Pregnancy and Body Care: Which Ingredients Are Safe?
Most everyday body care is fine. ACOG and the AAD both say to skip retinoids, including OTC retinol, and to ask before using anything else new.
By Rachel Moreno · Published
6 sources · Our standards
Straight answer
Pregnancy safe skincare for the body is mostly about reading labels: everyday body care is generally fine, but a few ingredients deserve a check. Both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advise avoiding retinoids, including over-the-counter retinol. ACOG lists topical benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, topical salicylic acid and glycolic acid as over-the-counter acne ingredients that can be used, while the AAD suggests discussing higher-strength salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide with a dermatologist. For anything not on those lists, ask your obstetrician or dermatologist before using it.
Pregnancy changes body skin in visible ways: dark patches, a dark line down the belly, stretch marks, breakouts on the chest and back, and itch. It also changes how carefully people read labels, often for the first time.
This guide sticks to what two US medical organizations have published: ACOG, the professional body for obstetrician-gynecologists, and the AAD. Where they differ in emphasis, we say so. None of this replaces a conversation with your own clinician, who knows your pregnancy.
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Pregnancy safe skincare: ingredients to avoid
Retinoids, including retinol
This is the clearest rule. ACOG says topical retinoids are a form of vitamin A in the same drug family as the oral acne medicine known to cause severe birth defects. Absorption through the skin is low, but ACOG says it is generally recommended to avoid them during pregnancy, and notes that some retinoids are sold over the counter, so you should read labels carefully (ACOG). The AAD’s pregnancy guide lists retinol and over-the-counter retinoid gels among the ingredients to avoid, along with prescription retinoids (AAD).
For body care, that means checking anti-aging body lotions, “firming” creams and some acne body treatments, which may contain retinol. Our articles on crepey skin recommend retinoids for body texture; if you’re pregnant, those steps wait.
Hydroquinone and unlabeled fading creams
The AAD lists hydroquinone, an ingredient used to fade dark patches, among those to avoid during pregnancy (AAD). Separately, the FDA warns that over-the-counter skin products containing hydroquinone or mercury are not FDA approved and can cause rashes, swelling and lasting darkening of the skin (FDA). If pregnancy pigmentation bothers you, ask a dermatologist rather than reaching for imported fading creams.
Certain prescription medicines
Both organizations list several prescription acne, hair-loss and antibiotic medicines that should not be used during pregnancy (ACOG; AAD). If you were using any prescription skin treatment before pregnancy, the AAD advises telling both your obstetrician and your dermatologist about all medications and prescription skin care, ideally when you start trying to conceive (AAD).
Ingredients to use with care or discuss first
The AAD’s guide lists a group of ingredients to use sparingly or discuss with a dermatologist: salicylic acid in concentrations above 2%, benzoyl peroxide, parabens, phthalates, phenol, triclosan, and some essential oils, including rosemary, basil, jasmine and sage (AAD).
ACOG’s list is somewhat more permissive for acne: it says over-the-counter products containing topical benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, topical salicylic acid or glycolic acid can be used during pregnancy, and advises contacting your ob-gyn about any other ingredient (ACOG). In practice, both point to the same habit: stick to familiar, lower-strength over-the-counter products and ask before adding anything else.
The short list
- Skip retinoids, including retinol in body lotions and firming creams, for the length of pregnancy.
- ACOG lists benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, salicylic acid and glycolic acid as over-the-counter acne ingredients that can be used.
- The AAD advises discussing higher-strength salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and some essential oils with a dermatologist.
- The AAD recommends a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide during pregnancy.
- No cream has been proven to prevent stretch marks.
Common body care ingredients during pregnancy
| Ingredient | What ACOG says | What the AAD says | Practical takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retinol and other retinoids | Generally recommended to avoid; read OTC labels | Avoid | Pause anti-aging and firming body lotions with retinol |
| Glycolic acid | Listed as OK in OTC acne products | Recommended (evening) | Generally fine; confirm with your clinician |
| Salicylic acid | Topical OTC use listed as OK | Use sparingly or discuss if above 2% | Low-strength washes; ask about higher strengths |
| Benzoyl peroxide | Topical OTC use listed as OK | Use sparingly or discuss | Short-contact washes; ask your clinician |
| Azelaic acid | Listed as OK in OTC products | Not mentioned in the AAD guide | Generally fine; confirm with your clinician |
| Vitamin C | Not addressed | Recommended (morning) | Fine for uneven tone |
| Hydroquinone | Not addressed | Avoid | Skip it |
| Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) | Recommends sunscreen daily outdoors | Recommended to avoid irritation | Use daily on exposed skin |
| Fragrance and essential oils | Not addressed | Choose fragrance-free; use some essential oils sparingly or discuss | Fragrance-free is the easier rule |
| Lactic acid, urea | Not addressed | Not mentioned | Ask before using |
Sunscreen and pregnancy pigmentation
ACOG describes melasma as brown patches caused by increased melanin and recommends sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat every day outdoors to keep it from getting worse, noting that UV rays reach skin even on cloudy days (ACOG). Darkening can also show up on the breasts, nipples and inner thighs, and as a line from the navel down (linea nigra). ACOG says dark spots and melasma usually fade after birth, although some patches last for years (ACOG).
