Pregnancy & Skincare.
Finding out you are pregnant shouldn't require throwing out your entire bathroom shelf. We explain which ingredients are commonly advised against, which are commonly permitted, and what alternatives to use.
Mandatory Physician Deferral Notice
Miko provides cosmetic formulation information, not medical clearance. Every pregnancy is unique. Always confirm anything medical with your doctor or OB-GYN.
Check Any Product for Pregnancy Safety
Paste any ingredient list below to instantly detect retinoids, hydroquinone, high-dose salicylic acid, or other maternal contraindications.
Actives Commonly Advised Against
Prescription retinoids, hydroquinone, and anti-androgens paused during gestation
Retinoids & Topical Vitamin A
All prescription and over-the-counter vitamin A derivatives are commonly advised against throughout pregnancy and lactation.
Tretinoin (All-Trans Retinoic Acid)
Direct prescription retinoic acid binds directly to nuclear RAR receptors and is strictly contraindicated in pregnancy.
Adapalene (Differin)
A third-generation topical retinoid selectively targeting RAR-beta and RAR-gamma. Suspended throughout pregnancy.
Tazarotene (Tazorac / Arazlo)
A receptor-selective prodrug retinoid carrying an absolute FDA contraindication during pregnancy.
Spironolactone (Topical & Oral)
An aldosterone and androgen receptor antagonist that risks anti-androgenic disruption of male fetal genitalia.
Hydroquinone
A potent skin lightener exhibiting unusually high transdermal absorption (up to 35%–45%) into maternal circulation.
Alpha & Beta Arbutin
A naturally occurring glycosylated hydroquinone that can enzymatically hydrolyze into free hydroquinone on the skin.
Actives Requiring Clinical Caution
Concentration limits, localized spot use, or emerging evidence
Chemical Organic UV Filters (Oxybenzone)
Small-molecule chemical sunscreens absorb into bloodstream; mineral zinc oxide is universally preferred by OB-GYNs.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Avoid professional clinical peels (>2%) and body-wide lotions. Daily facial cleansers under 2% carry negligible systemic uptake.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Commonly cleared by OB-GYNs for acute inflammatory acne when used in low concentrations (2.5%–5%) as localized spot care.
Bakuchiol
A popular plant-based retinol alternative. While chemically unrelated to vitamin A, clinical pregnancy trials are lacking.
Kojic Acid
A fungal fermentation metabolite that chelates copper in tyrosinase. Use cautiously and avoid high concentrations.
Tranexamic Acid (Topical)
An antifibrinolytic agent that suppresses plasmin-mediated melanogenesis. Oral is contraindicated; topical carries caution.
Permitted & Dermatologist-Favored Actives
Gentle, non-systemic actives effective for gestational breakouts, hydration, and pigment
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
The smallest alpha-hydroxy acid. Safe for facial application in standard OTC serums and cleansers under 10%.
Lactic Acid
An endogenous alpha-hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates while replenishing skin Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF).
Mandelic Acid
An ultra-gentle, large-molecule AHA ideal for sensitive skin and pregnancy-related congestion.
Azelaic Acid
The gold-standard active recommended by dermatologists for managing pregnancy acne, rosacea, and melasma.
L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
A vital topical antioxidant defending against daytime photo-aging and suppressing melasma-triggering oxidative stress.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
A biocompatible B-vitamin that stimulates ceramide synthesis, regulates oil production, and fades hyperpigmentation.
Hyaluronic Acid & Polyols
A native glycosaminoglycan that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water on the skin surface with zero systemic uptake.
Ceramides & Physiological Lipids
Identical to the intercellular lipids that make up 50% of the skin barrier. Crucial for soothing gestational dry skin.
Centella Asiatica & Madecassoside
A medicinal herbaceous plant that down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and accelerates micro-wound healing.
Signal Peptides & Matrixyl
Short chains of amino acids that signal skin cells to synthesize collagen and elastin without systemic effects.
Mineral Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide
Inert mineral particles that sit on the skin surface to reflect and refract UVA and UVB radiation without blood absorption.
Topical Clindamycin 1%
A topical lincosamide antibiotic frequently prescribed by dermatologists for gestational inflammatory pustules.
Topical Erythromycin 2%
A topical macrolide antibiotic cleared by obstetric guidelines for treating inflammatory gestational acne.
Topical Sulfur
A gentle, non-antibiotic antimicrobial and keratolytic agent cleared for gestational breakouts and perioral dermatitis.
INCI Pregnancy Safety Reference Directory
Every chemical alias tracked by Miko with obstetric safety consensus
| Active Name | Obstetric Status | Monograph |
|---|---|---|
| Retinoids & Topical Vitamin A | Strictly Paused | Read → |
| Tretinoin (All-Trans Retinoic Acid) | Prescription · Contraindicated | Read → |
| Adapalene (Differin) | Pause OTC & Rx Formulations | Read → |
| Tazarotene (Tazorac / Arazlo) | Category X · Absolute Contraindication | Read → |
| Spironolactone (Topical & Oral) | Contraindicated · Anti-Androgen | Read → |
| Hydroquinone | High Systemic Bioavailability · Pause | Read → |
| Alpha & Beta Arbutin | Hydroquinone Derivative · Pause | Read → |
| Chemical Organic UV Filters (Oxybenzone) | Caution · Prefer Physical Mineral Filters | Read → |
| Salicylic Acid (BHA) | Concentration Dependent (<2% Rinse-Off Cleansers Permitted) | Read → |
| Benzoyl Peroxide | Consult Obstetrician · Localized <5% Usually Cleared | Read → |
| Glycolic Acid (AHA) | Permitted in OTC Strengths (<10%) | Read → |
| Lactic Acid | Permitted · Natural Moisturizing Factor | Read → |
| Mandelic Acid | Permitted · Slow-Penetrating Lipophilic AHA | Read → |
| Azelaic Acid | First-Line Dermatologist Recommendation | Read → |
| L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) | Permitted · Essential Biological Antioxidant | Read → |
| Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) | Permitted · Barrier & Sebum Regulator | Read → |
| Hyaluronic Acid & Polyols | Permitted · Endogenous Humectant | Read → |
| Ceramides & Physiological Lipids | Permitted · Native Epidermal Lipids | Read → |
| Centella Asiatica & Madecassoside | Permitted · Soothing Anti-Inflammatory | Read → |
| Signal Peptides & Matrixyl | Permitted · Non-Systemic Collagen Support | Read → |
| Mineral Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide | Gold Standard · Recommended by OB-GYNs | Read → |
| Bakuchiol | Caution · Emerging Data (Retinol Functional Analog) | Read → |
| Kojic Acid | Caution · Low Concentration Only (<1%) | Read → |
| Topical Clindamycin 1% | Permitted with Prescription Clearance | Read → |
| Topical Erythromycin 2% | Permitted with Prescription Clearance | Read → |
| Topical Sulfur | Permitted · Time-Tested OTC Acne Care | Read → |
| Tranexamic Acid (Topical) | Topical Caution · Oral Strictly Contraindicated | Read → |
How Miko's Pregnancy Mode Works
Activate Pregnancy Mode in settings. The app immediately scans all formulations on your shelf.
Retinoids and high-potency BHAs grey out with a lock icon, preventing accidental morning or evening application.
Your weekly schedule rebuilds strictly around what remains. Zero affiliate product pushes.