Is Retinal safe during pregnancy?
A strong over-the-counter retinoid. Not recommended during pregnancy; common swaps: azelaic acid or niacinamide.
PregnancyNot recommended
BreastfeedingUse with care
EvidenceLimited
What the sources say
Retinaldehyde is a vitamin A (retinoid) form. ACOG advises avoiding topical retinoids, including OTC ones, during pregnancy, and AAD lists retinoids among ingredients not to use. No pregnancy studies exist for retinal itself, so the class advice applies. While breastfeeding, LactMed considers topical retinoids low risk due to poor absorption; avoid the breast area and baby skin contact.
Common alternatives
Also listed as
all-trans-retinal, retinaldehyde, retinene, vitamin a aldehyde
Sources
- ACOG: Skin Conditions During Pregnancy
- AAD: Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care
- NIH LactMed: Tretinoin - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.