Skincare in pregnancy and breastfeeding: ingredients to ask about
Retinoids are the main ingredients to avoid, and for many others there's little good data. Our Hyaluronic Acid jar contains retinol, kojic acid and arbutin, so please check with your doctor before using any of our masks, and our honest suggestion is to hold off unless your doctor or midwife says it's fine. Take the ingredient list with you when you ask.
This isn't medical advice, and your midwife or doctor knows your situation. It's a summary of what we found, so you can have a better conversation with them.
What the sources say
This table draws on a 2022 review of topical products in pregnancy, whose authors note that trials in pregnancy are very limited for ethical reasons. Much of this is cautious rather than certain.
| Ingredient | What we found |
|---|---|
| Prescribed retinoids | Should be avoided until there's better evidence, the review says. |
| Retinol | Not specifically covered by that review. The cautious approach is to see it as part of the same family and ask your doctor. |
| Kojic acid | Low absorption and no known risk in animals, but no human data. "Still not recommended." |
| Arbutin | Lower toxicity than hydroquinone, but no firm recommendation yet. |
| Hyaluronic acid | Considered safe. |
In New Zealand, Medsafe's data sheet for tretinoin cream says it isn't recommended in pregnancy or in women of childbearing potential, and that its use during lactation isn't recommended because there's insufficient information. DermNet notes that absorption through skin is limited, but still advises effective contraception for women using topical retinoids, and its page on acne in pregnancy lists tretinoin, isotretinoin and adapalene among products to avoid. If you've used a retinoid and then found out you're pregnant, mention it to your midwife or doctor.
Why we're cautious about our own jars
Our masks are short contact and peel off. Hyaluronic Acid contains retinol, and its label doesn't show the percentage. But "short contact" hasn't been tested in pregnancy, and we won't make it sound as if it has. So: check with your doctor first.
Questions to take to your appointment
- Which of the products I use now should I stop?
- What's OK to use for dry skin, spots or dark patches?
- Which sunscreen would you recommend?
- Does anything change while I'm breastfeeding?
Take photos of the ingredient lists, or the products themselves. Here's how to read one.
Skin changes you might notice
DermNet lists pregnancy among melasma's hormonal triggers, and sun exposure plays a part, so a hat, shade and sunscreen matter. Skin can also feel drier than usual. Gentle cleansing and a plain moisturiser are a good place to start, and this article on dry skin has more.
If you're buying a gift
Our gift guide says the same: because of what's in our jars, it's one for them to check with their doctor first. Something else in a pamper hamper might be a better fit.
Questions
Can I use retinol while pregnant?
Topical retinoids are generally advised against in pregnancy, and data on cosmetic retinol is limited. Talk to your doctor or midwife, and take the product with you.
Can I use an Omorfia mask while breastfeeding?
Please check with your doctor first, whichever formula you're looking at. Our Hyaluronic Acid jar contains retinol, kojic acid and arbutin, and there's little good information on these during breastfeeding.
This is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your skin, see your GP or a skin specialist.
Sources
- Skin changes and safety profile of topical products during pregnancy, Putra, Jusuf and Dewi, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2022
- ReTrieve Cream (tretinoin) data sheet, Medsafe
- Topical retinoids, DermNet
- Acne in pregnancy, DermNet
- Melasma, DermNet