Pregnant? Know this about Retinol and Vitamin A
Navigating skincare during pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to the topic of retinol and Vitamin A. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can influence the skin in many ways—heightening sensitivity, triggering pigmentation, or altering oil balance—leading many people to reassess their current skincare rituals, asking the question, “is using retinol during pregnancy safe?”
Here’s everything you need to know about using Vitamin A and retinol during pregnancy and breastfeeding. From safety advice to other alternatives to retinol, we answer your questions.
Retinol vs Vitamin A. What is the difference?
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that supports healthy skin and overall cellular function. In skincare, it is best known for its retinoid forms—such as retinol.
Vitamin A helps support:
- smoother, more even skin
- improved clarity and brightness
- refined texture and tone
- enhanced resilience
It works by supporting the skin’s natural renewal process, encouraging consistent cell turnover for a clearer, more balanced complexion.
Retinol, as mentioned above, is a derivative of Vitamin A and one of the most effective topical ingredients for supporting:
- smoother texture
- improved firmness
- refined lines
- clearer, brighter skin
It works by encouraging cell rejuvenation—creating an environment where the skin appears more youthful and even-toned.
Can I use Vitamin A or retinol when I am pregnant and breastfeeding?
Oral and topical prescription strength Vitamin A medication should be avoided during pregnancy. However, whilst there is no data to suggest that applying over-the-counter retinol (non-prescription) can be harmful in pregnancy, many people still question whether Vitamin A and retinol is safe, or if it should be avoided all together.
RATIONALE recommends speaking to your doctor before beginning or continuing the use of any product that includes Vitamin A or retinol during this time. If you have any concerns or further questions about using active ingredients in skincare during pregnancy or breastfeeding, we recommend consulting your medical practitioner.
I want to use a natural alternative during pregnancy. What can I use?
For those seeking a botanical alternative to retinol during pregnancy, bakuchiol is a wonderful option. Bakuchiol is a plant-derived compound celebrated as a gentle yet effective alternative to retinol. Found in RATIONALE #6 The GelCrème, it helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while supporting skin health without irritation. Suitable for all skin types—especially sensitive skin—this makes The GelCrème an ideal choice for those avoiding traditional retinoids throughout pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Is Bakuchiol as Effective as Retinol?
Bakuchiol offers many of the same visible benefits as retinol, supporting:
- improved firmness
- smoother texture
- reduced appearance of fine lines
- more even tone
Bakuchiol delivers its results through a gentler pathway, making it suitable for sensitive skin or those avoiding traditional Vitamin A. It provides comparable rejuvenation without the concerns sometimes associated with retinol during pregnancy.
Other Pregnancy-safe active ingredients for fine lines & hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C is a pregnancy-safe key active that supports:
- brighter, more even skin
- reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation
- improved clarity
- enhanced antioxidant protection
It helps address uneven tone commonly triggered by hormonal changes, leaving the complexion visibly clearer, brighter and more balanced.
The importance of SPF when using retinol in pregnancy
Daily sun protection becomes especially crucial during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can make the skin more prone to pigmentation and sensitivity. Because retinol, Vitamin A, and alternatives such as bakuchiol accelerate skin change, they can increase sensitivity—making comprehensive SPF protection critical.
Zinc oxide—a trusted mineral active offering broad-spectrum protection—is a pregnancy-safe filter that supports:
- broad-spectrum UV protection
- reduced risk of pigmentation
- soothed, less reactive skin
- reinforced daily environmental defence
As a gentle physical SPF, it helps shield the complexion from sun-induced discoloration and irritation—an effective option for maintaining clarity and balance during pregnancy.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Solutions
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Solutions
#2 The Light Crème
$222.00
#3 The Tinted Serum SPF50+
$224.00
#6 The Night Crème
From $121.00
#6 The GelCrème
$244.00