Why You Should Avoid Retinol and Retinal When Pregnant or Trying to Conceive

Retinol and retinal are popular skincare ingredients known for improving skin texture, softening the appearance of fine lines, supporting collagen production, and helping manage acne. They are widely used in anti-aging serums, night creams, and other skincare products.

However, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or actively trying to conceive, these ingredients deserve special attention.

Retinol and retinal belong to a family of ingredients called retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A. Although vitamin A plays an essential role in normal fetal development, excessive exposure to certain forms of vitamin A can harm a developing baby. Because some retinoids are associated with serious birth defects and the safety evidence for topical products remains limited, healthcare professionals generally recommend avoiding topical retinoids during pregnancy.

The safest approach is to review your skincare routine before conception and choose alternatives that are better suited to this stage of life.

1. What Are Retinol and Retinal?

Retinol and retinal, also called retinaldehyde, are forms of vitamin A used in skincare to improve the appearance and function of the skin.

Both ingredients are part of the retinoid family, but they undergo different steps before becoming retinoic acid, the biologically active form that interacts with skin cells.

Retinol is commonly found in over-the-counter anti-aging products. Retinal is often marketed as retinaldehyde and is also used in anti-aging and acne-focused skincare formulations.

Although both can provide skincare benefits, neither should automatically be considered pregnancy-safe simply because it is available without a prescription.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises avoiding topical retinoids during pregnancy. Its guidance notes that topical products are absorbed in relatively small amounts, but avoidance is generally recommended as a precaution.

Source: ACOG — Skin Conditions During Pregnancy

2. Why Are Retinol and Retinal Not Recommended During Pregnancy?

Vitamin A is essential, but too much can be harmful

Vitamin A supports normal fetal growth and development, including the development of the brain, heart, eyes, and other organs. However, excessive exposure to certain vitamin A derivatives can interfere with normal development.

Oral isotretinoin, a prescription retinoid used to treat severe acne, is a well-established cause of serious birth defects when taken during pregnancy.

Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin and adapalene, generally result in much lower systemic exposure than oral retinoids. Research on topical exposure has not demonstrated the same established level of risk. However, the available evidence is not sufficient to rule out all potential risks.

For this reason, healthcare professionals generally recommend avoiding topical retinoids during pregnancy rather than taking an unnecessary risk for cosmetic benefits.

Source: MotherToBaby — Topical Acne Treatments

A developing baby is especially vulnerable during early pregnancy

During early pregnancy, an embryo undergoes rapid development as major organs begin to form. Some people do not realize they are pregnant until several weeks after conception.

Avoiding ingredients that are not recommended during pregnancy can help reduce unnecessary exposures during this important period.

This is one reason it makes sense to review skincare products before trying to conceive rather than waiting for a positive pregnancy test.

Importantly, this does not mean that using a retinol product before discovering a pregnancy automatically means a baby has been harmed. Topical exposure is different from oral retinoid exposure, and the available evidence for topical tretinoin is generally reassuring, although not definitive.

Source: MotherToBaby — Topical Tretinoin

3. Is Retinal Safer Than Retinol During Pregnancy?

Not enough evidence exists to establish retinal as a safe alternative to retinol during pregnancy.

Retinaldehyde is a precursor to retinoic acid, as is retinol. Both are vitamin A derivatives, and both can contribute to the biological pathways associated with retinoid activity.

Retinal is sometimes marketed as a more effective or faster-acting alternative to retinol. However, potency, skin tolerance, and pregnancy safety are different questions.

There is limited direct pregnancy-safety research specifically on cosmetic retinaldehyde. Recommendations to avoid topical retinoids during pregnancy are based on the retinoid family, known risks associated with certain members of that family, and limitations in the available safety data.

Therefore, it is prudent to avoid both retinol and retinal when pregnant. If you are trying to conceive, consider switching to a non-retinoid skincare routine before conception.

This is a precautionary recommendation, not proof that cosmetic retinal has been shown to cause birth defects in humans.

4. Should You Stop Using Retinol or Retinal While Trying to Conceive?

If you are actively trying to conceive, the simplest precaution is to discontinue topical retinol and retinal and choose alternatives that are appropriate for pregnancy.

There are several reasons to make this change before pregnancy is confirmed:

• Conception may occur before you recognize that you are pregnant.
• Early fetal development begins before many people receive prenatal care.
• Pregnancy-safety studies for individual cosmetic retinoids are limited.
• Retinol and retinal are cosmetic ingredients, so alternative skincare options can often meet similar goals without requiring retinoid exposure.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends reviewing prescription medications, nonprescription medications, supplements, and other relevant exposures during preconception counseling.

