Best Pregnancy-Safe Acne Treatments for Every Skin Concern
When it comes to your skin, pregnancy hits you with challenges coming and going—“Acne develops or worsens during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts,” explains Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and Assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. But at the same time, many of the acne treatments you once relied on are suddenly off-limits or require a more cautious approach.
I know from my two pregnancies that finding an acne treatment while carrying my boys was frustrating, especially when recommendations around common ingredients aren’t always black and white. What makes it all so confusing? “Pregnancy medication research is limited,” says Dr. Shamsa Kanwal, a board-certified dermatologist with over 10 years of clinical experience. “Dermatologists may focus on skin absorption and efficacy, while ob-gyns may take a more cautious fetal-safety approach.”
The good news is that pregnancy acne doesn’t have to go untreated. Below, find the best pregnancy-safe acne treatments for sensitive skin, stubborn breakouts, pregnancy pimples and post-acne dark spots.
When it comes to acne treatment during pregnancy, there’s a clear list of products to avoid altogether—like topical retinoids and oral isotretinoin—which you can read more about below. There are also some ingredients, like benzoyl peroxide and low-strength salicylic acid, where one expert might be more cautious than another, depending on the concentration, frequency and whether the product is rinsed off or left on the skin.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) consider each of these ingredients an option when used sparingly and for a limited time, and some of the products were directly recommended to us by experts. But if you’re not sure, remember that every pregnancy is different—check the complete ingredient list and discuss treatment with your ob-gyn or dermatologist.
To identify the best pregnancy-safe acne treatments, The Bump editorial team took the following steps:
- We conducted extensive research into the ingredients commonly used to treat pregnancy acne. We also reviewed how factors such as concentration, treatment area, frequency and rinse-off versus leave-on use can affect expert guidance during pregnancy.
- We interviewed five board-certified dermatologists to better understand what causes acne during pregnancy, which ingredients should be avoided and how to approach breakouts, sensitive skin and post-acne dark spots safely and effectively.
- We surveyed parents in The Bump community about the acne products they used during pregnancy, asking them to share what worked, what felt gentle enough for changing skin and where pregnancy-safe treatments fell short.
- Finally, we evaluated each product’s active ingredients, concentration, formula and suitability for specific skin concerns. We prioritized products that directly address acne or acne-related concerns rather than basic skincare options that primarily hydrate or soothe the skin.
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- Effective on acne-prone skin
- Good value for the money
- Contains benzoyl peroxide
- Mixed reviews on scent
The Bump takeaway: Cetaphil Gentle Clear Complexion Clearing Acne Cleanser pairs a low concentration of benzoyl peroxide with a creamy, rinse-off formula that treats acne without stripping sensitive skin.
This creamy cleanser uses 2.6 percent micronized benzoyl peroxide to target acne-causing bacteria and help treat and prevent breakouts. The rinse-off formula also contains zinc to help manage excess oil and licorice root to soothe the skin, while supporting the moisture barrier rather than leaving the skin feeling stripped.
It’s fragrance-free, oil-free and non comedogenic, and the brand claims users may see results after one week. Our survey respondents praised Cetaphil products for their gentle feel and suitability for sensitive skin. We love that this creamy cleanser offers a straightforward way to treat active breakouts.
What to watch out for:
Guidance around benzoyl peroxide can vary, largely because direct pregnancy research is limited. It can be an effective option for inflamed pimples, and is considered safe during pregnancy by ACOG and AAD, but concentration and contact time matter. The experts we spoke to recommended rinse-off formulas with a concentration under 5 percent, a standard this product meets.
Licorice root is another ingredient that may raise questions during pregnancy because guidance around consuming licorice is more cautious. Dr. Jaliman explains that the compounds are poorly absorbed through the skin and therefore “deemed safe at current cosmetic concentrations” by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel.
Size: 4.2 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: 2.6% benzoyl peroxide
- Fragrance free
- Easy to apply
- Contains salicylic acid
The Bump takeaway: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant offers targeted exfoliation for clogged pores and blackheads with a 2 percent leave-on salicylic acid formula.
