne to melasma to dryness.

• Hyaluronic acid - Holds up to 1000 times its weight in water. Safe because it naturally occurs in your body already. Best for: hydration, plumping, reducing dryness that's common from the first trimester onwards
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate) - Antioxidant and brightening agent, safe at topical concentrations. Best for: hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, melasma
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3) - Strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and controls oil production. Best for: acne, redness, sensitivity, melasma
• Azelaic acid - Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Prescription-strength (15-20%) has clinical data supporting pregnancy safety. Best for: acne, rosacea, melasma
• Glycolic acid (low concentration, <10%) - AHA exfoliant. Safe for pregnancy at lower concentrations. Best for: dull skin, uneven texture
• Lactic acid - A gentler AHA that's safe for pregnancy. Best for: sensitive skin that needs exfoliation without irritation
• Zinc oxide - Physical/mineral sunscreen ingredient. Sits on top of the skin and is not absorbed into the bloodstream. Best for: sun protection without chemical absorption
• Ceramides - Repair and strengthen the skin barrier. Naturally present in your skin. Best for: dryness, sensitivity, eczema flare-ups
• Rosehip oil - Rich in vitamin A as beta-carotene (the safe, plant-based form - completely different from retinol). Best for: scarring, stretch marks, dry skin
• Shea butter / cocoa butter - Deep moisturisers that are completely safe during pregnancy. Best for: stretch marks, very dry skin, body care
• Centella asiatica (cica) - Anti-inflammatory that promotes collagen production. Safe for pregnancy. Best for: sensitive skin, redness, healing compromised skin barrier

The takeaway: you have plenty of effective, safe options. A simplified routine using three or four of these ingredients can address most pregnancy skin concerns without any anxiety about safety.

Your Pregnancy Skincare Routine (Trimester by Trimester)

Your skin changes throughout pregnancy, so your routine should adapt. Here's a practical framework - not a rigid prescription. Use what works for you and skip what doesn't.

First Trimester (Weeks 1-12): Simplify

Morning: Gentle cleanser, vitamin C serum OR niacinamide serum, moisturiser, mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide based).

Evening: Gentle cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum, moisturiser.

Key change: Remove retinol immediately. Switch to a mineral sunscreen if you're currently using a chemical one.

Reality check: Nausea and exhaustion mean many women barely manage cleanser plus moisturiser in the first trimester. That's absolutely fine. Simplifying IS the goal here - not adding complexity.

Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27): Prevent

Morning: Same as first trimester - gentle cleanser, vitamin C or niacinamide, moisturiser, mineral sunscreen.

Evening: Gentle cleanser, azelaic acid (if you're dealing with acne or melasma), moisturiser.

Add: Belly oil or belly butter from around 14-16 weeks for stretch mark prevention. Apply to belly, hips, breasts, and upper thighs twice daily.

Add: Nipple balm ($40.99) from around 20 weeks if your skin is drying or cracking.

Key concern: Melasma often appears now. Vitamin C plus niacinamide plus mineral sunscreen is your best defence. Sun protection is especially important - melasma worsens with UV exposure.

Third Trimester (Weeks 28-40): Nourish

Continue: Your morning and evening face routine as established.

Increase: Belly butter or oil frequency to twice daily minimum. Your skin is stretching the most now.

Add: Perineal massage oil from 34-36 weeks (speak to your midwife about technique and timing).

Consider: Raspberry leaf tea from 32 weeks - one of the most common third trimester preparations alongside skincare.

Hospital bag prep: Pack travel sizes of your cleanser, moisturiser, nipple balm, and belly butter. You'll want familiar products in the days after birth. For a complete packing checklist, see our hospital bag guide.

How to Read Labels: Spotting Pregnancy-Safe Products

Marketing claims on skincare packaging can be misleading - particularly in Australia where cosmetic labelling isn't as tightly regulated as therapeutic goods. Here's what the common terms actually mean.

"Natural" - Means nothing in Australia. It's not a regulated term for cosmetics. Any brand can call their product natural regardless of ingredients.

"Organic" (without certification) - Also means nothing specific. A product can contain one organic ingredient and use the word on its label.

