Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy, and Safe Alternatives to Use Instead

One morning, you might find yourself organizing your usual skincare products. As you scan through the ingredient list, a question suddenly comes to mind: Are all of these ingredients actually safe to use during pregnancy?

It's a perfectly valid concern. During pregnancy, it's important to pay closer attention to everything you put on your body, as certain skincare ingredients can be absorbed through the skin to some extent.

The good news is that you don't have to stop caring for your skin while you're pregnant. The key is knowing which ingredients to avoid and choosing safer alternatives instead.

Why Should Pregnant Women Be More Careful When Choosing Skincare Products?

Pregnancy brings many changes to your skin. Hormonal fluctuations can make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. Many expectant mothers also experience acne, dryness, or dark patches known as melasma.

At the same time, some active skincare ingredients can be absorbed through the skin. Although the amount absorbed is generally small, the safety of certain ingredients during pregnancy has not been fully established. For this reason, healthcare professionals often recommend avoiding specific ingredients as a precaution.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant women should carefully review skincare ingredient lists to avoid substances that may pose potential risks to fetal development.

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

1. Retinol and Vitamin A Derivatives

Retinol is one of the most commonly recommended ingredients to avoid during pregnancy.

This group includes:

• Retinol

• Retinal

• Tretinoin

• Retinoic Acid

• Retinyl Palmitate

• Isotretinoin

Retinoids are highly effective for treating acne and reducing signs of aging. However, high levels of vitamin A exposure have been associated with an increased risk of birth defects. As a result, most healthcare providers recommend discontinuing retinoid-based skincare throughout pregnancy.

2. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a common skin-brightening ingredient.

The concern is that it has a relatively high absorption rate through the skin. Since there is limited research on its safety during pregnancy, it's generally recommended to postpone using hydroquinone until after childbirth.

3. High-Concentration Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid isn't always considered unsafe during pregnancy.

Low-concentration products (generally below 2%) are widely regarded as acceptable by many experts. However, high-strength formulations and chemical peels containing salicylic acid should be avoided while pregnant.

4. Parabens

Parabens are preservatives commonly found in cosmetic and skincare products.

Although they are permitted in regulated amounts, some studies suggest that parabens may have estrogen-like activity. As a precaution, many expectant mothers prefer choosing products labeled paraben-free during pregnancy.

5. Phthalates and Synthetic Fragrances

Phthalates are not always listed by name on product labels. Instead, they may be hidden under general terms such as "fragrance" or "parfum."

Some studies have linked phthalates to hormone disruption. Whenever possible, opt for fragrance-free skincare products or brands that provide greater transparency about their ingredient lists.

6. Certain Chemical Sunscreens

Some chemical sunscreen ingredients, including oxybenzone and avobenzone, can be absorbed into the body.

Instead, many dermatologists recommend using mineral sunscreens containing:

• Zinc Oxide

• Titanium Dioxide

These ingredients sit on the skin's surface to provide broad-spectrum UV protection with minimal absorption into the body.

Skincare Ingredients That Are Generally Considered Safe During Pregnancy

Source: Pexels

You can still maintain a healthy skincare routine during pregnancy by choosing ingredients that are generally considered pregnancy-safe, such as:

• Niacinamide, which helps strengthen the skin barrier, control excess oil, and promote a brighter complexion.

• Hyaluronic Acid, which provides deep hydration and keeps the skin feeling plump and supple.

• Centella Asiatica, known for its soothing properties that help calm sensitive or irritated skin.

• Low-concentration Vitamin C, which helps brighten dull skin and protects against free radical damage.

• Mineral sunscreen contains Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, which provides broad-spectrum sun protection with minimal absorption into the body.

If you have specific skin concerns or require targeted treatments, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider or dermatologist before introducing new skincare products during pregnancy.

Skin Changes During Pregnancy Are Completely Normal

Every pregnancy is different, and so is every woman's skin.

