Retinol When Breastfeeding: Safety & Alternatives

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The use of retinol while breastfeeding lacks extensive studies, so little is known about its safety in lactating mothers. Retinol and retinoids are a group of compounds that are usually found in several skincare products for acne, skin pigmentation problems, fine lines, and wrinkles. They are available in topical and oral forms (1). Retinol and retinoids (especially oral forms) have been found to be harmful during pregnancy. This forms the basis of its use with caution while breastfeeding (2). Read on as we discuss the various aspects of retinol and retinoids for dermatological use when breastfeeding.

What Is Retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin (3). Vitamin A is the first vitamin to become an FDA-approved anti-wrinkle product. Vitamin A and its derivatives form the group known as retinoids, which are known to slow the skin-aging process primarily by increasing the production of keratinocytesⁱCells that majorly compose the outer layer (epidermis) of the skin and secrete keratin protein , retaining skin hydration, and reducing the breakdown of collagen in the skin. Retinoids are used to treat skin issues such as acne, rosaceaⁱAn inflammatory skin condition causing redness and rash, usually on the nose and cheeks , psoriasisⁱAn autoimmune condition that causes raised, red, and scaly patches on the skin. It occurs when skin cells multiply at an abnormally fast pace , pyodermaⁱRare condition that causes skin ulcerations , and ichthyosisⁱA condition that makes the skin thick, dry (like fish scales), red, and itchy . Retinol shows its biological action after transforming into active metabolites such as retinoic acid. These compounds work via nuclear receptors that act at the DNA level (4).

Differences Between Retinol And Retinoids

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Retinol and retinoids are often used interchangeably when it comes to dermatological products. However, they are not the same. Retinol is a form of vitamin A, while retinoids denote an umbrella term that includes vitamin A and the compounds structurally and functionally related to it. Retinoids refer to both natural, biologically active forms of vitamin A (retinol, retinal, and retinoic acid) and synthetic derivatives of retinol (etretinate, acitretin, and tazarotene) (4).

Quick fact

Retinoids may be classified into three generations based on their chemical structure and properties. Retinol, retinal, tretinoin, and isotretinoin belong to the first, etretinate and acitretin to the second, and arotinoid, adapalene, and tazarotene to the third generation, respectively (4).

Can You Use Retinol When Breastfeeding?

There is insufficient scientific data to interpret whether retinol and retinoids are safe while breastfeeding. However, evidence indicates their adverse effects on maternal health if taken during pregnancy. Vitamin A is normally present in breast milk and is likely to be secreted in it (5). It is unknown to what extent topical retinoids are secreted in breast milk, but it is expected to be a small amount (6). However, lactating women should use even topical retinoids only under medical supervision. When using topical retinoids during breastfeeding, it is advisable to avoid applying them on the nipple, areola, or large body surfaces. Mothers should wash their hands after application and prevent the baby’s skin from coming in direct contact with the treated areas (7) (8).

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What Are The Risks Of Using Retinol When Breastfeeding?

Retinoids, especially oral, may cause congenital anomalies if taken early in pregnancy. They have been found to be associated with fetal retinoid syndrome, which may present as restricted growth, hydrocephalusⁱExcessive fluid buildup in the brain cavities , microcephalyⁱA condition where a newborn's head is smaller compared to the rest of the body , learning difficulties, cleft palateⁱA birth defect that causes a gap or split in the mouth's palate (roof) , heart problems, and ear and eye abnormalities in some newborns (2) (9).Studies on breastfed infants are scarce and unlikely to be carried out on a large scale due to ethical reasons. So, the recommendation to exercise caution while using retinoids while breastfeeding is based on the reported adverse effects during pregnancy.

According to dermatologists and pediatricians, it is advisable to avoid all retinol-based products during breastfeeding unless prescribed by a healthcare provider. Always consult your dermatologist before introducing any new skincare products while nursing.

If baby skin comes in contact with topical retinoids, it may cause side effects such as itching or redness (10).

Safe Skincare Alternatives When Breastfeeding

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It is not necessary to cease all skincare treatments during breastfeeding. Retinoids are primarily used for acne and psoriasis, and certain alternative treatments may provide comparable results and be used safely in nursing mothers. However, it is advisable to consult a board-certified dermatologist first.

