What Skincare Products Can I Use When Pregnant
First of all - congratulations on becoming a mamma soon! At Tivoli Rose Beauty we’re all about supporting and spoiling mums. Pregnancy can be challenging and no doubt you still want to take care of your skin during this journey. However there are some ingredients and in clinic treatments that should be avoided.
Some ingredients commonly found in skincare and cosmetic products can be absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially affect your developing bub. So it’s really important to be across what to avoid.
Here are the biggest no-gos:
1. Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) - these are commonly found in anti-ageing and acne treatments, often listed as retinol, tretinoin, adapalene, or retinyl palmitate. High doses of Vitamin A can cause birth defects, so it’s best to steer clear of these during pregnancy.
2. Salicylic Acid (in high doses) - while low concentrations in spot treatments may be okay, high-dose products and chemical peels with salicylic acid should be avoided. Check your cleansers, exfoliants and acne treatments.
3. Hydroquinone - used for pigmentation or melasma, hydroquinone has a high absorption rate, and there’s not enough research to confirm its safety during pregnancy.
4. Benzoyl Peroxide - a powerful acne-fighting ingredient, but it can be too harsh and potentially unsafe during pregnancy, as it may cause skin irritation and there’s limited research on how much is absorbed into the bloodstream—so it’s best to avoid it unless approved by your doctor.
5. Essential Oils (certain types) - some essential oils like rosemary, clary sage, and jasmine can stimulate contractions and are not considered safe in large quantities or in early pregnancy.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Ingredients
Now for the good news—there’s still plenty you can use to pamper your skin and keep that pregnancy glow going strong. Continuing your at home skincare routine will ensure you feel your best when you’re starting to feel a bit exhausted.
Here are the all clears:
Hyaluronic Acid – Amazing for hydration and totally safe. We love this ingredient, as it can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it one of the most powerful hydrating ingredients in skincare
Vitamin C – Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten the skin, fade pigmentation, and protect against environmental stressors—making it a go-to ingredient for maintaining a healthy, glowing complexion during pregnancy.
Niacinamide – Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) helps to strengthen the skin barrier, reduce redness, and regulate oil production, making it a gentle yet effective ingredient for calming and balancing pregnancy-prone skin.
Zinc-based sunscreens – Physical (mineral) sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are pregnancy-safe and ideal for sensitive skin. Don’t forget to always apply your SPF before leaving the house as melasma is very common in pregnant women and is exacerbated by heat and sun.
Lactic Acid – Lactic acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, boosts hydration, and improves texture, making it a pregnancy-safe option for keeping your skin smooth and glowing without irritation.
We absolutely still want to see you in clinic at Tivoli Rose Beauty during your pregnancy—this is such an important time to care for yourself, and your skin deserves a little extra love too. That’s why we’ve carefully put together a list of treatments that are not only safe for you and baby, but also incredibly effective at keeping your skin healthy, glowing, and nourished throughout your pregnancy journey.
Pregnancy-Safe Treatments You Can Enjoy
Pregnancy Facials – These customised treatments are designed specifically for expecting mums, using gentle techniques and natural, pregnancy-safe ingredients to nourish and hydrate your skin while addressing common concerns like dryness, sensitivity, and hormonal breakouts.
LED Light Therapy – A soothing, non-invasive treatment that uses blue or red light to target acne, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen. These wavelengths are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it’s always best to check with us to ensure the treatment is tailored to your needs. You can also include this in an existing treatment as a part of our Skin Booster Menu for just $45.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage – A gentle, therapeutic massage that promotes better circulation and helps reduce fluid retention, making it especially beneficial during pregnancy when swelling and bloating are common. This treatment can help relieve discomfort and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised. Ask about this as a part of our O Biome facial.
Hydrating Facials – our O Peels are deeply soothing and replenishing treatments that focuse on infusing your skin with moisture, leaving it plump, smooth, and glowing. With nourishing ingredients and no harsh chemicals, these facials are perfect for calming sensitive skin and maintaining hydration during pregnancy.
Book your Tivoli Rose appointment by clicking here.
Final Tip: When in Doubt, Ask!
Whether it’s your go-to serum or a facial appointment at Tivoli Rose, always double-check with your GP or obstetrician—and let your beauty therapist know you’re pregnant. We will always tailor treatments to keep you (and baby!) safe.
Glowing skin, happy mum. With a little tweaking to your beauty routine, you can still indulge in self-care while keeping things totally pregnancy-safe.