When clogged pores and blackheads are the main concern, a leave-on exfoliant can reach buildup that a face wash alone may not fully address. This favorite from Paula’s Choice contains 2 percent salicylic acid—also known as BHA—to exfoliate the pores and help smooth uneven texture. Plus, it's fragrance- and alcohol free, and contains green tea for added soothing benefits. One mom-to-be in our survey found it gentle and easy to apply, although she noted it was pricey and left a greasy cast on her skin.
What to watch out for:
Salicylic acid is one of the more debated acne ingredients during pregnancy. Pregnancy-specific safety data are limited, but low concentrations are generally considered an option when used sparingly and for a limited time. All of our experts recommend concentrations of 2 percent or less, and conservative use to be on the safe side. This is a leave-on formula, so more of it stays on your skin; you might want to consider it as a targeted spot treatment rather than an everyday step. And as Dr. Jocelyn Gandelman, MD, FAAD board-certified dermatologist based in New York City says, "when in doubt talk with your ob-gyn!"
Size: 4 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: 2% BHA (salicylic acid)
- Lightweight, hydrating serum texture
- Designed for sensitive, blemish-prone skin
- Expert recommended
- Contains betaine salicylate
The Bump takeaway: The Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum combines 10 percent azelaic acid with hydrating ingredients to help treat and calm redness without overwhelming sensitive skin.
Treating breakouts during pregnancy can be especially tricky when your skin is feeling more sensitive than usual. This lightweight serum offers a gentle middle ground with 10 percent azelaic acid, which can help calm redness and inflammation, clear clogged pores and treat mild-to-moderate acne. Dr. Jaliman specifically recommended the formula for pregnancy acne and notes that azelaic acid is a particularly good option for sensitive skin.
Dr. Gandelman also considers azelaic acid an excellent pregnancy-compatible option for acne, redness and dark spots. While it may not work as well as stronger acne medications, Dr. Jaliman says most people begin to notice improvement after about four to eight weeks of consistent use. The formula also contains glycerin, squalane, hyaluronic acid, aloe and centella to help hydrate the skin while treating breakouts.
What to watch out for:
The formula also contains betaine salicylate, a relative of salicylic acid with very little pregnancy-specific data. Dr. Jaliman explains that it can release salicylic acid after application, so the same pregnancy considerations apply: Check with your doctor first, and keep it to small areas for limited periods.
Size: 1 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: 10% azelaic acid
- Helps improve uneven texture
- Includes hydrating hyaluronic acid
- Expert recommended
- Contains leave-on salicylic acid
- Check with your provider before use
The Bump takeaway: The La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.Z. Acne Face Gel pairs azelaic acid with 1.2 percent salicylic acid for a more targeted approach to stubborn breakouts, clogged pores and uneven texture.
Unlike the Anua serum above, which is geared toward sensitive, redness-prone skin, this La Roche-Posay treatment takes a more intensive approach to persistent breakouts. Dr. Jaliman specifically recommended the formula, which combines azelaic acid with 1.2 percent salicylic acid to help clear active blemishes and clogged pores while improving uneven texture and post-acne marks. Hyaluronic acid helps balance the active ingredients with added hydration.
That more hard-working formula addresses a frustration that frequently came up in our survey—several moms-to-be said the products they switched to during pregnancy didn’t work as well as the retinoids or acne treatments they had previously relied on. While azelaic acid helps calm inflammation and redness, the salicylic acid provides added exfoliation inside the pores, making this a stronger fit for recurring breakouts that need more than a soothing serum.
What to watch for:
This is a leave-on treatment containing 1.2 percent salicylic acid. Dr. Jaliman says low-strength salicylic acid may be used sparingly on small areas during pregnancy, but recommends avoiding frequent application or use across large areas of skin.
Size: 1.35 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid, 1.2% salicylic acid
- Not medicated
- Multiple sizes for different-sized pimples
- Discreet for daytime wear
- Center of the patch still visible
- Mixed opinions on adhesion
The Bump takeaway: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Invisible+ offers a discreet, medication-free way to flatten individual whiteheads, protect blemishes and help prevent picking during pregnancy.
Mighty Patch Invisible+ pimple patches are among the best options I’ve personally found for treating acne during pregnancy. I used these pimple patches throughout my pregnancy with my older son when I was dealing with frequent, stubborn breakouts. They were so effective that I continue to use them today as part of my regular skincare routine.
