Skincare during pregnancy: are there ingredients I should not use?
This answer is a draft. It stays unpublished until legal review and source verification are complete.
Many people find out they are pregnant and immediately wonder, "Is the skincare I already use safe?" Social media mixes together claims such as "retinol is off-limits" and "avoid sunscreen too". If you are pregnant in Japan and cannot read every label, this is doubly confusing. Here we separate what to avoid from what you need not worry about, based on Japan's regulatory system and the general explanations given by dermatologists.
Ingredient by ingredient
| Ingredient / product | During pregnancy | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription and oral retinoids (isotretinoin, tretinoin, etretinate) | Contraindicated (must be stopped before conception; for some drugs, contraception is required for a set period after stopping) | Their capacity to cause birth defects is established |
| Retinol and retinal in cosmetics | No clear harm has been shown at the concentrations used in Japanese cosmetics, but many dermatologists advise avoiding them "just in case" | Little is absorbed through the skin, but there is no need for them |
| Hydroquinone (brightening) | Safest to avoid | Skin absorption is described as relatively high (about 35–45%), and safety data are lacking |
| High-concentration salicylic acid (BHA) peels | Avoid. The low concentrations found in face washes are usually not considered a problem | Handled cautiously because of its similarity to oral aspirin |
| Sunscreen | Recommended. SPF 30+ and PA+++ or higher, reapplied often | Melanin increases in pregnancy, so melasma and dark spots appear more easily. Products based on physical (mineral) filters — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (紫外線散乱剤) — are gentler on the skin |
| Niacinamide, vitamin C derivatives, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Generally described as fine to use | No concerns have been reported from use in pregnancy |
| Azelaic acid | Often used by dermatologists for acne during pregnancy | Comparatively good safety data |
| Essential oils (aromatherapy) | Avoid high concentrations and undiluted oils. Rosemary, clary sage, jasmine and others are often flagged as oils to avoid in pregnancy | Concern about effects on uterine contraction (the strength of the evidence varies) |
| Hair colour | Little is absorbed through the scalp, and overseas obstetric guidance generally describes normal use as acceptable. Many Japanese hairdressers recommend waiting until the stable period (安定期, from roughly week 16), good ventilation, and an application technique that keeps dye off the scalp | The smell can also cause nausea |
- How skin changes in pregnancy: hormones make dryness, sensitivity, acne and dark patches (melasma) more likely, and 50–90% of people develop stretch marks (妊娠線, ninshin-sen) on the belly, breasts or thighs. Stretch marks are mainly caused by rapid weight gain and stretching of the skin; whether moisturiser can prevent them is described as limited (it can be expected to ease itching).
- Do not add new products: if you add several ingredients while your skin is sensitive, you will not know which one caused a reaction. Simple moisturiser plus sunscreen is the basic routine.
- Acne medicines: even over-the-counter acne products may need checking, depending on the ingredients. Tell the dermatologist you are pregnant (妊娠中です, ninshin-chū desu) and they will choose a topical product you can use.
- "Safe for use during pregnancy" labels: there is no legal definition — this is the maker's own wording. It is more reliable to read the ingredient list and check it against the table above.
- While breastfeeding, the same thinking applies. Wipe off anything applied to the breast before feeding.
[Verify] The skin-absorption rate of hydroquinone and the incidence of stretch marks are general figures based on overseas literature and materials from the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Check the contraindication and contraception period for prescription retinoids in each drug's package insert.
Misunderstanding 1｜No cosmetics at all can be used during pregnancy
The great majority of products sold as cosmetics in Japan can be used during pregnancy. The items to avoid are few, and sunscreen and moisturiser matter more than ever.
Misunderstanding 2｜I used a cosmetic containing retinol, so my baby will be affected
There are no reports showing an effect on the foetus from retinol at cosmetic concentrations. If you are worried, stop using it and mention it to your obstetrician; that is enough. What is contraindicated is prescription and oral retinoids.
Misunderstanding 3｜Sunscreen is full of chemicals, so avoid it in pregnancy
Dark spots and melasma form more easily under UV during pregnancy, and sunscreen is recommended. If you are concerned, choose a product based on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Misunderstanding 4｜Moisturising cream prevents stretch marks
There is no firm evidence that moisturiser alone prevents them; weight management and the speed at which the skin stretches are the main factors. Moisturiser does help with itching. A cosmetic that claims to "prevent stretch marks" is also a problem under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act (Japan's cosmetics and drugs law).
Misunderstanding 5｜If the label says "safe during pregnancy", anything goes
This wording has no legal definition. Check the ingredient list, and if an ingredient worries you, show it to a doctor.
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Sources
- Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, "Guidelines for Obstetrical Practice" [産婦人科診療ガイドライン：産科編] (medicines in pregnancy, retinoids)
https://www.jsog.or.jp/modules/diagnosis/
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, "Japan Drug Information Institute in Pregnancy" [妊娠と薬情報センター] (National Center for Child Health and Development)
https://www.ncchd.go.jp/kusuri/
- Japanese Dermatological Association, "Dermatology Q&A: dark spots (melasma)" [皮膚科Q&A：しみ（肝斑）]
https://www.dermatol.or.jp/qa/
⚠️ Editorial note: the source URLs above were identified by search. Our working environment cannot reach go.jp domains, so the contents have not been checked against the text. Verify every source before publication and record who checked it and when.
About this article
What we share here are ideas and everyday practices passed down among people living in Japan, together with general information drawn from public sources. They are not official recommendations, and they are not professional instruction. Practices vary between households and regions.
This is general information. Results vary from person to person and depend on your own conditions and surroundings.
Please decide for yourself, using your own judgement, whether any of this suits your situation. We cannot accept responsibility for any damage, loss or injury arising from following this article.
Cosmetics are not medicines and are not meant to diagnose, heal or prevent any condition. If your skin reacts, stop using the product and see a dermatologist.
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