Makeup & Checking a Skincare Routine
Everyday exposureBeauty & personal careAlso called · 9 names▾▴
makeup pregnancy, pregnancy makeup, pregnancy skincare routine, pregnancy safe skincare products, ingredient checker pregnancy, makeup while pregnant, breastfeeding skincare routine, makeup while breastfeeding, product ingredient check
Skin care
General information · effects depend on amount, timing, and how it is used. About these sources
Research strength: 2 / 5
MotherSafe describes most cosmetics and skin care products as generally compatible in pregnancy. AAD gives ingredient-specific cautions, including hydroquinone and salicylic acid above 2%, and groups prescription retinoids with some OTC skin care containing retinol among pregnancy cautions. ACOG lists topical acne ingredients and says topical retinoid medicines are generally not recommended despite low absorption. EMA applies a precautionary contraindication to topical retinoid medicines in pregnancy, while MotherSafe distinguishes cosmetic retinol from oral vitamin A. The sources discuss ingredients and product classes, not a whole routine used together. Ask your provider about your situation.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-18
Sources
- MotherSafe: Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care
- ACOG: Skin Conditions During PregnancyProfessional society
- EMA: Retinoid-containing medicinal products referralEU agencyEuropean guidance
Research strength: 2 / 5
MotherSafe describes most cosmetics and skin care products as generally compatible in pregnancy. The cited guidance gives no separate skincare rules by trimester. AAD gives ingredient-specific cautions, including hydroquinone and salicylic acid above 2%, and groups prescription retinoids with some OTC skin care containing retinol among pregnancy cautions. ACOG lists topical acne ingredients and says topical retinoid medicines are generally not recommended despite low absorption. EMA applies a precautionary contraindication to topical retinoid medicines in pregnancy, while MotherSafe distinguishes cosmetic retinol from oral vitamin A. The sources discuss ingredients and product classes, not a whole routine used together. Ask your provider about your situation.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-18
Sources
- MotherSafe: Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care
- ACOG: Skin Conditions During PregnancyProfessional society
- EMA: Retinoid-containing medicinal products referralEU agencyEuropean guidance
Research strength: 2 / 5
MotherSafe describes most cosmetics and skin care products as generally compatible in pregnancy. The cited guidance gives no separate skincare rules by trimester. AAD gives ingredient-specific cautions, including hydroquinone and salicylic acid above 2%, and groups prescription retinoids with some OTC skin care containing retinol among pregnancy cautions. ACOG lists topical acne ingredients and says topical retinoid medicines are generally not recommended despite low absorption. EMA applies a precautionary contraindication to topical retinoid medicines in pregnancy, while MotherSafe distinguishes cosmetic retinol from oral vitamin A. The sources discuss ingredients and product classes, not a whole routine used together. Ask your provider about your situation.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-18
Sources
- MotherSafe: Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care
- ACOG: Skin Conditions During PregnancyProfessional society
- EMA: Retinoid-containing medicinal products referralEU agencyEuropean guidance
Makeup & Checking a Skincare Routine — Breastfeeding
Research strength: 2 / 5
MotherSafe describes most cosmetics, skin care products, and sunscreens as generally compatible during breastfeeding, but flags hydroquinone because of higher absorption. MotherToBaby says most OTC topical acne treatments have not been well studied during breastfeeding. Its guidance says not to apply these treatments to the nipple or areola, to wash chest application off before feeding, and to wash hands after use. The FDA-approved topical tretinoin label states that human milk and infant-effect data are not available and advises use on the smallest area for the shortest time, away from the nipple and areola. The sources do not assess a whole routine or report infant health outcomes from ordinary cosmetics. Ask your provider about your situation.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-18
Sources
- MotherSafe: Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- MotherToBaby: Topical Acne TreatmentsTeratology service
- FDA-approved RETIN-A MICRO (tretinoin) topical label, revised September 2025Drug company label
Pregnancy
ACOG lists topical benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid among OTC acne ingredients that can be used during pregnancy. AAD lists prescription retinoids and OTC skin care with retinol among pregnancy cautions, asks users to limit salicylic acid above 2%, and also flags hydroquinone; its page describes a simple routine and sun protection. These are ingredient-specific recommendations, not one rating for every product. ACOG says topical retinoids are applied to the skin and have low absorption, but their use is generally recommended against during pregnancy. MotherSafe distinguishes cosmetic retinol from high-dose vitamin A taken by mouth. EMA's 2018 PRAC referral maintains a precautionary contraindication for topical retinoid medicines in pregnancy. The FDA-approved topical tretinoin label reports that published human studies have not established an association with major birth defects. A 2026 Nordic cohort did not observe an increased rate of major congenital malformations after first-trimester topical-retinoid exposure, but included pregnancies resulting in birth only and studied prescription topical retinoids, not every cosmetic retinol formula. The cohort does not establish a recommendation to use topical retinoid medicines during pregnancy. Marie et al. recommend reducing the number, frequency, and amount of cosmetic products used during the perinatal period and favoring simple, fragrance-free, rinsable products. The PubMed abstract supports those recommendations but does not state the review's date range or say that studies rarely linked cosmetic use to child developmental disorders; those claims are not included here. FDA says most cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients are not pre-approved except some color additives; MoCRA added requirements for safety substantiation, adverse-event reporting, facility registration, product listing, records access, and mandatory recalls. FDA's PFAS assessment identifies ingredient-specific data gaps, not pregnancy outcome findings for cosmetics as a whole.
