Is retinol safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Topical retinoids such as retinol, tretinoin and adapalene are generally avoided during pregnancy, and often stopped before trying to conceive. Studies of proper skin use have not found a higher chance of birth defects, but a small amount is absorbed and case reports exist, so the cautious advice is to avoid them. While breastfeeding, very little is expected to reach breast milk.
Also listed on labels as: retinol, retinoids, tretinoin, Retin-A, adapalene, retinyl palmitate, retinal, retinaldehyde.
Retinol and retinoids by stage
Trying to conceive
Ingredient concern found while trying to conceiveMotherToBaby notes it may be suggested to stop tretinoin one month before trying to get pregnant, and InfantRisk advises avoiding topical retinoids in the preconception period. [1][4]
Pregnant
Ingredient concern found during pregnancyIt is generally recommended to avoid topical retinoids during pregnancy. Studies of proper skin use have not shown a higher chance of birth defects, but a small amount is absorbed and there are case reports, so the safest approach may be to avoid them. Oral retinoids such as isotretinoin are known to cause birth defects. [1][2][3][4]
Breastfeeding
Depends on how it's used while breastfeedingUse during breastfeeding has not been studied, but very little passes into your body from the skin, so the amount in breast milk would probably be small. Do not apply it to the nipple or areola, and keep your baby's skin away from treated areas. [1][2]
Postpartum
No concern found postpartumThe caution above is about exposure of a developing or nursing baby. If you are not pregnant, not breastfeeding and not trying to conceive, that reason no longer applies — see the trying-to-conceive advice if you plan another pregnancy. [1]
What counts as a retinoid
Retinoids are ingredients related to vitamin A. On a label you may see retinol, retinal (retinaldehyde), retinyl palmitate, or prescription names like tretinoin (Retin-A) and adapalene. They are popular for acne and fine lines, which is why they turn up in so many night creams and serums.
Why the advice changes by stage
The concern is about a developing baby. Oral retinoids like isotretinoin are known to cause birth defects. Skin products deliver far less, and studies of proper topical use have not found a higher chance of birth defects — but some is absorbed and case reports exist, so the evidence is not strong enough to call it risk-free. That is why the advice is strictest before and during pregnancy, and looser afterwards.
Practical tips
- Check night creams, serums and “anti-ageing” products — retinoids are often not in the product name.
- If you used a retinoid before you knew you were pregnant, don’t panic: tell your doctor or midwife.
- While breastfeeding, keep it off the nipple and areola and off skin your baby touches.
Retinol and retinoids: common questions
Can I use retinol while pregnant?
Retinol and other topical retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy. Studies have not found a higher chance of birth defects with proper skin use, but because a small amount is absorbed, the cautious advice is to stop until after the pregnancy. Talk to your doctor or midwife if you have been using one.
Can I use retinol while breastfeeding?
It has not been studied, but very little is absorbed through the skin, so the amount in breast milk is expected to be small. Keep it away from the nipple and areola and from skin your baby touches, and check with your healthcare provider.
When should I stop retinol before trying to conceive?
MotherToBaby notes it may be suggested to stop tretinoin one month before trying to get pregnant. Ask your doctor about the product you use.
Sources
- MotherToBaby. Topical Tretinoin (fact sheet). July 2024.
- MotherToBaby. Topical Acne Treatments (fact sheet). February 2026.
- Canadian Family Physician. Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. June 2011.
- InfantRisk Center. An Overview of the Safety of Skin Care Products During Pregnancy. April 2020.
Momclear provides educational information based on recognised ingredients. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace advice from a doctor, midwife, or pharmacist. A "no concern" result is not a guarantee of safety — always check with a healthcare professional if you are unsure.