Learning you’re pregnant might inspire you to stock up on baby carriers, non-alcoholic wine, and buttery-soft leggings, but the best retinol alternatives during pregnancy should also be top of mind because this all-star ingredient — beloved for its ability to speed up skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen production — is often off-limits.
Askme’s favorite retinol alternatives
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter Advanced, $185
Best for Hyperpigmentation: African Botanics Nicotinamide Plumping Booster, $100
Best for Acne: Kinship Self Smooth 10% Glycolic Acid Serum, $19
Best for Wrinkles: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
Best for daytime use: Elastin Ultra Light Moisturizer, $88
Best for nighttime: Furtuna Skin Nightly Renewal Cream, $285
Best for Sensitive Skin: Doctor Rogers Night Repair Treatment, $98
This is largely due to an abundance of caution, as it would not be ethically appropriate to test ingredients, including retinol, on pregnant women. As a result, “few studies have evaluated the safety of active ingredients in skin care products during pregnancy,” says Heather Rodgers, MD, a board-certified dermatological surgeon in Seattle, Washington. “This lack of research makes it difficult for doctors to say with certainty that a particular ingredient is completely safe to use during pregnancy.” However, without retinol, I found that while I was pregnant at age 33, I faced two major skin concerns (adult acne and the appearance of wrinkles) especially hard.
However, the dermatologists we spoke to believe that some actives are safer and less risky than retinol, including vitamin C and bakuchiol (a plant-derived compound that works similarly to retinol). So consider switching to these best retinol alternatives during pregnancy, these are so good you might just keep them on your shelf permanently.
in this article
Why you shouldn’t use retinol during pregnancy?
What are the best retinol alternatives?
How soon should you stop using retinol once you find out you’re pregnant?
When should I add retinol after giving birth?
How soon can I use retinol alternatives during pregnancy?
Are retinol alternatives safe to use with other active ingredients?
Meet the experts
Best Overall Award: SkinCeuticals AGE Interrupter Advanced
Why we love it: Since I took a break from neuromodulator (read: Botox) appointments during my pregnancy, the wrinkles on my forehead returned. I switched to this moisturizer, which targets the glycation process (the process through which sugar in the skin binds to collagen and elastin fibers, effectively destroying them in the process). By counteracting glycation, it preserves collagen, making skin strong and supple. It also contains about 5% flavonoids (rich in antioxidants) as well as Heps (a substance that activates skin enzymes to promote cell renewal).
Key Ingredients: Proxylane, Flavonoids, Hepes, Nicotinamide
Size: 1.7 fl. ounces.
Best for Pigmentation: African Botanics Nicotinamide Volumizing Booster
Why we love it: The beauty of this serum is the niacinamide, which “has so many benefits for our skin, even during pregnancy,” Rogers says. “It helps relieve redness, inflammation, brown spots, and minimize pores, and is excellently tolerated.” This makes the formula especially useful for those suffering from pregnancy acne and hyperpigmentation; studies also suggest that alkaline amide may be beneficial for those with smoking melasma, a common form of discoloration often referred to as the “pregnancy mask.” Plus, Rogers notes, it contains other powerful actives like glycerin (for moisturizing properties) and vitamin C (for brightening properties).
Key Ingredients: Nicotinamide, Vitamin C, Glycerin
Size: 0.5 ounces
Best for Acne: Kinship Self Smooth 10% Glycolic Acid Serum
Why we like it: Safe and effective options for addressing pregnancy acne (a cluster of breakouts caused by hormonal fluctuations) can be scarce, as anti-acne ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and retinoids are off-limits. This one is an exception; during the exfoliation process, it clears pores and helps fade post-acne dark spots. “Glycolic acid is a well-tolerated exfoliating ingredient that keeps skin smooth and glowing,” says Rogers. He appreciates the fact that this particular formula is mild but won’t strip skin of essential moisture.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Strawberry, Oat extracts
Size: 2.2 fl. Oz.
Best for Wrinkles: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Why we like it: Retinol can be inhibited during pregnancy, but growth factors are not—which is why I made this my standard serum when I was pregnant with my daughter. Growth factors and peptides in one chamber help skin cells function properly and promote the production of collagen and elastin, while the other chamber contains a blend of peptides, green microalgae, and botanical extracts designed to support these processes, They work synergistically to firm skin and prevent aging. A single pump delivers enough of both to provide results.
Key Ingredients: Growth Factors, Peptides, Marine Extracts
Size: 1 ounce.
Best for daytime use: Elastin Ultra-Light Moisturizer
Why we like it: My naturally oily skin isn’t good for pregnancy—my so-called “pregnancy glow” includes acne on and around my chin—so I opted for this ultra-light moisturizer that’s perfect for daytime use. It calmed the redness of my blemishes without feeling sticky, and I appreciate that the brand’s proprietary TriHex technology (powered by peptides) works to support the production of new collagen and elastin when I wear it.