Made with hydrocolloid with no added acne active ingredients, Mighty Patches offer a gentle, medication-free way to treat individual surface-level blemishes during pregnancy. Hydrocolloid works by creating a moist environment over the pimple, which helps draw out the gunk from whiteheads while keeping the area protected and preventing you from picking at the blemish. While it won’t treat blackheads or deep, cystic acne, it can help flatten individual spots and support healing without drying out or irritating the surrounding skin.
On top of being a gentle solution for occasional pregnancy breakouts, they’re virtually undetectable—I wore them under makeup without anyone noticing. The beauty of these patches is that they stay put throughout the day, even while you go about your routine, and work gently yet effectively to absorb fluid, protect the blemish and discourage picking.
Size: 39 patches | Active ingredient: Hydrocolloid
- Treats breakouts and post-acne dark spots
- Affordable price point
- Texture may pill when layered
- Tube packaging can be frustrating
The Bump takeaway: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is an affordable treatment option that helps address both active breakouts and the dark spots they leave behind.
Even after a breakout clears, the discoloration it leaves behind can stick around. The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% pulls double-duty, helping to treat active blemishes while fading the post-acne dark spots that can linger long after a breakout clears. Dr. Jaliman notes that azelaic acid can help fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by normalizing pigment production, while Dr. Gandelman recommends the ingredient for acne, redness and dark spots.
This product from The Ordinary came very highly recommended by parents in our survey. Moms-to-be praised its effectiveness and affordable price, and some found that it layered easily into their existing routines. At just over $12, it’s a budget-friendly way to add a 10 percent azelaic acid treatment without overhauling your entire skincare regimen.
What to watch out for:
The main tradeoff is the texture––the formula can pill when layered with other products. Applying a small amount and allowing it to fully absorb before layering additional products can help reduce pilling.
Size: 1.1 fl. oz. | Active ingredient: Azelaic acid
The usual suspects—hormones—are to blame. “Pregnancy acne is primarily caused by hormonal changes, specifically an increase in androgen hormones […] in the first trimester,” says Ife J. Rodney, MD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics. “This can cause the oil glands in the skin to produce more sebum, leading to clogged pores and breakouts."
If you haven’t experienced pregnancy acne yet, consider yourself lucky. “While the hormone changes happen in all women, this does not mean all pregnant women will develop acne,” Dr. Rodney says. “Those with a history of acne or acne during their menstrual cycles are more likely to develop pregnancy acne.” Pregnancy acne may appear during the first or second trimester, and breakouts can also extend beyond the face to areas like the chest and back.
When it comes to treating pregnancy acne, a simple routine is the best place to start. “The simpler the better—and then add more as needed to achieve control,” says Dr. Gandelman.
Azelaic acid is widely considered a pregnancy-safe acne treatment and can help with breakouts, redness and post-acne dark spots. Benzoyl peroxide may also be used conservatively, ideally in a lower-strength rinse-off formula and on a limited treatment area. Guidance around salicylic acid is more divided, so products containing it should be used more sparingly and discussed with your ob-gyn or dermatologist.
Plain hydrocolloid patches can help with individual whiteheads. See a dermatologist if acne becomes painful, cystic, scarring, affecting large areas of the body or any pregnancy acne that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatment.
Some of the most effective acne medications aren’t recommended during pregnancy, so review both prescription and over-the-counter treatments with your ob-gyn or dermatologist. Ingredients and medications generally avoided during pregnancy include:
- Oral isotretinoin. Also known by the former brand name Accutane, oral isotretinoin can cause serious birth defects and should not be used during pregnancy. “Oral isotretinoin should be strictly avoided during pregnancy as it can cause birth defects,” says Todd Minars, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Minars Dermatology.
- Topical retinoids. Avoid topical retinoids and retinol-containing acne products during pregnancy unless specifically advised otherwise by your clinician. Retinoid acne treatments are vitamin A derivatives and include prescription ingredients like tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene and trifarotene. Dr. Gandelman advises avoiding these during pregnancy.
- Spironolactone and certain tetracycline antibiotics. Spironolactone is commonly prescribed for hormonal acne, while doxycycline, minocycline and related tetracycline are antibiotics sometimes used for inflammatory breakouts. “Spironolactone, doxycycline and other tetracyclines […] should be avoided as well,” Gandelman says.
