Can You Use Retinol While Breastfeeding?

I’ve always tried to take good care of my skin, and I quickly learned during my first pregnancy that some ingredients, like retinol, are off-limits. But I felt less clear on what was okay once baby arrived. So, can you use retinol while breastfeeding?

Retinol is an over-the-counter derivative of vitamin A that shows up in a lot of over-the-counter skincare products to improve skin tone, pigmentation and texture, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). It’s also considered the gold-standard treatment for wrinkles.

Looking to get back to your skincare routine postpartum and wondering if retinol and breastfeeding are compatible? The answer’s a bit complicated. Read ahead for what experts want you to keep in mind when it comes to using retinol while breastfeeding.

Key Takeaways

• Can I use retinol while breastfeeding? Most topical retinols and other retinoids are generally considered low-risk while breastfeeding, though you should speak with your provider before using them. However, oral options aren’t considered safe.
• Topical retinol gets into the bloodstream, but in small amounts. If you want to be cautious, you can use an alternative ingredient.
• It’s important to take precautions if using retinoids while nursing. Avoid applying directly to your chest, breast or nipples, and washing your hands after application.

Can I Use Retinol While Breastfeeding?

Yes—and no. Whether you can use retinol while breastfeeding doesn’t have a clear-cut answer: Some types of retinol are considered safer than others, and experts advise using caution. “It depends on the route,” notes Rebekah Huppert, IBCLC, RN, BSN, a lactation consultant at the Mayo Clinic. Read ahead for what to know about retinol delivery routes and their safety for breastfeeding.

Can you use topical retinol while breastfeeding?

Most topical retinols are generally considered okay to use while breastfeeding—though you should still follow your own comfort level. They’re considered “low-risk” since experts believe they’re minimally absorbed into the bloodstream and even less enters from the bloodstream into breast milk, adds Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital.

That said, topical retinols don’t all behave the same: Experts advise to use caution with tazarotene, and not apply it over large areas while nursing.

Can you use oral retinol while breastfeeding?

Oral retinol, on the other hand, isn’t considered safe to use while breastfeeding, Dr. Zeichner says. Isotretinoin is contraindicated, and for oral tretinoin the guidance is to not nurse during treatment and for one week after the last dose.

While there are no current studies on this, Huppert says there are also “concerns” with using oral retinol due to the properties of the drug. “Oral retinoids do decrease blood retinol concentrations, which could change the amount of vitamin A an infant would receive via milk,” she explains.

Can you use retinoids while breastfeeding?

Topical retinoids are generally considered low-risk while breastfeeding—but steer clear of oral retinoids.

Retinoids is the umbrella term for vitamin A derivatives used to treat skin, available both topically and orally. Retinol is a type of retinoid, but there are other types, such as adapalene. Other distinct topical retinoids, including tretinoin, tazarotene and trifarotene, are available by prescription to treat acne. Isotretinoin is an oral type of retinoid that’s used for severe acne.

Aarani M., a mom of two, says she started struggling with acne while nursing her second child and decided to use topical tretinoin. “I hadn’t dealt with acne in years and any over-the-counter remedies that used to work for me weren’t effective,” she says. “Since I was already struggling with feeling like myself in my postpartum body, I decided to start using a low dose of tretinoin to help get my acne under control. I’m so glad I did, because it helped so much.”

How to Safely Use Retinol While Breastfeeding

While topical retinoids are generally considered low-risk while breastfeeding, experts suggest following these recommendations while using them:

• Don’t apply directly to your chest, breast or nipple area.
• Wash your hands after you apply.
• Try to keep baby from touching your face after you apply retinol.
• Don’t cuddle baby or press them against a treated area after applying retinol.
• Consider using alternatives to retinol if you or your doctor have concerns.

Safe Alternatives You Can Also Try While Breastfeeding

If you’d rather not use retinol at all while breastfeeding, that’s completely understandable. You can try the following skincare ingredients as alternatives to treat wrinkles, acne and more.

For wrinkles and lines

Dr. Zeichner suggests exfoliating acids like glycolic or salicylic acid for wrinkles and fine lines. These “are considered to be a safe alternative to retinol for improving skin texture, pores and wrinkles,” he says.

Bakuchiol is often suggested as a retinol alternative. Although it hasn’t been studied in breastfeeding either, it’s plant-based and better tolerated by people with sensitive skin. Idaho mom Michelle M., who’s a double board-certified nurse practitioner in dermatology and family health, says she switched to bakuchiol when she was nursing. “I also incorporated ingredients like vitamin C and azelaic acid to help address signs of aging and uneven skin tone,” she says.

Mom of two Davanshi S. says she also used bakuchiol while breastfeeding. “It behaves like a gentle, better tolerated retinol,” she says. “It felt like less work to use.”

For discoloration and dark spots

If you’re concerned about discoloration and dark spots, Dr. Zeichner suggests vitamin C serums. “Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radical damage, blocks production of abnormal pigmentation and is an essential co-factor for the production of healthy collagen,” he explains.

For acne

Dr. Zeichner recommends azelaic acid for treating acne. “Azelaic acid is safe to use throughout pregnancy and during breastfeeding and can treat pigmentation and acne breakouts,” he says.

To Sum It Up

If you’re thinking about using retinol while breastfeeding—whether it was in your routine before baby or you’d like to try it out—there are a few important things to know. Most importantly, topical retinol and other retinoids are considered low-risk while nursing, but you should avoid oral retinoids. Finally, if you’d like to avoid retinol altogether, there are quite a few alternatives for treating fine lines, acne or pigmentation while nursing.

How We Developed This Article

Many new moms want to pamper their skin postpartum—it changes a lot during pregnancy, after all. To provide clear guidance on using retinol while breastfeeding, we consulted with two lactation consultants and a dermatologist. We also connected with real moms who shared stories of their experience with retinol and nursing, as well as alternatives. After editing, this article was vetted through fact-check and reviewed by our obstetrician medical adviser. Learn more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.

About the author: Korin Miller is a mom of four and skincare fan who was nervous to use retinol products after having her first child. An experienced health and pregnancy writer and parent, Korin likes to add her personal experience to each article she writes. Her work has appeared in publications such as Women’s Health, Prevention, Cosmopolitan and The Washington Post.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.