Breastfeeding
MotherSafe describes most cosmetics, skin care products, and sunscreens as generally compatible during breastfeeding, but identifies higher absorption from hydroquinone as a separate caution. MotherToBaby says most OTC topical acne treatments lack breastfeeding studies and gives direct-contact precautions. The 2025 prescription tretinoin label states there are no data on the medicine in human milk or its effects on a breastfed infant, and advises use on the smallest affected area for the shortest duration, away from the nipple and areola. Available guidance is product-specific and does not assess a complete makeup and skincare routine. No direct study of a complete routine was identified.
MotherToBaby uses cosmetics broadly for makeup, lotions, cleansers, and perfumes; some personal-care products, including sunscreen and acne treatments, can also be regulated as drugs. A routine can combine products with different ingredients and routes of exposure. MotherToBaby notes topical acne treatment absorption may rise with frequent use, large application areas, or broken or irritated skin.
What was tested
Studies cited here tested individual products or ingredients, not a complete personal routine. Matta et al. randomized 48 healthy adults to four sunscreen formulations and measured plasma levels of six filters after single and repeated applications. This measured systemic absorption, not pregnancy or infant outcomes. The 0.5 ng/mL concentration was the FDA marker for further safety-study requirements, not a clinical harm cutoff; the authors said the findings do not indicate that people need to stop using sunscreen.
How broadly to limit cosmetics and routine products
- Source A says
- Marie et al. recommend reducing the number, frequency, and amount of cosmetic products used during the perinatal period and preferring simple, fragrance-free, rinsable products. AAD also gives ingredient-specific limits and recommends a simple routine. (Marie et al. 2022: Use of Cosmetic Products in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women and Young Children, American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care)
- Source B says
- MotherSafe describes most cosmetics and skin care products as generally compatible in pregnancy and breastfeeding. ACOG focuses on listed acne ingredients, topical-retinoid medicines, and sun protection rather than limiting all cosmetic products. (MotherSafe: Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, ACOG: Skin Conditions During Pregnancy)
- Why they differ
- Marie et al. apply precautionary product minimization across categories, while AAD, ACOG, and MotherSafe focus more on particular ingredients, use patterns, or available evidence. They differ in whether they emphasize reducing products broadly or reviewing specific ingredients. Neither source set evaluates a complete routine as one exposure. Matta et al. measured sunscreen-filter absorption in healthy adults, not pregnancy outcomes.
- Other sources
- Matta et al. found systemic absorption of six sunscreen filters in adults under maximum-use conditions, but concluded that the findings do not indicate people should refrain from sunscreen use. (Matta et al. 2020: Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients)
- What the evidence shows overall
- The broad precaution supports optional product minimization but does not set the category rating. Specific ingredient cautions remain separate, and adult sunscreen absorption is not a fetal or infant clinical outcome.