- Certain prescriptions and topical treatments. Safety information is limited for some prescription acne treatments, including topical dapsone and clascoterone. Discuss use with your dermatologist or ob-gyn; Dr. Jaliman recommends avoiding these ingredients during pregnancy.
And remember, as Dr. Gandelman notes, terms like “natural” aren’t a reliable measure of pregnancy safety—”Natural is not always better or safe,” she says, “remember, poison ivy is natural!”
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you change your acne routine for pregnancy?
Dr. Jaliman recommends simplifying your routine and stopping topical retinoids before trying to conceive. Dr. Gandelman agrees switching to a pregnancy-safe routine in advance is the most cautious approach, but notes that some patients may continue certain topical treatments while trying to conceive after discussing the risks and benefits with their dermatologist and ob-gyn. Oral medications that aren’t considered pregnancy-safe, like spironolactone, should be stopped before you start trying.
Is benzoyl peroxide safe during pregnancy?
Benzoyl peroxide is considered acceptable in limited amounts during pregnancy. Both AAD and ACOG include topical benzoyl peroxide among the acne ingredients that may be used during pregnancy. Since only a small amount is typically absorbed through the skin, available evidence hasn’t linked properly used topical acne treatments with an increased risk of pregnancy complications, though direct pregnancy research is limited.
“There is debate over benzoyl peroxide [and topical salicylic acid] in pregnancy,” says Dr. Gandelman, who is most comfortable with formulas containing 5 percent benzoyl peroxide or less, used on a small area and rinsed off to limit skin contact. Dr. Jaliman also recommends sticking to lower concentration formulas and limited use. In other words, strength, treatment area and whether the product is rinse-off or leave-on all matter—if you're unsure, speak to your healthcare provider, who can help you decide what’s best and safest for your skin and baby.
When should you see a dermatologist for pregnancy acne?
It’s a good idea to make an appointment if your acne is painful, cystic, leaving scars, spreading across the chest or back or not improving with over-the-counter treatment. “Pregnancy does limit some of the treatments we normally use, but there are still options,” says Dr. Minars. He recommends getting help sooner rather than later if you’re concerned about scarring, since acne scars are much harder to treat once they form.
About the writer:
Christine Carpenter is a writer and editor with more than a decade of experience in product development, consumer research and evaluating everyday products for women and families. As a mom of two, she brings forth both a parent’s perspective and a detail-driven approach, dedicated to researching and writing about pregnancy and postpartum topics, including skincare ingredients, product safety and real-life concerns that shape buying decisions.
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.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Expert interviews:
Dr. Jocelyn Gandelman, MD, FAAD board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger in New York City. She practices medical and cosmetic dermatology and cares for both adults and children. Dr. Gandelman speaks both English and Spanish and has published more than 15 articles in peer-reviewed journals, including JAMA Dermatology.
Dr. Debra Jaliman, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City with more than 30 years of experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She was one of the first physicians in the United States to use Botox for cosmetic purposes, beginning in 1992. Dr. Jaliman is an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From a Top New York Dermatologist, and founder of the Sea Radiance skincare line for acne, rosacea, and anti-aging. She is a frequent media expert on skincare, cosmetic dermatology, and aesthetic treatments.
Dr. Shamsa Kanwal, MD, is a board-certified Dermatologist with over 10 years of clinical experience. She currently practices as a consultant Dermatologist at MyPsoriasisTeam.
Todd Minars is a board certified dermatologist and owner at Minars Dermatology. He is also an associate clinical professor of dermatology and cutaneous surgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Dr. Ife J. Rodney, MD, is the founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics, and has more than 15 years of experience across all aspects of cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatology. She completed her undergraduate degree and dermatology residency at Howard University in Washington, DC, and held a dermatopathology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland.
Literature:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Skin Conditions During Pregnancy, November 2025
American Academy of Dermatology Association, Is Any Acne Treatment Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
Surveys:
The Bump August 2024 Survey. Editors conducted surveys of 400 new and expectant parents from among The Bump community, and asked for insight on the acne treatment they used during pregnancy and what they liked and disliked about it.
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