Is Retinol Safe to Use While Breastfeeding? What Doctors Say
When it comes to skincare during breastfeeding, it’s essential to prioritize safety—not just for your skin, but for your baby as well. Retinol, a popular ingredient in many anti-aging and acne treatments, raises concerns among healthcare providers due to its potential absorption and effects on a nursing infant.
Francesca Fergaro, a popular TikTok creator, recently posted a humorous sketch lamenting the inability to use retinol or Botox for another eight months while holding her newborn. Her relatable take resonated with many new moms navigating postpartum skincare products. Interestingly, Francesca also named Little Bean as one of her top 10 favorite products during pregnancy—a testament to the importance of safe and effective skincare for moms. While opinions on using retinol during breastfeeding vary, most healthcare providers agree that it’s better to err on the side of caution. Here’s why avoiding retinol while breastfeeding is advisable and how you can explore safer alternatives to keep your skin glowing.
Can You Use Topical Retinol While Breastfeeding?
New moms often wonder whether it’s safe to use retinol while breastfeeding.
Let’s break it down. Retinol is part of a family of compounds called retinoids, a derivative of vitamin A. These are commonly found in beauty products and prescription retinoids used to target the appearance of wrinkles, acne, and uneven skin tone. However, retinoids come with an “unknown” potential risks for a breastfeeding mother.
While oral retinoids (like isotretinoin, aka Accutane) have been conclusively linked to serious birth defects, including facial malformations and heart abnormalities during pregnancy, topical retinoids are less clear-cut. However, medical experts caution that we don’t have enough research on how topical retinol impacts breastfeeding or how much, if any, might be transferred to breast milk.
According to dermatologist Dr. DeRosa, while it’s unlikely that a small amount of retinol applied to the skin would significantly affect your baby, the lack of definitive safety studies means most physicians recommend avoiding retinol during breastfeeding—just as they do during pregnancy.
This means to be on the safe side, retinol serums, prescription retinoids, and other topical treatments containing retinol or its derivatives are best shelved until you’ve weaned your baby.
Safer Alternatives to Retinol While Breastfeeding
Good news: You don’t have to give up on glowing, youthful skin just because retinol is off the table while breastfeeding. There are several gentle-yet-effective ingredients that support cell turnover, fight free radical damage, and smooth fine lines—without the risks associated with retinoids during breastfeeding.
As demand for pregnancy- and breastfeeding-safe skincare rises, many brands are developing innovative, non-toxic formulations designed for sensitive skin. Ingredients like bakuchiol, azelaic acid, peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid offer impressive results while prioritizing safety for both you and your baby. These ingredients work together to brighten, hydrate, and smooth skin—ideal for new mothers navigating postpartum skin changes.
Here are some standout products that feature these safer ingredients:
- LilyAna Naturals Bakuchiol Face Lift Cream ($14.39): This budget-friendly, pregnancy-safe night cream blends bakuchiol and peptides to deeply hydrate and support skin elasticity. It’s a top pick for those with dry, sensitive skin, offering gentle anti-aging benefits without irritation.
- Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative + Peptides serum ($58): A go-to for enhancing glow and refining skin texture, this serum is perfect for early signs of aging. It delivers a hydrating, non-irritating experience with plant-based retinol alternatives. In our chat with dermatologist Dr. Heather Rogers, she recommends pairing bakuchiol or a mild AHA (like glycolic acid) with a moisturizer at night to support skin renewal during pregnancy.
- Ancient Greek Remedy Hydrating Face Oil ($14.99): A fast-absorbing oil packed with organic jojoba, rosehip, sweet almond, olive oil, and vitamin E—perfect for dry, sensitive skin in need of nourishment.
- Doctor Rogers Night Repair Treatment ($98): Named Best Retinol Alternative During Pregnancy 2024 by Vogue, this powerful formula includes bakuchiol, glycolic acid, and gluconolactone to boost collagen and even out skin tone. It’s created by dermatologist Dr. Heather Rogers—our trusted go-to for pregnancy-safe skincare advice.
- Naturium Topical Azelaic Acid 10% ($19.99): Clinically shown to visibly reduce fine lines and improve skin texture in as little as eight weeks. Reviewers also report calmer, less red skin after regular use.
