Pregnancy is a time of incredible change - and your skin can change too.
Many people notice differences in their skin during pregnancy, including changes in:
- Dryness
- Sensitivity
- Oil production
- Breakouts
- Pigmentation
- Skin texture
As your skin changes, you may also start reviewing your skincare routine and questioning whether your favourite ingredients are still right for you.
One ingredient that often raises questions is retinol.
Retinol and other retinoids are some of the most popular skincare ingredients for supporting smoother-looking skin, improving the appearance of texture and promoting a more radiant complexion.
However, many people choose to avoid retinoids during pregnancy as a precaution and look for alternative ingredients that support their skin goals.
At AMPERNA®, we believe pregnancy skincare should focus on gentle formulations, supporting the skin barrier and choosing products that help maintain comfortable, healthy-looking skin.
In this article, we’ll explain:
- What retinoids are
- The difference between retinol and retinoids
- Why retinoids are generally avoided during pregnancy
- Retinol alternatives for pregnancy skincare routines
- How to maintain smooth, radiant-looking skin without vitamin A derivatives
What Are Retinoids?
Retinoids are a group of vitamin A-derived ingredients commonly used in skincare.
They are popular because they help support the appearance of:
- Fine lines
- Uneven texture
- Dull-looking skin
- Congestion
- Signs of ageing
Retinoids work by supporting the skin’s natural renewal process, which is why they are commonly found in pro-ageing skincare routines.
The term “retinoid” covers a variety of vitamin A derivatives, including:
- Retinol
- Retinal
- Retinoic acid
- Tretinoin
- Adapalene
These ingredients vary in strength and how they interact with the skin.
What Is The Difference Between Retinol and Retinoids?
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, there are differences between them.
Retinoids
Retinoids are the broader category of vitamin A derivatives.
Prescription retinoids such as tretinoin are stronger forms and are generally used under professional guidance.
Retinol
Retinol is a type of retinoid commonly found in cosmetic skincare products.
It is considered a gentler form of vitamin A compared with prescription retinoids.
However, because retinoids are vitamin A derivatives, many healthcare professionals recommend avoiding them during pregnancy as a precaution.
Can You Use Retinol While Pregnant?
One of the most common skincare questions during pregnancy is:
“Can I continue using my retinol?”
Many healthcare professionals recommend avoiding retinoids during pregnancy, including topical retinol products.
This recommendation is based on a precautionary approach around vitamin A derivatives during pregnancy.
If you have been using retinol and discover you are pregnant, there is no need to panic. Speak with your healthcare professional for personalised advice about your skincare routine.
Why Are Retinoids Avoided During Pregnancy?
High-dose oral retinoids are well established as teratogenic, meaning they can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Because of this, medications such as isotretinoin are strictly contraindicated for pregnant people and require pregnancy prevention programs when prescribed.
Topical retinoids, including retinol, are absorbed through the skin at much lower levels. Current evidence does not clearly show that topical retinoids cause harm to a developing baby. However, research in this area is limited, and for ethical reasons, large, controlled studies in pregnant populations are unlikely.
As a result, most health professionals take a precautionary approach and advise avoiding all forms of retinoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Why Advice Can Feel Inconsistent
Some medical and health organisations acknowledge that systemic absorption from topical retinoids is low and that the risk is largely theoretical. Others recommend complete avoidance due to the lack of definitive safety data and the known risks associated with vitamin A exposure at high levels.
This variation in guidance can understandably leave expectant parents unsure about what is safe - particularly when managing pregnancy-related skin changes such as acne, sensitivity, or pigmentation.
Current Expert Recommendations
Most dermatologists and maternal health professionals advise the following:
- Avoid prescription and cosmetic retinoids during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- If a topical retinoid was used before pregnancy recognition, there is generally no need to panic, but it should be discontinued and discussed with a healthcare professional.
- Individual advice should always be sought from a doctor, midwife, or dermatologist, particularly if prescription treatments have been used.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Alternatives
There are many ingredients that can help support the skin during pregnancy without the concerns associated with retinoids. Commonly recommended options include:
- Niacinamide - supports the skin barrier and helps improve the appearance of uneven tone and sensitivity
- Hyaluronic acid - provides hydration and helps maintain skin comfort
- Vitamin C - offers antioxidant support and can assist with skin brightness
- Bakuchiol - a plant-derived ingredient often used as a retinol alternative
At AMPERNA®, we focus on gentle, barrier-supportive formulations that are designed to work with sensitive and reactive skin - making them a considered choice during pregnancy when skin can be more unpredictable.
