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The Pregnancy-Safe

Everything But the Actives

You can skip retinol, high-strength salicylic acid, and high-dose vitamin C during pregnancy and still run a full skincare routine. Niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, and azelaic acid all stay on the table.

Pregnancy · PostpartumNo RetinolNo Salicylic

The Essentials

The minimum routine. Skip nothing here.

The Extras

Optional add-ons. Each has a "when to add" trigger, none are daily-use unless the trigger fits.

The list of pregnancy-safe ingredients is longer than the do-not list. For acne, ACOG lists topical benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, topical salicylic acid and glycolic acid as over-the-counter ingredients you can use during pregnancy. The do-not list: retinoids (any), salicylic above 2% leave-on, high-dose vitamin C (irritation risk), hydroquinone. When in doubt, ask your OB before introducing a new product. This routine assumes a healthy pregnancy with no specific dermatologic complications.