Key Ingredients: Ceramide, Peptides, Squalane, Green tea extract
Size: 2.0 fl oz.
Best for Night: Furtuna Skin Nightly Renewal Cream
Why we love it: Designed to refresh skin overnight, this velvety cream blends bakuchiol with a variety of deeply nourishing ingredients including ceramides and antioxidant-rich botanicals. What sets it apart is the brand’s Triple Enzyme Technology, a complex of microalgae-derived enzymes that work overnight to leave skin smooth, moisturized, and radiant by morning.
Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, Ceramide, Purslane Extract
Specifications: 50ml
Best for Sensitive Skin: Doctor Rogers Overnight Repair Treatment
Why we like it: Part of Dr. Roger’s hypoallergenic skincare collection, this night repair treatment is enriched with very low percentages of bakuchiol, glycolic acid and salicylic acid (less than 0.5%), so it’s great during pregnancy. Use during the period, she said. This cushion serum buffers these ingredients, which work with a soothing combination of squalane and shea butter to soften skin and even out skin tone.
Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, Squalane, Glycolic Acid, Shea Butter
Size: 1.0 oz
Best Fragrance-Free: Indie Lee Retinol Replacement Cream
Why we like it: Rogers says Indie Lee’s Retinol Replacement Cream is a product that’s hydrating and suitable for most skin types. It contains rambutan, a botanical ingredient that mimics the effects of retinoids, as well as squalane, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba seed oil to fully nourish skin. Even better, it’s free of synthetic fragrances and essential oils, making it a worthy option for those who are sensitive to scent.
Key Ingredients: Rambutan, Arabidopsis Extract, Squalane
Size: 1.7 fl. ounces.
Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, California, says recent studies have shown that oral retinoids (like retinoids) can cause birth defects. Therefore, “doctors would err on the side of caution and completely eliminate the use of retinoids, including topical applications, from your skin care routine during pregnancy or breastfeeding,” she says, noting that they are best used with other skin care ingredients that may contain them. during pregnancy, such as hydroquinone and benzoyl peroxide.
The best retinol options contain plant compounds and recognizable active ingredients, including:
Bakuchiol: Derived from the psoralen plant, this “produces effects similar to retinol, although less effectively, in that it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Palm. Research shows it’s a gentler option that’s less likely to cause skin irritation, making it a good choice for people with sensitive skin in addition to pregnant women.
Glycolic acid: This exfoliating acid is suitable for pregnant women and “may provide similar exfoliating benefits as retinol, especially for those with acne-prone skin,” explains Palm. Rogers explains that this is a multifunctional ingredient because it “can remove dead skin cells, stimulate cell turnover, improve brown spots, and increase hyaluronic acid levels in the skin,” she says.
Vitamin C: Topical vitamin C is considered safe during pregnancy because “oral vitamin C is also recommended during this time,” Rodgers says. (Oral forms are typically more effective than topical forms.) It’s a powerful and proven antioxidant, she says, that “evens out skin tone, protects the skin from free radicals, and is an essential cofactor for collagen production.”
Nicotinamide: Also known as vitamin B3, this versatile ingredient “helps even out skin tone, reduce redness and irritation, and improve skin barrier function,” Rodgers details.
Once you know you’re pregnant, you should stop using all retinoids, including prescription medications like tazarotene and tretinoin, Rogers says. The same applies for over-the-counter derivatives like retinol or retinaldehyde, often abbreviated as “retinal.” Similarly, “although these topical medications have not been shown to cause birth defects, high doses of oral vitamin A in the form of isotretinoin (Accutane) may cause birth defects,” she adds.
While each person’s risk tolerance may vary, retinol is generally safe to use immediately after delivery, even while breastfeeding. “After reviewing the available data, I felt comfortable using over-the-counter vitamin A creams after delivery while I was breastfeeding,” Rogers said. “I rarely use them because my skin is still more sensitive and prone to irritation.” Of course, if you don’t want to, you can wait until your baby is weaned.
It depends on your skin. “The frequency of use depends on how well your skin tolerates the active ingredients,” says Palm. “If you’ve never used bakuchiol or glycolic acid before, I recommend slowly incorporating these ingredients into your routine two to three times a week to minimize redness, dryness, and irritation.” Try using a new ingredient before spritzing it on.
“Due to the exfoliating properties of bakuchiol, I would avoid using bakuchiol with AHAs (such as glycolic or lactic acid) to avoid damaging the skin barrier,” says Palm, who is allergic to bakuchiol.
Dr. Heather Rogers is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon in Seattle, Washington, and the founder of the Doctor Rogers skin care line.
Dr. Melanie Palm is a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, California.
