Is Retinol Safe During Pregnancy? What Mamas Should Know

Retinol During Pregnancy: What Mamas Should Know

Retinol is one of the most talked-about skincare ingredients during pregnancy, and it is also one of the most misunderstood. Different forms of vitamin A, different concentrations, topical versus oral use, and the way an ingredient is formulated can all become part of the conversation.

At The Spoiled Mama, we believe the best place to start is with ingredient transparency and education. Mamas should be able to understand what is in their skincare, why an ingredient is included, what the available research says, and what questions they may want to discuss with their OB/GYN or dermatologist.

Sources reviewed for this article: FDA Office of Women's Health, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and MotherToBaby.

Our ReHab Acne Serum and ReModel Stretch Mark Serum each contain 0.06% encapsulated retinol. Both formulas are OB/GYN-recommended and were developed with the specific skincare needs of Mamas in mind.

One piece of research that has been particularly important to our education around topical vitamin A comes directly from the FDA Office of Women's Health and the experience of a pregnant physician who contacted the FDA about a skincare product containing retinyl palmitate.

Retinyl Palmitate and Pregnancy: What Does the FDA Research Say?

The Spoiled Mama has historically referenced research described in a report from the FDA Office of Women's Health.

The report describes the experience of Dr. Tara Rusoff, who was in the final trimester of her first pregnancy when she became concerned about a face cream she had been using that contained retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A.

Dr. Rusoff contacted the FDA Office of Women's Health, where her question was referred to Dr. Margaret Miller, then the Office of Women's Health Science Program Director. At the time, the FDA was sponsoring research into retinyl palmitate and pregnancy.

According to the FDA report, Dr. Miller explained that the research available to them found no evidence that the retinyl palmitate product involved was absorbed when applied to the skin.

Dr. Miller explained that the "research showed no evidence that the product retinyl palmitate was absorbed when applied to the skin."

The FDA report goes on to explain that this information reassured Dr. Rusoff, who later became the mother of a healthy baby girl.

Retinol, Retinoids & Retinyl Palmitate: What's the Difference?

The terminology surrounding vitamin A can be confusing. Retinol, retinoids and retinyl palmitate are related, but the terms are not interchangeable.

• Retinoids are the broader family of compounds related to vitamin A.
• Retinol is a form of vitamin A commonly used in over-the-counter cosmetic skincare.
• Retinyl palmitate is a vitamin A ester. It is related to retinol, but it is a different compound.
• Tretinoin is a prescription topical retinoid and is different from over-the-counter cosmetic retinol.
• Isotretinoin is an oral prescription retinoid and should not be confused with topical cosmetic retinol.

Understanding these differences matters when researching retinol in pregnancy because evidence about one vitamin A derivative should not automatically be applied to every other form.

Why We Use Encapsulated Retinol

Not all retinol formulations are created the same. Traditional retinol is sensitive to environmental factors such as light, air and heat and may be irritating for some skin types.

Our formulas use CelluCap™ RL encapsulated retinol. Encapsulation surrounds the retinol within a delivery system designed to protect the ingredient and release it gradually onto the skin.

• Protected formulation: Encapsulation helps protect retinol within the formula.
• Gradual delivery: The delivery system is designed to release retinol progressively.
• Gentler approach: Controlled delivery can provide a gentler experience than some traditional retinol formulations.
• Targeted use: ReHab and ReModel are concentrated treatments created for specific skincare concerns.

Encapsulation does not change retinol into a different ingredient. It is the delivery technology we selected to create a more controlled retinol treatment.

Why the Full Ingredient Deck Matters

When evaluating skincare during pregnancy, focusing on one ingredient can leave out important context.

Consider the complete formulation, including:

• The exact form of the ingredient
• The concentration used
• Whether the exposure is topical or oral
• How the ingredient is delivered
• How and where the product is intended to be applied
• The other ingredients in the formula

Clear ingredient information makes it easier to research a product, understand how it is formulated and ask more specific questions when speaking with your healthcare provider.

ReHab & ReModel: Targeted Retinol Serums for Different Concerns

ReHab is The Spoiled Mama's targeted serum for hormonal acne and blemish-prone skin, while ReModel is The Spoiled Mama's stretch mark serum for new and existing marks. Both use 0.06% CelluCap™ RL encapsulated retinol, but the supporting ingredients and intended skincare concerns are different.

Get Your Glow On with ReHab

ReHab is a targeted treatment for blemish-prone and hormonally changing skin. Its formula pairs CelluCap™ RL with ingredients including witch hazel and green tea while supporting hydration with hyaluronic acid.

ReHab was created specifically with Mamas in mind, with the full ingredient information available for review.

SHOP REHAB

Bye-Bye Stretchies: ReModel Serum

ReModel Serum combines CelluCap™ RL with tamanu oil and other skin-conditioning ingredients.

The formula is designed to support skin renewal and improve the visible appearance, texture and tone of new and existing stretch marks over time.

SHOP REMODEL

Is Retinyl Palmitate the Same as Retinol?

No. Retinol and retinyl palmitate are both related to vitamin A, but they are different compounds.

The FDA Office of Women's Health research described earlier in this article involved retinyl palmitate. That research is relevant to the broader conversation about topical vitamin A ingredients and absorption, but it should not be described as research involving every type or concentration of topical retinol.

Making that distinction clearly is an important part of responsible ingredient education.

What Do Current Pregnancy Skincare Recommendations Say?

Pregnancy skincare recommendations can vary depending on the ingredient, formulation and individual healthcare provider.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that absorption from topical retinoids is low while taking a precautionary approach to their use during pregnancy because pregnancy-specific data are limited.

MotherToBaby similarly explains that the skin acts as a barrier, so only a small amount of many topical treatments is usually absorbed. Absorption may increase when skin is broken or irritated, when a product is used frequently, or when it is applied over a large area.

These distinctions are why we encourage Mamas to look at the actual ingredient, concentration and formulation and ask their own healthcare provider about any questions specific to their pregnancy.

Pregnancy Skincare Without Retinol

Not every Mama will choose to use a retinol-containing product during pregnancy. There are other skincare ingredients that may be considered depending on the concern being treated.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists lists several topical over-the-counter acne ingredients that may be used during pregnancy, including azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, topical salicylic acid and glycolic acid.

• Hyaluronic acid: Helps attract and retain moisture for hydrated-looking skin.
• Vitamin C: Provides antioxidant support and can help improve the appearance of uneven tone.
• Glycolic acid: Helps exfoliate and improve the appearance of uneven or congested-looking skin.
• Azelaic acid: Frequently discussed as an option for blemish-prone skin and uneven pigmentation during pregnancy.
• Daily SPF 30+: Particularly important when managing dark spots, melasma and post-blemish discoloration.

For Mamas looking for another option for blemish-prone skin, explore our BalanC Toner for Hormonal Acne.

Retinol & Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Pregnancy stretch marks develop as skin changes rapidly and collagen and elastin fibers are placed under stress. Genetics, hormones and the rate of skin stretching can all influence how someone's skin responds.

No skincare product can guarantee that stretch marks will be completely prevented or removed. During pregnancy, keeping stretching skin well moisturized can help support softness, comfort and the skin's moisture barrier with a rich daily moisturizer like our Tummy Butter.

For existing stretch marks, targeted skincare can focus on improving their visible tone, texture and overall appearance over time. ReModel is formulated specifically for this purpose.

Pregnancy Retinol FAQ

Is retinol safe to use during pregnancy?

Topical retinol during pregnancy is a nuanced topic. Topical exposure is different from oral retinoid exposure, but pregnancy-specific data are limited and some medical guidance takes a precautionary approach. Review the exact ingredient and formulation and discuss individual questions with your OB/GYN or dermatologist.

Can you use retinol while pregnant?

Recommendations can vary. Topical products generally result in much lower systemic exposure than oral medications, but current pregnancy guidance may recommend caution with retinoids. If you are considering a retinol-containing product while pregnant, review the exact formula, concentration and intended use with your healthcare provider.

What does the FDA say about retinyl palmitate during pregnancy?

An FDA Office of Women's Health report describes the experience of pregnant physician Dr. Tara Rusoff. According to the report, FDA-sponsored research available at the time found no evidence that the retinyl palmitate product involved was absorbed when applied to the skin.

Is retinyl palmitate the same as retinol?

No. Retinol and retinyl palmitate are both vitamin A derivatives, but they are different compounds. Research involving one form should not automatically be interpreted as research involving every retinoid.

What makes encapsulated retinol different?

Encapsulated retinol uses a delivery system designed to help protect retinol within a formula and release it gradually onto the skin. The Spoiled Mama uses CelluCap™ RL in ReHab and ReModel.

How much retinol is in The Spoiled Mama's ReHab and ReModel Serums?

Both ReHab Acne Serum and ReModel Stretch Mark Serum contain 0.06% encapsulated retinol.

Are ReHab and ReModel OB/GYN-recommended?

Yes. Both formulas are OB/GYN-recommended. The Spoiled Mama also provides full ingredient information so Mamas can review the formulas themselves and discuss specific questions with their individual healthcare providers.

What if I already used a retinol skincare product while pregnant?

Topical exposure is different from taking an oral retinoid. If you have questions about a product you already used, review the exact ingredient, concentration, frequency of use and application area and share that information with your OB/GYN or dermatologist.

Can I use ReHab and ReModel postpartum?

ReHab and ReModel were formulated for Mamas through changing stages of their skincare routines, including postpartum. If you are breastfeeding and have questions about retinol or another active ingredient, discuss the specific formula and intended application area with your healthcare provider.

What can I use if I prefer not to use retinol during pregnancy?

Depending on the concern, ACOG lists azelaic acid, topical benzoyl peroxide, topical salicylic acid and glycolic acid among over-the-counter acne ingredients that may be used during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can help determine which option fits your skin and pregnancy.

Medical Sources & Further Reading

We believe pregnancy skincare education should be supported by credible outside sources. The following resources provide additional information about topical skincare ingredients, retinoids and pregnancy:

• FDA Office of Women's Health: Protecting and Advancing Women's Health, including the Dr. Tara Rusoff retinyl palmitate discussion
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Skin Conditions During Pregnancy
• MotherToBaby: Topical Acne Treatments

If you have questions about a specific product or ingredient, feel free to take or email our ingredient list to your OB/GYN or dermatologist. We want you to have the information you need to feel informed and confident about your skincare routine.

Updated October 30, 2026 | Pregnancy skincare education from The Spoiled Mama

This article is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding recommendations may vary by individual and healthcare provider. If you have questions about retinol or another skincare ingredient, review the complete product information with your OB/GYN, dermatologist or other qualified healthcare provider.