What do UK and US sources say about retinoid creams in pregnancy?
The UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS), in its October 2024 leaflet on topical retinoids, says retinoid creams and gels should not be used in pregnancy. It gives these reasons for the precaution:
- Retinoid medicines taken as tablets, at much higher doses, are known to cause miscarriage and birth defects.
- Only tiny amounts are likely to reach the baby when the products are used on the skin as directed, but some women absorb more than others.
- Most reports of women who used topical retinoids in pregnancy show unaffected babies, but there are also case reports of babies with birth defects, and it is not possible to rule out the retinoids as the cause.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) takes a similar line in its acne-in-pregnancy guidance: most experts recommend stopping tretinoin and adapalene during pregnancy, and it lists tazarotene among medications that can cause serious birth defects.
Those pages are about prescribed products used mainly for acne. They do not assess over-the-counter cosmetic retinol. Because retinol is a vitamin A derivative, we advise the cautious approach and our retinol guide says the same.
Which other skincare ingredients do the sources mention?
The AAD page covers acne treatments rather than anti-ageing creams, but it names some ingredients that also appear in skincare:
| Ingredient | What the AAD says (acne guidance, US) |
|---|---|
| Salicylic acid | Generally considered safe when used for a limited time; talk to your obstetrician or dermatologist first. |
| Azelaic acid | Thought to be safe in pregnancy; in animal studies researchers have not seen birth defects. |
| Benzoyl peroxide | Experts say it is safe in limited amounts; talk to your obstetrician or dermatologist first. |
| Tretinoin, adapalene | Most experts recommend stopping during pregnancy. |
The AAD also notes that pregnant women are not given medications in trials, so what is known comes from animal studies and from women who used treatments while pregnant. Treat this as limited evidence, not a green light.
What about sunscreen?
None of the sources above assesses sunscreen filters in pregnancy, so we do not make claims about particular products. For general adult sun protection, the NHS advises a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection, used with shade and suitable clothing rather than on its own. Daily sun protection is also the most consistent theme in our prevention tips.
Is it fine to pause wrinkle creams?
For retinoid acne treatments, UKTIS says it is likely to be safe to stop treatment during pregnancy. A pared-back routine is a sensible fallback: a gentle cleanser, a plain moisturiser and daily sun protection. See our morning routine and sensitive-skin guide for fragrance-free, low-fuss options, and check any product with your midwife or pharmacist.
What should I ask my midwife, GP or pharmacist?
- Does any product I use contain a retinoid or vitamin A derivative (check labels for retinol, retinal, retinyl palmitate, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene)?
- Is salicylic acid, azelaic acid or any other active in my routine fine for me at my stage of pregnancy?
- Which sunscreen would they suggest for me?
- Should I pause anything while trying to conceive or breastfeeding?
Sources
- UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS), Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy: Retinoid gels and creams ('topical retinoids'), October 2024, version 5.0. UK.
- American Academy of Dermatology: Is any acne treatment safe to use during pregnancy? (page undated, accessed 16 October 2026). US.
- NHS: Sunscreen and sun safety (accessed 16 October 2026). UK.