Some ingredients are best set aside while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This guide walks through the ones to avoid, from retinol and high-strength salicylic acid to hydroquinone and oxybenzone. It covers the safer swaps too, all grounded in guidance from ACOG and the FDA.
Grounded in medical consensus · Updated May 2026
This guide is cosmetic-ingredient information, not a diagnosis or prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a skin condition, talk to a doctor first.
Some of the ingredients you apply to the skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding can be absorbed into the bloodstream, where they may reach the baby. This guide pulls together the points of consensus from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and peer-reviewed medical literature. Korea's MFDS does not regulate cosmetics by pregnancy status, though it does keep ingredients like hydroquinone out of cosmetics altogether.
The ingredients flagged here rest on animal studies, observational research and theoretical risk. For some of them, harm has never been directly proven in humans. Even so, the standard advice during pregnancy and breastfeeding is to avoid them on the precautionary principle.
The 6 ingredients to avoid
1. Retinoids
Precaution — Defer Until After Pregnancy
Oral isotretinoin is classed as teratogenic, meaning it can cause birth defects. Topical retinoids belong to the same family, so even though they absorb in small amounts, the standard advice is to defer them until after pregnancy.
How it appears on labels: Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, Retinaldehyde, Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene, Isotretinoin
The birth defects linked to vitamin A, particularly of the skull and cardiovascular system, come from high-dose oral vitamin A and oral retinoids. Topical products absorb at low rates and have not been shown to cause harm, but ACOG and the FDA still advise avoiding exposure during pregnancy as a precaution.
2. High-strength salicylic acid
Partial Limit — Depends on Strength and Area
Cosmetic strengths such as a 0.5 to 2% wash-off are generally considered fine. What to avoid is drug-level strength such as a peel of 6% or more, or use over a wide area for a long stretch.
Salicylic acid is a salicylate, the same family as aspirin, and high-dose systemic exposure has been linked to fetal complications. U.S. clinical guidelines treat topical use at 2% or below as generally safe while advising against high-strength chemical peels and long-term use.
3. Hydroquinone
Strongly Advised — Discontinue
Hydroquinone is a topical brightening agent with relatively high skin absorption, around 35 to 45%. Safety data in pregnancy is lacking, so discontinuing it is the standard advice.
For reference, in Korea hydroquinone is a prohibited cosmetic ingredient under the MFDS Regulation on Cosmetic Safety Standards, allowed only as a doctor-prescribed medicine. It can still turn up in cosmetics bought from overseas, so it pays to be careful.
4. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Avoid Where Possible
These preservatives release formaldehyde as they break down. Formaldehyde is classed as an IARC Group 1 carcinogen, so keeping exposure to a minimum in pregnancy is advised.
How they appear on labels: DMDM Hydantoin, Quaternium-15, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Diazolidinyl Urea, Bronopol (2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol)
In Korea, MFDS notice prohibits formaldehyde itself in cosmetics, and the releasing preservatives above carry concentration limits. Even within those limits, though, avoiding them where you can during pregnancy is the recommendation.
5. Chemical UV filters (oxybenzone and similar)
Avoid When a Swap Is Available
Oxybenzone (BP-3) is an ingredient the FDA and EU have flagged over concerns that it may affect the endocrine system. Some studies have detected it in maternal blood, breast milk and the placenta. A switch to mineral sunscreen is recommended.
Recommended to avoid: Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate), Homosalate
Safer swaps: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. They stay on the surface of the skin, so absorption is very low.
6. Phthalates and certain fragrances
Avoid Where Possible
Some phthalates such as DEHP and DBP are classed as endocrine disruptors, and they can sit inside the blended mixtures labeled simply as Fragrance or Parfum.
Korea's cosmetics law requires 26 known allergens to be declared, but the full make-up of a fragrance is a trade secret, so a single umbrella term is allowed. During pregnancy, look for fragrance-free products or ones scented with a single known oil such as lavender.
Safer ingredients to use instead
The ingredients below have reasonable data behind their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
These work at the surface of the skin to hold water. Absorption is very low, or the ingredient matches one the body makes on its own, so they are safe to use.
Brightening and antioxidant — vitamin C (ascorbic acid) / niacinamide
Both have a relatively solid record of safe use in pregnancy, and ACOG and peer-reviewed literature class them in the safe tier.
These are plant-based soothing ingredients, and no safety concerns in pregnancy have been reported at the strengths used in skincare.
Sun protection — mineral (physical) sunscreen
These are sunscreens built on Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. They stay on the surface of the skin with almost no systemic absorption. SPF 30 or higher every day is recommended.
Breakouts and acne — azelaic acid / low-strength glycolic acid
Azelaic acid is known as a blemish-care ingredient you can use in pregnancy. Some clinical opinion also views low-strength glycolic acid at 5 to 10% as usable. Responses vary a lot from person to person, though, so check with your OB-GYN or pharmacist before using anything new.
At a glance
Avoid
Safer swap
Retinol, tretinoin, adapalene
Vitamin C, peptides, bakuchiol
High-strength salicylic acid (peels)
Low-strength glycolic acid, azelaic acid
Hydroquinone
Vitamin C, arbutin (low strength), niacinamide
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
Phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin and others
Oxybenzone, octinoxate
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Phthalates, undisclosed fragrance
Fragrance-free or a single plant oil
Editorial Tip
Simple is the safest route
"Pregnancy and breastfeeding are not the season for a shelf of actives. A simple routine is the answer. A gentle cleanser, a glycerin or ceramide moisturizer, and a mineral sunscreen are enough on their own."
— Beauty Dupe Editorial
Frequently asked questions
I used retinol before I knew I was pregnant. Is that a problem?
Topical retinol is absorbed into the body at low rates, and a short exposure does not automatically mean harm. For a proper read on your situation, though, it is best to talk it through with your OB-GYN.
Do the same guidelines apply while breastfeeding?
They are broadly similar to the pregnancy guidance. The one extra thing to weigh while breastfeeding is that a product applied to the chest can transfer onto a baby's skin. It is best not to apply anything directly to the nursing area.
If a label says "safe for use in pregnancy," does that mean it is safe?
In Korea this is not a legally defined certification. It can simply be a marketing line, so read the full ingredient list yourself and judge it against the guidance above.
Do I have to give up all skincare?
No. Basic care like moisturizing, cleansing and sun protection still matters during pregnancy. Just avoid the ingredients flagged in this guide and build your routine around the safer swaps.
Skin Warning
This guide is general information. Any decision about skincare during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made after speaking with an OB-GYN or dermatologist.
Sources
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) — Skin care during pregnancy guidance
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — Cosmetics & Pregnancy information
Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety — Regulation on Cosmetic Safety Standards (prohibited and restricted ingredient notices)
Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety — Cosmetics Act, Article 10 (full ingredient labeling requirement)
Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. "Safety of skin care products during pregnancy." Can Fam Physician. 2011;57(6):665-7.
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Medical disclaimer · This guide is intended as general information and does not replace personal medical advice. Decisions about skincare during pregnancy or breastfeeding should always be made after consulting an OB-GYN or dermatologist. This site does not provide diagnosis, prescription or treatment.
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