The AAD’s pregnancy guide calls for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen on all skin not covered by clothing, and recommends a physical (mineral) sunscreen with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both to avoid skin irritation (AAD). A 2025 review of photoprotection in pregnancy, published in *Frontiers in Medicine* and archived by the National Library of Medicine, likewise recommends mineral filters as first-line, suggests tinted formulas with iron oxides, and advises avoiding sprays to prevent inhalation (Lim et al., 2025). For the body, the AAD’s standard guidance applies: about one ounce to cover exposed skin, reapplied every two hours outdoors (AAD).
For tone, the AAD’s dermatologists suggest a vitamin C product in the morning and glycolic acid in the evening to help prevent and treat discoloration (AAD).
Stretch marks and dry, itchy skin
ACOG is blunt about stretch marks: many products claim to prevent them, and there is no proof that any of them work. A heavy moisturizer may keep skin soft but won’t get rid of them. Most fade after birth, though they may never disappear completely (ACOG). By the third trimester, many pregnant people have stretch marks on the abdomen, buttocks, breasts or thighs (ACOG).
Moisturizer still earns its place for comfort. The AAD recommends a regular moisturizing routine and products free of fragrance and harsh ingredients like alcohols and sulfates (AAD). Applying a cream or ointment to damp skin right after a short, warm shower is the AAD’s core advice for dry skin (AAD). See our guide to body lotion, cream or oil for textures, and shower habits that dry out your skin for the other half of the equation.
Other body changes ACOG addresses
- Hair removal: ACOG says tweezing, waxing and shaving are safe during pregnancy (ACOG).
- Varicose veins: to ease swelling and soreness, ACOG suggests moving regularly, not sitting with legs crossed for long periods, propping legs up, regular exercise and support hose (ACOG).
- Existing skin conditions: eczema and psoriasis may get better or worse during pregnancy; tell your ob-gyn about any changes and review your medications (ACOG).
When to call your clinician
Get it looked at if
- you have severe itching without a rash, especially on the palms and soles; ACOG notes this is the main symptom of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, a liver condition that needs blood tests and close monitoring (ACOG)
- itchy red bumps, hives or blisters appear, particularly on the abdomen (ACOG)
- a tender, red spot appears on your leg (ACOG)
- you want to continue or start any prescription skin treatment
- you’re unsure whether a body product’s ingredients are safe
Your obstetrician or midwife is the first call for itch and leg symptoms; a board-certified dermatologist can help with skin treatments and products.
Frequently asked questions
Is retinol safe during pregnancy?
ACOG says it is generally recommended to avoid topical retinoids during pregnancy and to read over-the-counter labels carefully, and the AAD lists retinol among ingredients to avoid (ACOG; AAD). Pause retinol body lotions until after pregnancy and ask your clinician about breastfeeding.
Can I use glycolic or lactic acid body lotion while pregnant?
ACOG lists glycolic acid among over-the-counter acne ingredients that can be used during pregnancy, and the AAD’s dermatologists recommend it in the evening (ACOG; AAD). Neither guide specifically addresses lactic acid, so check with your clinician.
What sunscreen is safe during pregnancy?
The AAD recommends a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and a physical (mineral) sunscreen with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both (AAD). A 2025 review also suggests avoiding sprays (Lim et al., 2025).
Do stretch mark creams work?
According to ACOG, there is no proof that any product prevents stretch marks. Moisturizer may keep skin soft and comfortable, and most stretch marks fade after birth (ACOG).
How can I treat body acne during pregnancy?
ACOG suggests gentle washing, not picking, and over-the-counter products with benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, salicylic acid or glycolic acid (ACOG). The AAD advises discussing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid above 2% with a dermatologist (AAD). See our guide to body acne for routines, skipping the retinoid step.
About the author
Rachel Moreno writes Body Skin Insider's guides to crepey skin, discoloration, dry skin and the ingredients that help, with a focus on the skin below the chin. Each guide lists its sources and spells out when a spot or change should be seen by a dermatologist.
How we put this together
We built this guide from 6 sources, including ACOG, the American Academy of Dermatology and peer-reviewed studies. Key claims link to the source that supports them.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Skin Conditions During Pregnancy.” ACOG Frequently Asked Questions. acog.org
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care.” AAD, updated 2025. aad.org
- Lim HW, Piquero-Casals J, Schalka S, et al. “Photoprotection in pregnancy: addressing safety concerns and optimizing skin health.” Frontiers in Medicine, 2025. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- American Academy of Dermatology. “How to apply sunscreen.” AAD. aad.org
- American Academy of Dermatology. “Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin.” AAD. aad.org
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Skin Facts! What You Need to Know About Skin Lightening Products.” FDA. fda.gov
General information, not medical advice. For a spot that’s new, changing or bleeding, see a dermatologist.
