There are many factors to consider during one’s pregnancy journey, one of those being fine-tuning your skincare routines. You may experience new skin concerns that have never come up before, such as dryness, dullness, or unbalanced skin, and finding the right skincare products and ingredients can help you get a handle on them. However when one is expecting, they need to be especially diligent about what they’re putting on their skin and whether it can have an effect on pregnancy.

Below are a handful of ingredients to avoid during your pregnancy, and alternative pregnancy-safe ones you can look toward instead to treat your skin concerns. It’s only right that you get to feel beautiful and comfortable in your own skin during this time, without compromising the health of your expected loved one. The lineup covers everything from fine lines to dryness to pore care, to maintain your skin in its best condition. Scroll down to get all the details.

*Disclaimer: while the recommendations are based upon research and brand information, consult with your doctor to verify if the products are right for you.

Avoid: Retinol

Try: Bakuchiol

Retinol is an active form of Vitamin A that is not recommended for mothers-to-be, as it has the potential to cause irritation to the mother or result in birth defects. If you’re seeking out the fine line-smoothing, skin-improving benefits of Vitamin A, turn to Retinol’s plant-based sister Bakuchiol. The naturally-derived source of Vitamin A does not contain the same properties of Retinol, but offer similar effects without inducing sensitivity.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - PURITO

Promoting well-aging and a youthful appearance is the PURITO Bakuchiol Timeless Bloom Revitalizing Serum. 1% Bakuchiol extract takes charge to refine the pores and improve skin firmness, while Allantoin calms any irritation and Betaine delivers a dose of hydration. The viscous texture is fast-absorbing and tested to be non-irritating, fitting into your pregnancy skincare routine seamlessly.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Haruharu WONDER

If you’re concerned about wrinkles during your pregnancy journey, let the Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Bakuchiol Eye Cream ease your troubles. This formula combines the brand’s signature Black Rice ingredient with skin-loving Bakuchiol to melt into the complexion, plumping up fine lines and providing antioxidant protection. While it’s primarily made for use under the eyes, you can also apply it to other areas of concern for a nourishing boost.

Avoid: BHA

Try: AHA

Derms recommend pregnant women to put a pause on usage of BHAs, namely Salicylic Acid. Orally-ingested BHA (aka aspirin) is harmful to expectant mothers, and topically-applied BHA may have adverse effects. To treat excess sebum and buildup, look to AHAs like Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid that, when used in low dosages, perform the same exfoliating and skin-smoothing processes safely.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

Promoting well-aging and a youthful appearance is the Isntree Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence makes use of upcycled Chestnut shells and low-irritant AHAs to provide gentle care to a congested complexion. The former ingredient whips the pores into shape, while the latter sweep dead skin cells away and maintain optimal oil-water levels. If you struggle with rough skin texture or unevenness, this is the key to a smoother complexion and brighter skin tone.

Avoid: Alpha-Arbutin

Try: Niacinamide

Alpha-Arbutin is an effective pigmentation reducer, but unfortunately shouldn’t be used when you’re expecting. This ingredient breaks down into Hydroquinone on the skin, which dermatologists do not recommend for use during pregnancy as it poses a potential risk. Instead, Niacinamide is a great multi-tasking alternative that treats dark spots and marks whilst being a stable and safe ingredient to utilize in your everyday ritual.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ma:nyo

The upgraded version of the brand’s bestselling Galac Niacin Essence, the Ma:nyo Galac Niacin 2.0 Essence targets roughness, unevenness, dullness and blemishes in one go. Niacinamide defends the skin against the formation of melanin, stopping hyperpigmentation in its tracks. Simultaneously, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate balances the skin’s oil and water levels for a strengthened skin barrier and healthy appearance.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - MARY&MAY

Rejuvenate a dull and unbalanced complexion with the MARY&MAY Niacinamide + Chaenomeles Sinensis Serum. Its namesake ingredients join forces to inhibit pigmentation and smooth out textured skin, resulting in a smooth and radiant complexion. A wholly vegan formulation, expecting mothers of all skin types can use this without worry of irritation or inflammation.

Avoid: Injections, Peels and Laser

Try: Peptide

While skin procedures differ from skincare ingredients, it’s important to note that you should save the injections, peels, and lasers for after the pregnancy and breastfeeding periods. Your bodily hormones are extremely sensitive during this time, and can be agitated by heat or light emitted during these procedures. A skincare ingredient you can rely on for enhancing skin elasticity and improving fine lines is Peptide, considered by derms to be safe for expecting and new mothers.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - BONAJOUR

The mission of the BONAJOUR Peptide Water Cream is simple: to hydrate the skin without excess oiliness. By replenishing the skin’s hydration levels with Hyaluronic Acid, the skin is plumped up to enhance the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin. Peptides also lend a hand to repair a damaged skin barrier and support the skin’s long-term health. This creamy moisturizer sinks into the skin without residual stickiness, leaving the skin soft and glowy.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Jumiso

After a smoother, firmer complexion? Time to incorporate the Jumiso Snail Mucin 95 + Peptide Facial Essence into your routine. This refreshing booster targets everything from breakouts and excess sebum to dryness and wrinkles, thanks to its formula of 95% Snail Secretion Filtrate and a 5-Peptide Mix. Allantoin and Panthenol are also added to further hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a safe option for anyone with sensitive skin.

Watch Out For: Chemical Sunscreen

Try: Mineral Sunscreen

Whether chemical sunscreen is pregnancy-safe or not is a question still up for debate. While some dermatologists deem it safe for expecting mothers, others are concerned about the chemical that can affect both mother and child. To play it safe, mineral sunscreens are the way to go; also known as physical sunscreens, these formulas form a protective barrier on top of the skin to deflect UV rays, rather than get absorbed into the skin.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

Pregnancy can cause certain complexions to become drier, so it’s necessary to replenish moisture with every step of the skincare routine. Taking care of your sunscreen needs is the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++, packed with moisture-delivering Hyaluronic Acid, Inositol and Panthenol ingredients. The formula offers a blurring finish on the skin, suitable for anyone preferring a natural appearance.

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SKIN1004

A sunscreen that protects against sun rays while brightening the complexion? Say hello to the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus SPF50+ PA++++. Key ingredients of this SPF include Centella Asiatica, an effective and gentle skin soother, and Niacinamide, responsible for controlling skin redness and irritation. Reviewers love how it’s practically invisible on the skin despite its mineral filters, and how it doesn’t interfere with makeup.

Which ingredients will you be adding to your pregnancy skincare routine? Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!