ACO (Australian Certified Organic) - The gold standard in Australia. Requires a minimum of 95% certified organic ingredients for the "certified organic" label. Independently audited annually. This is the certification that actually means something.

COSMOS Organic - The European equivalent. Equally rigorous with strict ingredient standards.

"Dermatologically tested" - Means the product was patch-tested on human skin. It does NOT mean it's pregnancy-safe. It simply means it's unlikely to cause a skin reaction in the general population.

What to do: Flip the product over and scan the ingredients list. If you see anything from the Red List table above - retinol, hydroquinone, oxybenzone, DMDM hydantoin - put it back. The ingredients list is the only part of the packaging that's legally required to be accurate.

For pregnancy, the safest approach is fewer products with cleaner ingredients rather than many products with complex formulations. A simple routine with five products you trust beats a ten-step routine full of unknowns.

Product recommendation: Willow By The Sea is 100% ACO certified with waterless, fragrance-free formulas designed specifically for pregnancy and postpartum skin. Browse the full range in the Mumgerie pregnancy skincare collection.

Mumgerie's Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Picks

As a specialist maternity retailer, we vet every skincare product before stocking it - ACO certification is our minimum standard for pregnancy skincare. These are our top recommendations as of 2026, each certified organic, free from the Red List ingredients above, and specifically formulated for pregnant or postpartum skin.

• Willow By The Sea Belly Butter ($39.99) - ACO certified, waterless formula, fragrance-free. Concentrated shea and cocoa butter for stretch mark prevention. Apply from the second trimester onwards, twice daily
• Willow By The Sea Nipple Balm ($40.99) - ACO certified, safe for breastfeeding - no need to wipe off before feeds. For dry, cracking nipples during pregnancy and nursing
• Willow By The Sea Mum and Baby Mini Set ($89.00) - Sample sizes so you can try before committing to full-size products. Includes belly butter, nipple balm, and baby balm
• Nurture and Nest Co Organic Rescue Balm ($36.00) - Multipurpose balm for mum and baby. Organic ingredients, suitable for dry patches, nappy rash, and minor skin irritations

Browse the full pregnancy skincare range: Mumgerie Pregnancy Skincare Collection

Free delivery Australia-wide on orders over $150 AUD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use vitamin C serum during pregnancy?

Yes. Topical vitamin C (ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate) is considered safe during pregnancy. It's an antioxidant that helps with hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone - both common pregnancy concerns. Vitamin C is one of the best swaps for retinol during pregnancy because it offers brightening and collagen-supporting benefits without any safety concerns.

Is rosehip oil safe for pregnancy?

Yes. Rosehip oil contains vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, which is the plant-based, safe form - completely different from retinol or retinoids (which are preformed vitamin A). Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A only as needed, so there's no risk of excess. Rosehip oil is widely recommended during pregnancy for stretch marks, scars, and dry skin.

What can I use instead of retinol while pregnant?

The best alternatives to retinol during pregnancy are bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative with similar cell-turnover benefits), vitamin C (for brightening and collagen support), azelaic acid (for acne and pigmentation), and niacinamide (for barrier repair and oil control). None of these carry the same pregnancy concerns as retinoids. Many women find that a combination of vitamin C in the morning and azelaic acid in the evening covers most of what retinol was doing for their skin.

When should I start using belly butter for stretch marks?

Most dermatologists recommend starting from the second trimester - around 14-16 weeks - when your belly begins expanding. Apply twice daily (morning and evening) focusing on your belly, hips, breasts, and upper thighs. Consistency matters more than which specific product you choose. Two minutes of gentle circular massage with each application improves both absorption and blood flow to the skin. The Willow By The Sea Belly Butter ($39.99) is our top recommendation for this.

Is niacinamide safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, helps with acne, and can improve hyperpigmentation. It's one of the most versatile safe actives available during pregnancy - useful for almost every common pregnancy skin concern from oiliness to sensitivity to melasma.

What does ACO certified mean for skincare?

ACO stands for Australian Certified Organic. Products carrying this certification contain a minimum of 95% certified organic ingredients, are free from synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and artificial additives, and are independently audited annually. It's Australia's most recognised organic certification for personal care and cosmetics. When you see the ACO bud logo on a product, it means the certification has been independently verified - unlike unregulated claims like "natural" or "organic" without certification.