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What skincare is safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding?
Written byMedico Digital
Reviewed byDr Shazia Malik
Pregnancy can change your skin - around 90% of people notice shifts like sensitivity or acne. But what skincare’s safe to use when pregnant or breastfeeding? And what about hair dye?
Summary
1Why is your skincare important?
Around 90% of pregnant women notice their skin changes thanks to their hormones changing, whether it’s more sensitivity or acne….
2Are skincare products safe for pregnancy?
Most products will be safe for use during pregnancy, but be mindful of certain ingredients like retinol – check with your doctor or pharmacist…
3Is dying your hair safe during pregnancy?
Dying your hair is generally safe during pregnancy, but if you’re concerned, postpone your treatments or opt for highlights instead as these…
Pregnancy and breastfeeding come with big changes – and your skin is not spared.1 But before picking up the latest trending product or booking in a facial, read on to find out what’s safe for you and your baby.
Why skincare matters during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Did you know that around 90% of women going through pregnancy notice skin changes?1
Those shifting hormones can bring all sorts of surprises – and everyone experiences them differently.1
You might notice your skin becoming more sensitive, existing conditions flaring up or new issues like hyperpigmentation (especially if you have darker skin) and acne.1 Changes in hair – even body hair – and nails are also common.1,2 After giving birth, your body will gradually start to bounce back, but sleepless nights and the demands of caring for a newborn can show up on your skin.
That’s why self-care is more important than ever, while also making choices that are safe for both you and your baby. Some of your familiar treatments or routines may need a little tweaking, but there are always ways to feel great in your own skin.
Safe skincare and other beauty treatments during pregnancy
From moisturisers to massages, what can you continue (or start) during pregnancy? We answer your most asked questions below.
Keep an eye out for certain ingredients to avoid, like retinol or salicylic acid, which is used for acne breakouts.1 For prescription products, it’s always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist.
All makeup for sale in the UK is regulated by strict safety laws.3 If a product poses any risk during pregnancy, it should be clearly labelled as ‘not suitable during pregnancy’.
Most research shows that it’s safe to dye your hair or use chemical treatments like relaxers during pregnancy.2,4
This is because the dose of the chemicals you’re exposed to isn’t high enough to cause your baby harm.4 Similarly, even if you have a burn on your scalp from the dye, the chemicals are unlikely to reach your unborn baby.5
Hairdressers may need to take precautions as they’re exposed to the chemicals more often. However, studies have found that despite there being more hair dye around in salons, the amount was still below the limit of detection.5-7
If you want to be extra cautious, you can consider postponing treatments until later in pregnancy or waiting until after delivery.5 Highlighting your hair is also lower risk than a full dye, as the chemicals don’t touch your scalp and therefore can’t be absorbed.8
According to NHS guidance, fake tan creams are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy.9 Avoid spray tans, as the effects of inhaling the spray are still unknown.9
There haven’t been any studies on the use of sunbeds or tanning booths during pregnancy. However, the World Health Organisation and Cancer Research UK recommend against its use in all populations as the high-intensity UV used can increase the risk of skin damage and, as a consequence, skin cancer. 2,10,11
Having a pamper during your pregnancy can be great to help ease stress, aches and pains. It’s worth finding a spa that offers treatments specifically for mums-to-be, as their therapists are likely trained in this area specifically and know which products to use.
If in doubt, find out about the products they apply during treatments, as you might want to be careful about some essential oils.2
There’s some debate around when you can have a pregnancy massage, with some experts recommending you wait until your second trimester (13th week of pregnancy) and others saying that it’s okay at any point.12 However, it’s always best to speak with your doctor first so you can do what’s right for you and your baby’s needs.
Always go to a licensed massage therapist, preferably one who specialises in massages during pregnancy.
Safe skincare during breastfeeding
If you’re breastfeeding, you can safely dye, perm or straighten your hair, and use fake tans.13 For a list of things you might want to avoid, read on to the section below.
Ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
While pregnant and breastfeeding, there are certain ingredients to keep an eye out for.
It’s important to note that there’s limited scientific evidence for many topical treatments.1 As they haven’t been tested on pregnant people for ethical reasons, we can’t be completely sure they’re safe or not.1 That’s why only the mildest treatments are often recommended.2
Salicylic acid (BHA), found in many acne treatments and cleansers, may have harmful effects during pregnancy.1
Retinoids (for example retinol, retinal, tretinoin and isotretinoin) are based on vitamin A. They’re used to even out skin tone and help with acne.1 Retinoids have been linked to birth defects and should be avoided during pregnancy.1 Risks for breastfeeding newborns have also been demonstrated with tretinoin (a concentration of pure retinoic acid, which makes it stronger than retinol).1 Bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, is generally considered a more gentle option that could be used in pregnancy – however, it’s best to check with your doctor or a dermatologist first.