10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion [EXFOLIATE]
For those looking to maintain skin clarity and smoothness without retinoids, 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion [EXFOLIATE] combines exfoliating acids with calming, skin-supportive ingredients to help refine the appearance of texture while respecting the skin barrier.
This formula is designed to help improve the appearance of:
- Uneven texture
- Dull-looking skin
- Surface congestion
Powered by:
- 10% glycolic acid (AHA)
- Antioxidants
- Skin-conditioning ingredients
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps exfoliate the surface of the skin, supporting a smoother-looking complexion.
As with all skincare ingredients during pregnancy, we recommend discussing your individual routine with your healthcare professional.
Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol ALT [SUPERADIANCE]
If you are specifically seeking a retinol alternative, Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol ALT [SUPERADIANCE] is designed to support the appearance of skin renewal and brightness using non-retinoid ingredients.
This formula provides a retinoid-inspired approach without traditional vitamin A derivatives.
Designed to support the appearance of:
- Fine lines
- Uneven-looking texture
- Dullness
- Loss of radiance
Hero ingredients include:
Bakuchiol
A plant-derived ingredient commonly used as a retinol alternative to support smoother-looking, radiant skin.
Postbiotic Support
Helps support AMPERNA®’s microbiome-focused skincare philosophy.
Barrier-Supporting Ingredients
Designed to help maintain skin comfort.
A Gentle Pregnancy Skincare Routine
During pregnancy, many people choose to simplify their skincare routine and focus on hydration, barrier support and gentle active ingredients.
A simple routine may include:
Step 1: Cleanse
Ultra Gentle Soothing Cleanser [BALANCE]
A gentle cleanser designed to remove:
- Makeup
- Sunscreen
- Daily impurities
without leaving skin feeling stripped.
Ideal for skin that feels:
- Sensitive
- Dry
- Easily unsettled
Step 2: Support Skin Comfort
Pro+ DS Soothing Serum [RESCUE]
A lightweight serum designed to support the appearance of balanced, comfortable skin.
Powered by AMPERNA® microbiome-focused technology, it helps support skin that feels:
- Reactive
- Sensitive
- Stressed
Step 3: Support Radiance and Smoothness
Choose one depending on your skincare goals:
For Skin Clarity and Texture:
10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion [EXFOLIATE]
Designed to help refine the appearance of:
- Uneven texture
- Dullness
- Surface congestion
For A Retinol Alternative:
Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol ALT [SUPERADIANCE]
Designed to support:
- Smooth-looking skin
- Radiance
- More refined-looking texture
without traditional vitamin A derivatives.
Step 4: Hydrate
Lightweight Soothing+ Emulsion [HYDRATE]
A lightweight moisturiser designed to support hydration and skin comfort.
It helps maintain soft, nourished-looking skin without feeling heavy.
Step 5: Protect
Pro+ Bio Soothing Day Mineral CC SPF15 [HYDRAPROTECT]
Daily sun protection is an important step in supporting healthy-looking skin.
This mineral SPF provides lightweight protection while helping skin feel comfortable.
Other Pregnancy Skin Changes
Pregnancy hormones can influence your skin in many ways.
Some people experience:
- Increased sensitivity
- Dryness
- Breakouts
- Changes in pigmentation
- Increased skin reactivity
During this time, focusing on gentle skincare and supporting your skin barrier can help maintain a comfortable routine.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is a time when many people rethink their skincare choices.
While retinoids are popular ingredients for supporting smoother-looking and more youthful-looking skin, many people choose to avoid them during pregnancy and explore alternative options.
The focus should always be on:
- Supporting your skin barrier
- Choosing gentle formulations
- Maintaining hydration
- Understanding your individual skin needs
At AMPERNA®, we believe skincare should support your skin’s natural balance, helping maintain a healthy-looking barrier while respecting your skin’s individual needs.
By choosing microbiome-focused, barrier-conscious skincare, you can continue supporting healthy-looking skin through every stage of life.
References
- ABC News. Retinoids and pregnancy: what we know and why advice differs.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2026-02-08/retinoids-and-retinol-when-pregnant/106250060 - UK Department of Health & Social Care. Retinoids: pregnancy prevention guidance.
- Healthline. Is retinol safe during pregnancy?
- DermNet NZ. Retinoids and pregnancy.
