Not every skincare or makeup product you've always used is worth reaching for in pregnancy — some everyday ingredients may disrupt hormones or aren't ideal for your baby's development in higher amounts. You don't need to overhaul your entire routine, just know which categories need a closer look at the ingredient label. (If you're past pregnancy and nursing instead, see which skincare ingredients are safe while breastfeeding — the list of what to avoid is different.)
Moisturisers and lotions
- Avoid: retinoids, parabens, phthalates — these may disrupt hormones and affect the baby's development
- Choose instead: shea butter, cocoa butter, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Sunscreen
- Avoid: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate — known for hormone-disrupting effects
- Choose instead: mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
Face wash and cleansers
- Avoid: high-strength salicylic acid, strong benzoyl peroxide — these can be unsafe if absorbed in higher amounts
- Choose instead: gentle cleansers, and glycolic, lactic or azelaic acid are generally fine
Makeup — foundation, lipstick and similar products
- Avoid: parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, lead — these may increase toxicity and hormonal imbalance
- Choose instead: products labelled "pregnancy-safe," "paraben-free," or "fragrance-free"
Nail polish and hair treatments
- Avoid: formaldehyde, toluene, DBP — these can cause allergies, breathing issues, and other potential risks in pregnancy
- Choose instead: "3-free," "5-free," or "10-free" nail paints, and ammonia-free hair products
Skin-lightening or anti-spot creams
- Avoid: hydroquinone, retinoids — high absorption may impact the baby's development
- Choose instead: vitamin C, niacinamide, azelaic acid, licorice extract
Your pregnancy glow is natural — just support it with safe, gentle choices, not an overhauled routine.
If you're treating acne during pregnancy
If you're using, or considering, a topical treatment for acne, don't assume your pre-pregnancy product is still the right one. Some common acne ingredients overlap with the "avoid" list above (retinoids, high-strength salicylic acid). Check with your doctor before continuing or starting any topical acne treatment, so they can point you to a pregnancy-appropriate option.
Frequently asked
Is my regular sunscreen safe to keep using in pregnancy?
Chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octinoxate are best avoided because of their hormone-disrupting effects. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the safer choice and work just as well for sun protection.
Can I continue using a retinol-based night cream?
Retinoids (including retinol) are on the avoid list for moisturisers and anti-spot creams, since they may affect the baby's development. Switch to a retinoid-free moisturiser with ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, or hyaluronic acid instead, and check with your doctor if you were using a prescription-strength retinoid.
Are "3-free" or "5-free" nail polishes actually different?
Yes — these labels mean the polish is formulated without the specific ingredients being counted (commonly formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, with "5-free" and "10-free" versions excluding more). They're the safer category to choose in pregnancy.
Do I need to throw away all my current makeup and skincare?
Not necessarily. Check the ingredient labels of what you already own against the categories above — many products may already be free of the flagged ingredients. Replace only what actually contains them, rather than discarding everything at once.