How to create a skincare routine that’s safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy safe skincare
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are transformative life stages – physically, emotionally, and hormonally. And your skin often reflects those changes. From pigmentation, melasma, and sudden breakouts to dryness and sensitivity, it’s common to experience new or heightened skin concerns.
The good news? While not independently certified as ‘pregnancy-safe’, Antipodes’ entire range of natural skincare formulations is thoughtfully created with gentle, pregnancy-conscious ingredients – always free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrance, and questionable actives.
Why skincare matters during pregnancy and breastfeeding
While your skin acts as a barrier, some ingredients in skincare can be absorbed in small amounts. That’s why healthcare professionals recommend choosing products with safe, well-researched ingredients during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
But don’t panic. The most important thing is to listen to your skin, simplify where needed, and build a routine that’s both comforting and effective.
Skincare ingredients to avoid – and embrace – during pregnancy
If you already love your skincare ritual, there’s no need to start from scratch. A few simple swaps can make all the difference. Think of it as refining rather than replacing.
AVOID
Retinoids and retinol
These vitamin A derivatives are used to target ageing and acne, but they’re not recommended during pregnancy due to links with birth defects.
EMBRACE
Bakuchiol and cacay oil
These natural alternatives are known to help improve texture and tone, without the risks or irritation associated with retinol.
Our picks: Eve Bio-Retinol Line Reduction Serum is our award-winning, certified-organic face oil with pregnancy-safe cacay oil and bakuchiol for smooth, firm and nourished skin. You’ll also find bakuchiol in our bestselling Glow Vitamin C Brightening Serum
AVOID
Salicylic acid
Used to unclog pores and target blemishes, salicylic acid is considered safe – but it’s harsh on skin. Salicylic acid can disrupt the skin’s barrier – and high doses are best avoided due to limited safety data.
EMBRACE
New Zealand mānuka honey and probiotics
New Zealand mānuka honey is a skincare superfood with antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Probiotic skincare helps balance your skin’s microbiome, which in-turn helps prevent and target hormonal blemishes.
Our picks: Aura Mānuka Honey Mask to hydrate, soothe and target blemishes and Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream to soothe and balance your skin while you sleep.
AVOID
Hydroquinone
This synthetic brightening ingredient is sometimes used to treat pigmentation but has a high absorption rate, so it’s best left out during pregnancy.
EMBRACE
Vitamin C from Kakadu plum and Melanostatine™ 5 peptides These bioactive ingredients help even skin tone – and prevent and reduce the appearance of pigmentation over time.
Hormonal changes can trigger pigmentation, and sun exposure makes it worse! So mineral SPF is a must – prevention is easier than a cure!
Our picks: every morning after cleansing, first apply Diem Vitamin C Pigment-Correcting Water Cream and follow with our 100% natural-origin mineral SPF: Supernatural SPF50+ Ceramide Silk Facial Sunscreen
AVOID
Synthetic fragrance
Artificial fragrance can be a trigger for irritation – especially if your skin is more sensitive than usual. It can also disrupt hormones, which are already disrupted enough during pregnancy!
EMBRACE
Natural fragrance
We use only components of essential oils in very low concentrations – never artificial fragrance – selected for their skin benefits and gentle aroma. These are not used at therapeutic levels and comply with safety guidelines.
Why patch testing matters
Pregnancy can heighten skin sensitivity, making it more reactive to products you’ve previously used without issue. That’s why we always recommend patch testing before introducing anything new to your routine. It’s a simple way to help ensure your skin feels calm, comfortable, and cared for – especially during this time of change.
How to care for pregnancy-related skin concerns naturally
With so much going on, finding the right skincare during pregnancy and breastfeeding can feel overwhelming – but we’re here to help. Our Regime Builder takes the guesswork out of choosing: just answer three quick questions and we’ll recommend the best products for your concerns. Or, keep reading to discover common skin concerns during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and our favourite products to help you on your journey.
SKIN CONCERN: Pigmentation and melasma
Hormonal pigmentation can be stubborn. Prevention is key, so remember to apply a natural mineral SPF every morning. You can also brighten and support an even skin tone with natural vitamin C from Kakadu plum, and Melanostatine™ 5 – peptides that are clinically shown to inhibit melanin production.
SKIN CONCERN: Stretch marks and loss of elasticity
As your skin stretches, it can feel tight or itchy. Look for moisturisers rich in oils like rosehip, avocado, and cold-pressed kiwi seed oil. These oils are rich in vitamins, omegas and fatty acids to help lock in moisture and support your skin.
TOP TIP: Add a few drops of Divine Face Oil to Joyful Hand and Body Cream (or your usual body lotion) for extra nourishment and to support elasticity.
SKIN CONCERN: Hormonal acne
Breakouts are a common complaint during pregnancy. Rather than using harsh acne treatments, focus on balancing your skin’s microbiome. Cleanse every evening with Juliet Anti-Blemish Gel Cleanser to remove excess oil and unclog pores, followed by Credo Probiotic Anti-Blemish Serum, then Culture Night Recovery Water Cream.
SKIN CONCERN: Dryness and sensitivity
Your barrier function might be more vulnerable, so opt for gentle, water-richgels and serums with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to boost hydration for healthy, dewy skin.
Antipodes’ approach to pregnancy-safe skincare
At Antipodes, we believe skincare should be both safe and sensorial. Although we consider our products and ingredients safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, our range has not been independently certified for this purpose.
Everyone’s skin reacts differently, especially during this life stage, so we recommend that you:
- Patch test when introducing new products.
- Check the ingredients (INCI) list in your skincare to look for any ingredients you are personally sensitive to. Our INCI lists are shown in full on every product page.
- Add one new product at a time, rather than changing everything at once
- Consult your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
Pregnancy can be a beautiful time to slow down and reconnect with your skincare ritual. Take a moment to massage in your moisturiser, breathe in the beautiful aromas, and enjoy the glow that comes with caring for yourself.
Our top skincare picks for pregnancy and breastfeeding
Reveal smoother, more radiant skin with this scientifically validated collagen-boosting oil-based serum.
Target fine lines & wrinkles
Target pigmentation, dullness, and uneven skin tone with this light-textured hydrating moisturiser.
Target pigmentation & dull skin
Replenish lost moisture and foster a fresh complexion with this luxuriously creamy face mask.
Target under-nourished skin & Target dehydrated skin
Maintain a healthy, balanced microbiome with this soothing, hydrating Kalibiome probiotic night cream.
Target redness & Target dehydrated skin
Reveal smoother, more radiant skin with this scientifically validated collagen-boosting oil-based serum.
Target fine lines & wrinkles
Target pigmentation, dullness, and uneven skin tone with this light-textured hydrating moisturiser.
Target pigmentation & dull skin
Replenish lost moisture and foster a fresh complexion with this luxuriously creamy face mask.
Target under-nourished skin & Target dehydrated skin
Maintain a healthy, balanced microbiome with this soothing, hydrating Kalibiome probiotic night cream.
Target redness & Target dehydrated skin