Topical retinoid medicines and cosmetic retinol
- Source A says
- AAD lists prescription retinoids and OTC skin care with retinol among pregnancy cautions. ACOG and MotherToBaby describe topical retinoid medicines as generally not recommended during pregnancy. EMA says topical retinoid medicines are contraindicated as a precaution, despite negligible expected systemic absorption. (American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care, ACOG: Skin Conditions During Pregnancy, MotherToBaby: Topical Acne Treatments, EMA: Retinoid-containing medicinal products referral)
- Source B says
- MotherSafe distinguishes small amounts of cosmetic retinol from high-dose vitamin A taken by mouth and describes OTC skin products containing cosmetic retinol as acceptable. (MotherSafe: Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding)
- Why they differ
- AAD groups prescription retinoids and OTC products containing retinol under broad pregnancy cautions, while MotherSafe distinguishes low amounts of cosmetic retinol from high-dose oral vitamin A. ACOG and EMA address topical retinoid medicines, with EMA's restriction stated as a precaution. The sources cover different product scopes, and the Nordic cohort concerns prescribed topical retinoids in pregnancies resulting in birth only; it does not settle the risk for every cosmetic retinol formula.
- Other sources
- The FDA-approved topical tretinoin label reports that published human studies have not established an association with major birth defects. A 2026 Nordic cohort did not observe an increased risk of major malformations after first-trimester topical-retinoid exposure, but included pregnancies resulting in birth only and studied prescription medicines, not all cosmetic retinol products. (FDA-approved RETIN-A MICRO (tretinoin) topical label, revised September 2025, Refsum et al. 2026: Topical retinoid use and major congenital malformations, Nordic cohort)
- What the evidence shows overall
- Oral isotretinoin, prescription topical retinoid medicines, and cosmetic retinol are separate exposures. Keep the precautionary guidance for topical retinoid medicines, show MotherSafe's narrower distinction for cosmetic retinol, and state the cohort's limits. The general category rating does not replace ingredient-specific cautions.
- AAD describes a simple routine with gentle cleansing, moisturizer, shade, sun-protective clothing, and broad-spectrum sunscreen. It says a physical sunscreen may reduce skin irritation. (American Academy of Dermatology)
- ACOG lists topical benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid among OTC acne ingredients that can be used during pregnancy, and identifies oil-free cosmetics as an option for acne. (ACOG)
- FDA states that most cosmetics and ingredients are not pre-approved, except some color additives. MoCRA adds safety-substantiation, adverse-event, registration, listing, records-access, and recall requirements. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
- MotherToBaby describes topical acne treatment absorption as dependent on use frequency, application area, and whether skin is broken or irritated. During breastfeeding, it gives precautions about nipple and areola contact, chest application, and handwashing. (MotherToBaby)
- Marie et al. present reducing product count, frequency, and amount, plus simpler fragrance-free and rinsable products, as a precautionary option for the perinatal period. (Marie et al., Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health)
General research, not specific to pregnancy.
An adult sunscreen trial measured systemic absorption of several topical filters, not pregnancy outcomes or clinical harm.
- Matta et al. randomized 48 healthy adults to four sunscreen formulations and measured six active ingredients. All six exceeded 0.5 ng/mL after a single application under the study protocol. The FDA marker concerns additional safety studies, not a clinical harm cutoff, and the authors said the findings do not indicate that people need to stop using sunscreen. (Matta et al. 2020: Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients)
Experiences from moms and non-medical voices. Not medical evidence.
- American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin careSecondaryPage dated 2025-06-26Independent check
- ACOG: Skin Conditions During PregnancyProfessional societySecondaryIndependent check
- MotherSafe: Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy and BreastfeedingSecondaryIndependent check
- MotherToBaby: Cosmetics Exposures in Pregnancy and BreastfeedingTeratology serviceSecondaryIndependent check
- MotherToBaby: Topical Acne TreatmentsTeratology serviceSecondaryIndependent check
- Marie et al. 2022: Use of Cosmetic Products in Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women and Young ChildrenUS governmentPrimary
- FDA: Cosmetics & U.S. LawUS governmentSecondaryPage dated 2026-08-17Independent check
- Matta et al. 2020: Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active IngredientsUS governmentPrimaryIndependent check
- FDA-approved RETIN-A MICRO (tretinoin) topical label, revised September 2025Drug company labelTertiaryIndependent check
- EMA: Retinoid-containing medicinal products referralEU agencySecondaryPage dated 2018-06-21Independent checkEuropean guidance
- Refsum et al. 2026: Topical retinoid use and major congenital malformations, Nordic cohortUS governmentPrimaryIndependent check
Last reviewed 2026-10-18
Independent check 2026-10-18
Not yet clinician-reviewed
Ask your provider about your situation.