If you’re using serums (like #2, #4, or #5), be sure to lock in moisture afterward. One of our go-to moisturizers is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer ($21.99)—perfect for both day (before SPF) and night.
Don’t skip your vitamin C serum! It’s a must have for antioxidant protection, brightening dull skin, and supporting overall skin radiance.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out our full guide to vitamin C during pregnancy to find options that are both effective and safe.
Before trying any new product, we always recommend scanning the full ingredient list—or using our pregnancy-safe ingredient checker. While not every product from these brands is safe across the board, the ones listed here are standout retinol alternatives that we feel confident recommending for pregnant and breastfeeding moms.
Bakuchiol: The Retinol Twin Without the Baggage
Bakuchiol is often called the “natural retinol alternative,” and for good reason. It’s a plant-based compound that offers similar anti-aging benefits—boosting collagen production, improving skin elasticity, and minimizing dark spots—but without the irritation or safety concerns. Even better? Studies suggest it’s non-toxic and considered safe during breastfeeding.
Bakuchiol has gained significant traction among dermatologists as a go-to ingredient for postpartum skincare due to its ability to mimic retinol’s effects without disrupting hormonal balance or posing risks to nursing infants. Its gentle nature makes it ideal for sensitive postpartum skin prone to dryness or irritation caused by sleepless nights and fluctuating hormones.
For more information on bakuchiol as a pregnancy-safe alternative, check out our previous post on Bakuchiol During Pregnancy.
Other Breastfeeding-safe Retinol Alternatives
- Niacinamide– A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide supports an even skin tone, reduces dark spots, calms redness and skin irritation, and helps maintain a strong skin barrier. It’s well-tolerated by sensitive skin and works alongside other ingredients without causing irritation—making it a great option during postpartum.
- Azelaic Acid– If you’re dealing with postpartum breakouts, redness, or uneven skin tone, azelaic acid can help. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, helps clear pores, and reduces pigmentation. It’s considered safe while nursing and supports overall skin clarity. Plus, it helps tackle free radical damage and clogged pores—a win-win for tired, stressed-out skin.
- Lactic Acid– A milder alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk, lactic acid gently improves skin texture by removing dead skin cells. It’s ideal for new moms dealing with dull, uneven skin tone and offers brightening benefits without the harsh side effects of stronger exfoliants like glycolic acid.
- Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid– These two ingredients are must-haves in any pregnancy or postpartum skincare routine.skincare routine—safe, effective, and great for hydration and brightness. Vitamin C helps fight free radical damage and brightens dark spots, while hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates the skin, improving elasticity and bounce.
So, Should You Use Retinol While Breastfeeding?
In short: Probably not.
While there isn’t strong evidence that topical retinol is harmful while breastfeeding, there’s also not enough research to guarantee safety. Most dermatologists and pediatricians recommend avoiding retinol products—including prescription retinoids—during this time.
Rather than focusing on what’s off-limits, this can be a great time to explore ingredients that support postpartum skin without added risks. Safer alternatives like bakuchiol, niacinamide, and azelaic acid offer similar benefits—like improved texture, tone, and brightness—without the same concerns. Many of the pregnancy- and breastfeeding-safe products we’ve included earlier are gentle, effective, and specifically chosen with postpartum needs and baby’s health in mind.
What If You’ve Already Used Retinol While Breastfeeding?
What If You’ve Already Used Retinol While Breastfeeding?
If you’ve unknowingly used a product containing retinol while breastfeeding, don’t panic. The systemic absorption of topical retinol is relatively low compared to oral forms like isotretinoin. However, it’s still wise to discontinue use immediately and consult your healthcare provider for guidance.
Final Thoughts
Motherhood changes everything—and yes, that includes your skincare routine. But just because retinol use is off the table for now doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice glowing, healthy skin.
This is a great time to explore gentle, effective skincare ingredients that support your skin without stressing your body or baby. And when you’re ready, you can reintroduce your retinol serums with confidence (and probably a little ceremony—we get it).
In the meantime, we’re here to help you feel informed, supported, and empowered in every step of your postpartum journey.
Sources
All The Things On Francesca Farago’s Baby Registry | The Quality Edit
