Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Safe Skincare Ingredient Guide
What to Avoid & What to Choose During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding.
Your skin deserves care that's both safe and effective. Save this online guide or print the one-pager and take it with you whilst shopping!
Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
These ingredients are commonly found in skincare and cosmetic products but should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks:
Retinoids (Vitamin A Derivatives)
- Retinoic Acid
- Retinol
- Retinyl Palmitate
- Retinyl Acetate
- Retinyl Propionate
- Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
Why avoid? May increase the risk of birth defects when used topically in high concentrations.
Acne Treatments
- Benzoyl Peroxide (over 5%)
- Salicylic Acid (over 2%)
Why avoid? High levels may be absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially affect fetal development.
Preservatives to Avoid
- Parabens (e.g., Methylparaben, Propylparaben)
- Phthalates
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives:
- Diazolidinyl Urea
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Quaternium-15
- Imidazolidinyl Urea
Why avoid? These can disrupt hormones and may be harmful with long-term exposure.
Essential Oils to Avoid
- Basil
- Bitter Almond
- Black Pepper
- Cedarwood
- Chamomile (German)
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Fennel
- Horseradish
- Jasmine
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Mustard
- Myrrh
- Nutmeg
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Stinging Nettle
- Thyme
Why avoid? Some essential oils may stimulate uterine contractions or affect hormone balance.
Safe Alternatives You Can Trust
Use these gentle, pregnancy-safe ingredients
Pregnancy Safe Comparisons
| Ingredient Use | Unsafe Ingredient | Safe Ingredient Substitutes |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Lines & Wrinkles | Retinol / Retinoids | Bakuchiol, Resveratrol |
| Dark Spots & Sun Spots | Hydroquinone | Alpha-arbutin, Licorice root extract |
| Acne | Salicylic Acid (BHA in high %) | Lactic acid, Azelaic acid, glycolic acid <7% |
| Added Fragrance | Synthetic Fragrance (with phthalates) | Hydrosols (e.g. rose, chamomile), Vanilla extract |
| Acne & Oily Skin | Benzoyl Peroxide (over 5%) | Centella asiatica, Niacinamide |
These support healthy skin without posing any known risks during pregnancy.
Tips for Choosing Safe Products
✔ Always check the INCI list (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) on product labels.
✔ Look for clean beauty certifications like COSMOS, Ecocert, or EWG Verified.
✔ When in doubt, opt for minimal ingredient lists and natural formulations.
✔ Patch test new products before full use.
Our Pregnancy-Safe Favorites
La Roche Posay
Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
Minimalist formula to hydrate skin and reduce the risk of irritation.Fragrance-free, no tensio-active ingredients and no preservatives.
Shop Now
La Base
Le Sérum
A nutrient-rich serum that deeply hydrates while protecting your skin's moisture barrier. Formulated with bakuchiol as a safe retinol alternative.
Shop Now
La Roche Posay
Toleriane Sensitive Prebiotic Moisturiser
Toleriane soothing protective skincare lotion is ideal for sensitive, easily irritation prone skin because it hydrates, soothes and protects.
Shop NowFrom La Base – For Mums Who Deserve Better Skincare
At La Base, we believe in safe, clean skincare made with love — especially for mums and babies. Our Lait Labs Kit helps you create nourishing, custom skincare from your own breastmilk.
Print this guide and keep it handy while shopping for skincare or makeup during pregnancy. Share it with expecting friends who might need it too!