Some of the most common skin changes during pregnancy include:

• Acne caused by hormonal fluctuations

• Melasma, also known as the "mask of pregnancy"

• Increased skin sensitivity

• Stretch marks

• Dry or itchy skin

The good news is that many of these changes gradually improve after childbirth. In the meantime, the priority is to care for your skin using products that are both gentle and safe for you and your growing baby.

Skincare Isn't the Only Thing to Consider

As you become more mindful about the skincare products you use, you may start wondering about something else: Will my baby's feeding bottles and breastfeeding essentials be safe too?

It's an important question.

Baby bottles are used every day and come into direct contact with both breast milk and your baby's mouth. That's why choosing high-quality, safe materials is just as important as selecting pregnancy-safe skincare.

Prepare a Safe Feeding System Before Your Baby Arrives

Beyond preparing for childbirth, it's also worth choosing safe breastfeeding essentials ahead of your baby's arrival.

Medical-Grade PPSU Material

Hegen bottles are made from medical-grade PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone), a premium material that is free from BPA, BPS, and phthalates.

Designed to withstand temperatures ranging from -18°C to 180°C, PPSU is safe for freezing breast milk, warming feeds, and repeated sterilization without becoming discolored or losing its durability.

Because of its exceptional strength, PPSU bottles also last significantly longer than conventional plastic bottles, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

The Express-Store-Feed (ESF) System

Hegen's Express-Store-Feed (ESF) system is designed to simplify every stage of your breastfeeding journey.

You can express breast milk directly into the same bottle, store it safely, and feed your baby without transferring the milk into another container. This seamless process helps minimize the risk of contamination while making feeding more convenient for busy parents.

Designed to Help Reduce Colic

Hegen bottles feature the Smart Built-In Anti-Colic Air Vent System, which helps reduce the amount of air your baby swallows during feeding.

The bottle is also paired with Hegen's signature elliptical, breast-shaped teat, designed to encourage a more natural latch. This makes it suitable for babies who are breastfed, bottle-fed, or transitioning between the two.

Prepare your breastfeeding essentials before your baby arrives by choosing original Hegen PPSU bottles from the Official Hegen Indonesia Store. Designed for safety, durability, and convenience, Hegen supports your breastfeeding journey from day one.

A Pregnancy Checklist Before Your Little One Arrives

As your due date approaches, here are a few important preparations you can start making:

• Review the ingredient list of your current skincare products.

• Switch to skincare formulated with pregnancy-safe ingredients.

• Prepare BPA-free PPSU feeding bottles and breastfeeding essentials.

• Choose a feeding system that can grow with your baby, from the newborn stage through the introduction of solid foods.

• Build a strong support system with your partner to make your breastfeeding journey more comfortable after delivery.

Read also: Newborn Essentials Checklist: Focus on the Items You'll Use Every Day, Not Just the Cute Ones.

Being Careful Is One of the First Acts of Love

Being more mindful about the skincare products you use during pregnancy doesn't mean you have to stop caring for yourself. Instead, understanding which ingredients are safe, and which ones are best avoided, allows you to continue your skincare routine while protecting your baby's well-being.

The same principle applies when choosing baby essentials. Investing in high-quality feeding bottles made from safe materials and selecting the right feeding system during pregnancy can help create a smoother, more comfortable breastfeeding experience in the months ahead.

Explore Hegen's original collection through the Official Hegen Indonesia Store. Because every thoughtful choice you make today is part of giving your little one the very best start in life.

Reference

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2023). Medications and Pregnancy. Diakses dari https://www.acog.org

• U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). (2021). Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Diakses dari https://www.fda.gov

• National Health Service UK (NHS). (2023). Which skin treatments should I avoid in pregnancy? Diakses dari https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/skin-treatments-to-avoid/

• Murase, J. E., et al. (2014). Safety of dermatologic medications in pregnancy and lactation. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 70(3), 401.e1–401.e14.

• Maguiness, S., & Cowan, A. (2020). Skincare in pregnancy: An evidence-based review. Journal of Perinatal Medicine, 48(5), 422–429.

• World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Infant and Young Child Feeding. Diakses dari https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding