Is Retinol Safe During Pregnancy? Acne & Stretch Mark Treatments Explained
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: Acne & Stretch Mark Treatments with Encapsulated Retinol
Pregnancy-safe acne and stretch mark treatments are top concerns for expectant and new mothers. With so much conflicting advice online, it can be difficult to know what’s truly safe. According to both the FDA Office of Women’s Health and the World Health Organization, limited topical use of retinol and retinyl palmitate does not show evidence of harmful absorption during pregnancy, especially when applied as a spot treatment at low concentrations.
That’s why The Spoiled Mama created Rehab Acne Serum and Remodel Stretch Mark Serum (Bye-Bye Stretchies). Both use encapsulated retinol for stability, gentleness, and proven results. This next-generation retinol helps fade acne, improve skin texture, and support elasticity to reduce stretch marks — all while staying within safe FDA-reviewed limits.
The Truth About Retinol and Pregnancy
Here’s the lowdown: The FDA approves retinol (AKA retinyl palmitate) during pregnancy with daily limits of 1.5 mg. When applied as a spot treatment, our products - Rehab Serum and Remodel Serum - do not exceed FDA recommendations.
According to the FDA Office of Women’s Health, research found no harmful absorption of topical retinyl palmitate when applied to skin. Similarly, the World Health Organization reports no rise in birth defects linked to vitamin A use — even at much higher intakes than skincare could provide.
Your baby’s safety is our top concern (that’s why our founder started The Spoiled Mama in the first place!), but you should also discuss which treatment will work best for you with your doctor or OBGYN.
Why We Use Encapsulated Retinol
Not all retinol is created equal. Traditional retinol can break down quickly in light, air, or heat, and may cause redness or peeling. That’s why our formulas use encapsulated retinol (CelluCap™ RL) — a next-generation form of Vitamin A that stays protected until it reaches your skin.
- Stable & potent: Encapsulation preserves retinol’s strength and extends shelf life.
- Gentle release: Retinol is delivered gradually, reducing irritation.
- Better penetration: Microcapsules help retinol reach where it’s most effective.
- Clinically proven: In an 8-week study, encapsulated retinol reduced dark spots by 18% and improved skin smoothness by 21%.
This innovation means our Rehab and Remodel serums deliver all the benefits of retinol — with extra comfort and safety for sensitive, pregnant, and postpartum skin.
Try a Safe Acne & Stretch Mark Treatment During & After Pregnancy
We understand not every Mama feels comfortable using retinol during pregnancy, which is why we formulated these products to work just as well after, and be safe enough to use while breastfeeding.
Is retinol safe to use during pregnancy?
According to the FDA and Dr. Margaret Miller, topical retinyl palmitate is not absorbed by the skin and is safe in small doses when spot-applied. Always consult your OB-GYN.
We consulted our OB and skincare specialists, who referenced this booklet from the FDA Office of Women’s Health. According to Dr. Margaret Miller, the OWH Science Program Director, “research showed no evidence that the product retinyl palmitate was absorbed when applied to the skin. Therefore, the product was not a threat…” (see page 8).
“I was impressed by how quickly I got a return phone call, and that a doctor was calling me personally,” said Dr. Rusoff.
Dr. Miller explained that research showed no evidence that the product retinyl palmitate was absorbed when applied to the skin. Therefore, the product was not a threat to her baby.
“That information really made me feel much better,” said Dr. Rusoff, who is now the mother of a healthy baby girl.
Get Your Glow On
Made with a low-dose encapsulated retinol complex and 72% organic content, Rehab is a safe acne treatment for new and preggo Mamas. It tones using natural components like witch hazel and green tea and makes the skin glow as it pumps in moisture with hyaluronic acid.
Bye-Bye Stretchies (Remodel Serum)
Remodel Serum, also called Bye-Bye Stretchies, uses encapsulated retinol plus tamanu oil to support skin renewal, boost elasticity, and fade stretch marks over time. Safe as a spot treatment during pregnancy and OB-approved for postpartum care.
| Feature | Rehab Acne Serum | Remodel Stretch Mark Serum |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Concern | Acne & Oil Control | Scars & Stretch Marks |
| Retinol % | 0.5% (encapsulated, spot-safe) | 0.5% (encapsulated, spot-safe) |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea, Encapsulated Retinol | Tamanu Oil, Elasticity Boost, Encapsulated Retinol |
| Use: Pregnancy? | ✅ Spot-Treatment | ✅ Spot-Treatment |
| Use: Postpartum? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Is Retinyl Palmitate Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes—when used in moderation. Our Rehab Acne Serum and Remodel Stretch Mark Serum each contain just 0.5% encapsulated retinol, well below the FDA’s recommended safety threshold of 700–800 IU of vitamin A per kg daily.
According to the FDA Office of Women’s Health, retinyl palmitate is not absorbed into the bloodstream when used topically, especially in small spot-treatment applications like those for hormonal acne and stretch marks. The World Health Organization also reports no increased risk of birth defects related to topical vitamin A use, even at higher exposures.
This makes both serums pregnancy-safe when used as directed. As always, consult your OB-GYN to ensure it fits your skincare routine.
Pregnancy-Safe Retinol: Micro FAQ
Q: What makes your retinol different?
Our serums use encapsulated retinol, which protects potency, delivers it slowly to reduce irritation, and keeps the formula stable for longer.
Q: How much retinol is in The Spoiled Mama’s Rehab and Remodel Serums?
Both serums contain 0.5% encapsulated retinol, a low-dose formulation well within FDA safety limits when used as a spot treatment.
Q: Are these serums absorbed into the bloodstream?
No. Per the FDA, topical retinyl palmitate shows no evidence of skin absorption, making it safe for limited application during pregnancy.
Q: Can I use Rehab and Remodel while breastfeeding?
Yes, when applied as spot treatments. Our formulas are OB-approved and contain organic ingredients that support postpartum skincare as well.
Not quite ready for retinol? No worries, Mama! Discover pregnancy-safe alternatives like azelaic acid, niacinamide, and witch hazel in our gentle yet effective Balance Toner for Hormonal Acne — made for glowing, breakout-free skin during and after pregnancy.
If you have any further concerns, feel free to take or email our ingredient list to your OB to discuss retinyl palmitate and whether it’s right for your pregnancy routine.
*The FDA approves retinyl palmitate/retinol (vitamin A) during pregnancy with daily limits of 1.5 mg. This serum contains 0.5% encapsulated retinol and does not exceed the FDA’s recommendation when applied as a spot treatment. Please discuss with your doctor or OBGYN about which treatment will work best for you.
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