Source: ACOG — Prepregnancy Counseling

There is no universally established washout period for ordinary cosmetic retinol or retinal comparable to the specific precautions required for certain prescription oral retinoids. Ask your OB-GYN or dermatologist whether any individualized precautions are appropriate for your product and circumstances.

5. What If You Used Retinol Before Realizing You Were Pregnant?

First, do not panic.

Using a topical retinoid before knowing you were pregnant does not automatically mean that your pregnancy has been harmed.

MotherToBaby explains that only a small amount of topical tretinoin is generally absorbed through intact skin when used as directed. Studies have not shown an increased risk of birth defects in larger studies of topical tretinoin exposure, although the evidence remains too limited to exclude every possible risk.

The appropriate next steps are straightforward:

1. Stop using the retinol or retinal product while you seek medical guidance.
2. Check the ingredient list and keep the product packaging or a photograph of the label.
3. Tell your OB-GYN or healthcare professional the product name, strength if known, frequency of use, approximate dates of use, and where you applied it.
4. Ask whether your exposure requires any additional assessment.

Your healthcare professional can evaluate the actual ingredient and exposure rather than assuming that every retinoid product carries the same risk.

Prescription oral isotretinoin is a different and substantially higher-risk situation. If you took oral isotretinoin during pregnancy or around conception, contact your prescribing clinician and OB-GYN promptly.

Source: MotherToBaby — Topical Tretinoin

6. Pregnancy-Friendly Alternatives to Retinol and Retinal

You do not have to abandon your skincare routine to take a precautionary approach. Several non-retinoid ingredients may help support smoother, brighter, and more hydrated skin.

ACOG identifies topical azelaic acid and glycolic acid, among other ingredients, as options that may be used during pregnancy. Its guidance also lists certain over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide and topical salicylic acid. However, suitability depends on the formulation, concentration, application, and individual circumstances.

Vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides are commonly used non-retinoid skincare ingredients, but the complete product formula should still be reviewed with your healthcare professional.

Sources: ACOG — Skin Conditions During Pregnancy and MotherToBaby — Topical Acne Treatments

7. A Simple Skincare Routine for People Trying to Conceive

A consistent routine can support your skin without relying on retinoids.

Morning

1. Gentle cleanser.
2. Vitamin C or niacinamide serum, if tolerated.
3. Moisturizer containing ceramides or other barrier-supporting ingredients.
4. Broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher.

Evening

1. Gentle cleanser.
2. Azelaic acid, if appropriate for your skin and approved by your healthcare professional.
3. Moisturizer to maintain hydration and support the skin barrier.

Introduce new products gradually and avoid combining several strong active ingredients at once, particularly if your skin is irritated or sensitive.

Check the full ingredient list of every serum, moisturizer, and treatment. A product marketed as pregnancy-friendly may still contain retinoids or other ingredients that warrant review.

If acne, pigmentation, or another skin condition is difficult to manage, a dermatologist can help build a treatment plan that fits your needs.

8. Read the Ingredient Label Carefully

Retinoids can appear under several names on skincare labels. If you are trying to conceive or are pregnant, look for ingredients such as:

• Retinol
• Retinal or retinaldehyde
• Tretinoin
• Adapalene
• Tazarotene
• Trifarotene
• Retinyl retinoate

This list includes both cosmetic ingredients and prescription retinoids. Their absorption, potency, and risk profiles are not identical, so they should not be treated as interchangeable.

Also remember that prescription oral retinoids, including isotretinoin, have substantially different risk profiles from topical cosmetic products and require specific medical precautions.

When in doubt, take a photograph of the ingredient list and ask your OB-GYN or dermatologist to review it.

Final Thoughts: Your Skincare Routine Can Change With You

Retinol and retinal can be useful skincare ingredients, but pregnancy and preconception are times to prioritize established safety guidance over cosmetic performance.

The recommendation to avoid them during pregnancy is precautionary. It does not mean that every topical exposure causes harm, nor does it mean that you should panic if you used a product before realizing you were pregnant.

If you are trying to conceive, switching to a non-retinoid routine before pregnancy is a practical way to reduce unnecessary uncertainty while continuing to care for your skin.

Beautiful skin does not depend on one ingredient. With a thoughtful routine, appropriate sun protection, and guidance from your healthcare professional, you can continue supporting your skin while preparing for pregnancy.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist about skincare ingredients and medications when trying to conceive or during pregnancy.

References

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). “Skin Conditions During Pregnancy.” acog.org
2. MotherToBaby. “Topical Acne Treatments.” mothertobaby.org
3. MotherToBaby. “Topical Tretinoin.” mothertobaby.org
4. UK Teratology Information Service (UKTIS). “Use of Tretinoin in Pregnancy.” uktis.org
5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). “Prepregnancy Counseling.” acog.org