For treatment of acne while breastfeeding (11)

1. Azelaic acid: It is used topically and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and comedolyticⁱAgents that can unclog skin pores or hair follicles clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria properties. Twice daily application up to a maximum strength of 20% may be considered safe during breastfeeding.
2. Benzoyl peroxide: When applied topically, it shows antimicrobial and keratolytic properties and may be used in combination with antibiotics. Systemic absorption is minimal, and twice daily application of products containing 5% benzoyl peroxide while breastfeeding may be considered safe.
3. Sodium sulfacetamide: It is a topical antimicrobial agent that may be used when breastfeeding. The only exception is if the breastfeeding infant has glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or hyperbilirubinemia, as it may increase the risk of infantile jaundice and kernicterus.
4. Salicylic acid: Using salicylic acid while breastfeeding is considered safe if used topically in small amounts and for a short duration.
5. Glycolic acid and lactic acid peels: They have shown limited skin penetration and may be safely used.
6. Topical antibiotics: Antibiotics that are considered safe when used topically include clindamycin, erythromycin, and metronidazole.
7. Oral antibiotics: Oral antibiotics such as penicillins, cephalosporins, and some macrolides  (erythromycin and azithromycin) may be taken on prescription during breastfeeding (12).
8. Intralesional corticosteroids: They may be considered lactation-safe as a minimum amount of steroid is absorbed. Effective for acne cysts and inflammatory nodules.
9. Natural ingredients such as green tea extract and chamomile can provide soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits for mothers during breastfeeding. These alternatives reduce skin issues and are considered safe for both mother and baby.

Point to consider

Oral antibiotics of the class Sulfonamides/Trimethoprim are also considered lactation-safe, but they need to be avoided if the infant is premature or has conditions such as jaundice or glucose-6-phosphate deficiency (12).

1. Topical corticosteroids: Avoid application on or near the nipples.
2. Calcipotriene: It is a synthetic derivative of vitamin D meant to be applied on the psoriasis-affected skin areas.
3. Phototherapy: Narrowband UVB and broadband UVB phototherapy may be used when breastfeeding. It may be used for both acne and psoriasis. However, visiting the treatment center two or three times per week may not be convenient when you have a newborn to care for.

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Other Skincare Ingredients You Should Avoid When Breastfeeding

Skincare ingredients that lactating women are advised to avoid are (11) (14):

• Topical antiandrogens, such as Clascoterone cream 1%, as the effects on lactation are unknown
• Oral hormonal therapies
• Both topical and oral tetracycline, co-trimoxazole, and fluoroquinolone antibiotics
• Methotrexate used to treat psoriasis is contraindicated while breastfeeding (15)
• Hydroquinone in skin-lightening products should be used after consulting a dermatologist (16)
• Skincare products that contain potentially harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, and triclosan (17)

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Point to consider

Among medications used in antiandrogen therapy, Spironolactone is considered compatible with breastfeeding (12)

How Early Can You Start Using Retinol After Pregnancy?

Though topical retinol therapy is considered low-risk post-childbirth, it is advisable to resume treatment with such agents after you finish breastfeeding your baby (18).

Infographic: Skincare Treatments Considered Safe For Lactating Women

Safer alternatives to retinoids may be used to treat skin conditions such as acne when nursing. It is advisable to consult a board-certified dermatologist if your problem is severe. Both medications and skincare procedures may be useful in addressing such skin issues. The infographic below enlists some such alternatives.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Taking care of your skin while breastfeeding is quite essential for a new mom to prevent discomfort. Find out more about skincare and the safety of products like retinol in this video.

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Dr. Ben Abbes Taarji HichamMD

Dr. Ben Abbes Taarji Hicham is a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist with around 20 years of experience in the field. Having worked in various Moroccan hospitals, he currently runs a private practice. Dr. Hicham specializes in rejuvenation and cosmetic gynecology, medically assisted reproduction, breast and gynecological cancers, HPV diseases, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, and hormonal disorders.

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Dr. Joyani DasM.Pharm, PhD

Dr. Joyani Das did her post-graduation from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra and PhD in Pharmacology. Previously, she worked as an associate professor, faculty of Pharmacology, for two years. With her research background in preclinical studies and a zeal for scientific writing, she joined MomJunction as a health writer.

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Rohit GarooBSc, MBA

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Anindita GhatakB.Tech

Anindita Ghatak holds a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology from Amity University, Kolkata. During the course of her studies, she has worked on different research projects in the fields of Microbiology and Bioinformatics. Anindita has over three years of experience writing medical articles for journals.

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