These vitamin A derivatives are celebrated for their powerful skin-renewing effects, but during pregnancy, their benefits come with serious risks. Switching products isn’t just about skincare; it’s about protecting your baby’s development. Understanding which ingredients are safe and which to avoid is the first step toward a healthier pregnancy for you and your little one.


Retinol and Retinoids: An Overview
Both retinol and retinoids are a part of the vitamin A family, which helps to speed up cell turnover, clear pores, and boost collagen production. Here are some ingredients that are commonly used in anti-ageing and acne prevention products:
Retinol: Retinol is an OTC form available in serums and creams. It’s a gentler option, lower in strength, but still effective over time.
Tretinoin: A prescription-grade topical retinoid that is stronger and works faster than over-the-counter versions.
Isotretinoin: A potent oral retinoid, usually used for severe, cystic acne.
Retinaldehyde and Retinyl Palmitate: Other topical vitamin A derivatives are typically found in milder formulations for sensitive skin.
While these compounds yield promising outcomes, their potential to impact cellular development is also a factor that makes them a threat during pregnancy. A common misconception is that only prescription-strength retinoids such as tretinoin or isotretinoin are unsafe during pregnancy. In reality, over-the-counter (OTC) variants, such as retinol or retinaldehyde, should also be avoided.
Although OTC retinoids are less potent, they are still Vitamin A derivatives, which can be harmful to a foetus. Always read ingredient labels carefully and consult your healthcare professional before using any new skincare product while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Role of vitamin A in pregnancy
During pregnancy, vitamin A is vital for foetal organ development, including the heart, lungs, kidneys and eyes, as well as the circulatory and nervous systems.
However, maintaining the right balance is critical: while natural dietary vitamin A is essential, synthetic forms, such as retinoids, can become harmful in excessive amounts. Always prioritise food sources and consult a healthcare professional before taking supplements to avoid potential toxicity.
Beta-carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, fruits, and mangoes, is safe for you during pregnancy. It comes from plants and isn’t toxic.
Beta-carotene, unlike synthetic retinoids, is converted by the body on demand, with no risk of toxicity or exposure. These natural sources support healthy foetal development while also providing antioxidant benefits, without the risks associated with either topical or oral retinoids.
Why Retinol and Retinoids Are Risky During Pregnancy
What makes retinoids a critical risk factor in pregnancy is not merely how they work; it’s where they work. Due to their ability to modify cell physiology, they are very effective in treating skin concerns, but can also be hazardous to a developing foetus. Here’s what you need to know:
Teratogenic effects: Exposure in the first trimester, sometimes before a pregnancy is even confirmed, has been associated with abnormalities involving the face, brain, heart and spine. And because these risks can occur early, avoiding retinoids when trying to conceive or during pregnancy is important.
Systemic absorption: Topical retinoids are absorbed through the skin much less than oral versions, but they still end up in your bloodstream in small quantities. This limited absorption creates uncertainty, so most healthcare professionals advise stopping their use completely when you're pregnant or trying to conceive.
FDA warnings: Oral isotretinoin is classified as highly dangerous in some countries during pregnancy due to its teratogenic effects. Similar guidelines are followed internationally, too, with regulatory agencies urging against retinoid use in pregnancy unless needed and even then, only with close supervision.
Increased skin sensitivity: When you are pregnant, hormonal changes make your skin more reactive. Retinoids, or vitamin A derivatives used for acne or wrinkles, can cause increased sensitivity, dryness, and even chemical burns. As long as safer options exist, it’s not worth combining these side effects with their underlying risks.
Risks and Birth Defects Linked to Retinoids
Clinical data indicate that high-dose retinoids, in particular, oral isotretinoin or acitretin, can cause severe and frequently irreversible complications, such as:
Facial deformities like cleft palate or deformed ears
Congenital heart defects, especially of the outflow tracts of the heart
Neurological problems, such as underdevelopment of brain structures
Abnormalities of the thymus gland and parathyroid glands
Intellectual disabilities