Hydroquinone is used to treat hyperpigmentation.1 Avoid it during both pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it has high systemic absorption and can be passed onto your baby.1
Parabens (for example, methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben) are used as preservatives in skincare products and have been linked to various effects, including impacts on birth weight and maternal blood pressure.14,15
Some chemical sunscreens are absorbed through the skin and have been found in the bloodstream. Instead, choose physical (mineral) sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide sun protection.1
Finally, some essential oils, like rosemary, clary sage or jasmine, may induce uterine contractions – though evidence either way is limited.16,17 It’s best to err on the side of caution and speak to your doctor before having a massage with essential oils. The NHS suggests that direct contact with essential oils should be avoided in the first trimester.17,18
Pregnancy and breastfeeding-friendly skincare routine
When it comes to skincare, the options can be overwhelming. To help you navigate through them, here are some suggested ingredients to look out for:1
- for exfoliation and acne care, as well as hyperpigmentation, try lower-concentration glycolic acid or AHA
- try hyaluronic acid products for hydration
- in the daytime, mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safer for use
Of course, if your existing products are safe to use, you can continue with your normal routine.
The final say
That may seem like a lot to consider. But don’t worry – you don’t have to rush out and buy a whole new set of skincare products. Just remember to check the labels and take extra precautions, and check with your doctor about any skincare treatments or products you’re unsure of. And for more questions on pregnancy and breastfeeding (we know, there are a lot), check out our pregnancy hub.
If you’re still feeling lost, pop into your local H&B store for some recommendations.
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
While we strive for accuracy and balance, please be aware that this article may discuss products available for purchase through Holland & Barrett. Consult a healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
1. Putra IM, et al. Skin changes and safety profile of topical products during pregnancy. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022;15(2):49–57. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8884185/
2. National Childbirth Trust. Which beauty and wellbeing treatments are safe during pregnancy? [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 26]. Available from: https://www.nct.org.uk/information/pregnancy/wellbeing-and-lifestyle-pregnancy/which-beauty-and-wellbeing-treatments-are-safe-during-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding
3. Gov.uk. Statutory guidance. Regulation 2009/1223 and the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013: Great Britain [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 26]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cosmetic-products-enforcement-regulations-2013/regulation-20091223-and-the-cosmetic-products-enforcement-regulations-2013-great-britain
4. National Institutes of Health. Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 25]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582739/
5. Chua-Gocheco A, Bozzo P, Einarson A. Safety of hair products during pregnancy: Personal use and occupational exposure. Canadian Family Physician. 2008 Oct;54(10):1386. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2567273/#b14-0541386
6. Kraeling MEK, Bronaugh RL, Jung CT. Absorption of lawsone through human skin. Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology. 2007;26(1):45–56. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17464748/
7. Lademann J, Richter H, Jacobi U, Patzelt A, Hueber-Becker F, Ribaud C, et al. Human percutaneous absorption of a direct hair dye comparing in vitro and in vivo results: Implications for safety assessment and animal testing. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2008 Jun;46(6):2214–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2008.02.018
8. NHS Better Health. Start for Life. Using hair dye in pregnancy: Is it safe? [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 25]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/using-hair-dye-in-pregnancy-is-it-safe/
9. NHS. Health things you should know in pregnancy [Internet]. [cited 2024 Oct 25]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/health-things-you-should-know-in-pregnancy/
10. Gov.UK. UK Health Security Agency. Sunbeds: safety advice [Internet]. [cited 2025 Mar 12]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sunbeds-safety-advice/sunbeds-safety-advice
11. Cancer Research UK. How do sunbeds cause skin cancer? [Internet]. [cited 2025 Mar 12]. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/how-do-sunbeds-cause-skin-cancer
12. Fogarty S, Werner R, James JL. Applying Scientific Rationale to the Current Perceptions and Explanations of Massage and Miscarriage in the First Trimester. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork: Research, Education, & Practice. 2023 Mar 2;16(1):30–43. https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v16i1.771
13. NHS Stockport. Top breastfeeding tips [Internet]. [cited 2024 Nov 26]. Available from: https://www.stockport.nhs.uk/page_71
14. Varshavsky JR, et al. Association of phenols, parabens, and their mixture with maternal blood pressure measurements in the PROTECT cohort. Environ Health Perspect. 2024;132(8):87004. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14008
15. Trasande L, et al. Prenatal phenol and paraben exposures and adverse birth outcomes: A prospective analysis of U.S. births. Environ Int. 2024;183:108378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2023.108378
16. UKTIS. Use Of Essential Oils In Pregnancy. [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2024 Dec 18]. Available from: https://uktis.org/monographs/use-of-essential-oils-in-pregnancy/
17. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. Guideline for Aromatherapy use in Maternity care [Internet]. [cited 2025 Mar 12]. Available from: https://wisdom.nhs.wales/health-board-guidelines/aneurin-bevan-file/guideline-for-aromatherapy-use-in-maternity-care-abuhb-ft-1088/
18. York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals: NHS Foundation Trust. Aromatherapy during pregnancy [Internet]. [cited 2025 Mar 12]. Available from: https://www.yorkhospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-of-services/womens-health/labour-ward/aromatherapy-during-pregnancy/
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