Skincare during pregnancy: what is(n’t) safe?

In short

• Your skin absorbs what you put on it. Although the amounts are small, this can affect your baby.

• Your skin is often extra sensitive during pregnancy. Listen to your skin and your body.

• Some ingredients — like retinol or salicylic acid — are best avoided right now.

• Want to keep it simple? Choose a product that's been specifically developed for pregnancy.

Your first trimester comes with a lot of questions — including about your skin. What can I expect? Will I get pregnancy glow or breakouts? Why am I suddenly reacting to a body oil I've used for years? And one of the biggest ones: is my skincare still safe?

Because there's no app yet that tells you what's safe to put on your skin during pregnancy, we've put together an honest overview of what's really happening to your skin, which ingredients are best avoided, and what your skin actually needs right now.

Why does your skin change during pregnancy?

Fairly straightforward: your body grows during pregnancy, and your skin stretches with it. This can cause a tight feeling, itching and stretch marks. But hormones play a big role too.

What do pregnancy hormones do to your skin?

During pregnancy, hormones like progesterone and oestrogen rise significantly — and they have a direct effect on your skin. Fluctuations can cause hormonal breakouts, extra sensitivity, or a dry and tight feeling.

Fluctuations in oestrogen levels can also affect the moisture balance around your vagina and vulva, which means your intimate skin can feel drier than usual.

Why should you be more careful with skincare right now?

Simply put: your skin absorbs. When you apply something to your skin, a small amount is absorbed into your bloodstream — and can reach your baby. That sounds alarming, and on forums it can sometimes feel like you need to throw out half your bathroom cabinet. In reality, we're talking about very small amounts. Which is why the main thing to watch out for is high concentrations of certain ingredients — like vitamin A. The most important thing is simply being aware of what's in your products, so you can make your own informed choices.

Perhaps even more relevant: your skin can be more sensitive during pregnancy than you're used to. You might react to products you've used for years without any issues — irritation, itching, redness. It happens.

Skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy

Most skincare ingredients are perfectly fine to use during pregnancy. But there are a few where doctors and dermatologists recommend caution.

Retinol and vitamin A

Retinol is probably already part of your skincare routine — it's a favourite for smooth, glowing skin. But according to health guidelines, high doses of retinol can interfere with your baby's development. This mainly applies to supplements, so don't panic if you've been using your favourite retinol serum for the past few months without knowing. That said, it's worth switching to a retinol-free alternative as a precaution. Retinol is the active form of vitamin A, so the same advice applies to products containing vitamin A.

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a common exfoliant, found in cleansers, peels and acne treatments. At concentrations under 2%, dermatologists generally consider it low risk. Higher concentrations — often found in professional chemical peels — are best avoided. If salicylic acid has been prescribed for a skin condition, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist before continuing.

Essential oils

Essential oils are common in holistic and natural skincare products, and they often have genuinely lovely effects. The problem is that there's limited scientific research on their safety during pregnancy. Certain essential oils — including sage, rosemary, cinnamon and clove — are best avoided, particularly in the first trimester.

Synthetic fragrances

Synthetic fragrance doesn't pose a direct risk to your baby, but the combination of synthetic scents and alcohol can be harsh on skin that's already more sensitive than usual. It can also trigger pregnancy nausea. Listen to your body.

Ingredients that just don't feel right

That advice applies to all your skincare, really. Your skin is more sensitive right now — and so is your nose. If a product irritates your skin or makes you feel nauseous, put it aside — even if it doesn't contain any of the above. You know your body best.

What is safe — and good — for your skin?

Daily nourishment for your belly, breasts and thighs

These are the areas that stretch the most during pregnancy — and where your skin could really use some extra care. Our tip: apply a nourishing oil twice a day, ideally after showering when your skin is still slightly damp and absorbs better. It's also a lovely moment for you and your baby.

The Bodime Belly & Body Oil is specifically made for your skin during pregnancy: 100% natural ingredients, no hormone disruptors, no synthetic additives, no essential oils. Dermatologically and clinically tested — with a proven effect against stretch marks and pregnancy itching. So you can feel confident you're using something that's good for both you and your baby.

Care for your intimate skin

Your vulva skin and perineum deserve some extra attention right now too. Pregnancy hormones can make your intimate skin feel dry and uncomfortable — but it doesn't have to stay that way. The Bodime Intimate Moisturiser is specially formulated for intimate dryness during hormonal changes, including pregnancy.

From around week 34, regular perineal massage with a pregnancy-safe oil can also help prepare your perineal skin for birth — making it more supple and reducing the risk of tearing or an episiotomy. The Bodime Perineum Massage Oil is gynaecologically, clinically and dermatologically tested. 100% natural and safe for this sensitive area during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Keep your ingredient lists short

Pregnancy is a good moment to simplify your skincare routine. The fewer ingredients, the easier it is to check what you're putting on your skin. Save any new actives or treatments for after your pregnancy — your skin will still be there waiting.

Drink enough water

It sounds obvious, but it's easy to forget the effect hydration has on your skin. Well-hydrated skin is more elastic, more resilient, and less prone to itching and tightness.

Frequently asked questions about skincare during pregnancy

Is retinol safe during pregnancy?
Retinol and other forms of vitamin A are best avoided during pregnancy. Although guidelines mainly flag the risks of high doses, it's sensible to set aside retinol-based skincare as a precaution for these nine months. 

Can I use a vitamin C serum during pregnancy?
Vitamin C is generally considered safe during pregnancy and can help with pigmentation changes like melasma. That said, your skin may be more reactive than usual, so opt for the mildest, most natural formula you can find.

Is Bio-Oil safe during pregnancy?
Bio-Oil is widely used by pregnant women, but it does contain ingredients that are sometimes flagged during pregnancy. We'd recommend reading the label carefully and deciding what feels right for you.

My vulva skin suddenly feels drier than usual — is that normal?
Yes. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the moisture balance of your vagina and vulva, making them feel drier than usual. A natural balm or gel formulated for intimate skin can help — like the Bodime Vulva Balm or Bodime Intimate Moisturiser. Avoid regular body lotion or fragranced products on this area, as they can cause irritation.

Are Bodime products safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding?
Yes. The mothers behind Bodime know better than anyone how important it is to feel confident about what you're using during pregnancy — and that's exactly how our pregnancy products are formulated. We use only natural ingredients, work with a toxicologist, and everything is dermatologically and clinically tested. Many of our other products — including our intimate care range — are also safe to use during pregnancy. If a product isn't suitable, we always say so clearly on the label.