You’re probably aware that your body will go through some changes during your pregnancy, like an expanding belly and unusual cravings. But you also likely didn’t anticipate that your skin might revert back to what it was like when you were a teenager. But it’s true—“a lot of women experience pregnancy acne,” says Christine Greves, MD, a board-certified ob/gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.

Expecting a little bundle of joy can make you more prone to breakouts, but standard remedies you’ve used in the past may not be okay to use during this time. Cue you, frantically searching for pregnancy-safe acne treatments to help you get clear skin again. There’s a lot to navigate with safe acne treatment when pregnant, and it makes sense to have questions. (I should know; I’ve been through pregnancy twice!) Read on for everything you need to know, plus a few of our top picks to help you combat those pesky pimples.

In this article:
How we chose the best pregnancy-safe acne treatment
Best pregnancy-safe acne treatment
What causes pregnancy acne?
How to treat pregnancy acne
What ingredients to avoid when treating pregnancy acne

How We Chose the Best Pregnancy-Safe Acne Treatment

To find the best pregnancy-safe acne treatments on the market:

We identified pregnant moms’ needs and pain points when it comes to hormonal acne, researching everything from ingredients to avoid completely, to those that are pregnancy-safe in small doses, to the cleanest, yet most-effective available products on the market.
We scoured forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out how these top skincare products performed for expectant moms across the country.
We consulted with an ob-gyn about hormonal pregnancy acne.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.

Best Pregnancy-Safe Acne Treatments

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*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.

What Causes Pregnancy Acne?

The usual suspect—hormones—are to blame. “Pregnancy acne is primarily caused by hormonal changes, specifically an increase in androgen hormones like progesterone and testosterone in the first trimester,” says Ife J. Rodney, MD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics. “This can cause the oil glands in the skin to produce more sebum, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.”

If you haven’t experienced pregnancy acne yet, consider yourself lucky. “While the hormone changes happen in all women, this does not mean all pregnant women will develop acne,” Rodney says. “Those with a history of acne or acne during their menstrual cycles are more likely to develop pregnancy acne.”

How to Treat Pregnancy Acne

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends looking for products that contain ingredients like topical benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or glycolic acid. Rodney also notes that lactic acid and sulfur are safe for pregnancy, while cautioning, “it’s always best to check with a healthcare provider before using any new products during pregnancy,” just to be safe.

ACOG also recommends the use of topical salicylic acid. Studies have shown that the use of low-dose, topical salicylic acid has no adverse effect on pregnancy. However, animal studies have shown a link between higher doses taken orally and birth defects. In the interest of caution, we’ve avoided recommending any products that use salicylic acid as an active ingredient.

What Ingredients to Avoid When Treating Pregnancy Acne

Treating pregnancy acne can be a little more complicated than tackling breakouts when you’re not expecting, simply because there are some ingredients you’ll want to avoid. Those include:

Retinoids. These include retinol, tretinoin and adapalene, and should be avoided in topical and oral forms. “These are known contributors to birth defects,” Rodney says.
Adapalene. Also known as Differin gel, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you skip this during pregnancy.
Vitamin A. Rodney warns that high doses of vitamin A have also been linked to birth defects and liver issues.

About the writer:

Christine Carpenter, a New York storyteller and devoted mother of two little boys, uses her craft to connect with and support other women in motherhood. With over a decade of experience in fashion accessories, Carpenter excels in product development and has a keen passion for innovative, life-enhancing products. Her expertise spans the entire product supply chain, from concept to delivery, and after two pregnancies, she’s well-versed in pregnancy skin care. Carpenter has contributed articles and personal essays to The Bump, Motherscope, The Kindred Voice and Mantra Wellness.

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Best Pregnancy-Safe Makeup Products You Need, According to Moms

13 Best Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Products, Tested and Reviewed

Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens, Tested by Moms-to-Be

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