Retinoid gels and creams (‘topical retinoids’)
PrintQuick take
Retinoid creams and gels should not be used in pregnancy.
What are they?
Prescribed skin creams and gels that contain retinoids like tretinoin (Aknemycin®, Treclin®) or adapalene (Differin®, Epiduo®) are mainly used to treat severe acne.
Benefits
What are the benefits of using topical retinoids in pregnancy?
Although retinoid creams and gels can be an effective treatment for acne, they should not be used in pregnancy.
Risks
Are there any risks of using topical retinoids during pregnancy?
Possibly. Use of topical retinoids in pregnancy should be avoided as a precaution because:
• It is well-known that the much higher doses of these medicines taken in tablet form can cause miscarriage and birth defects.
• While only tiny amounts are likely to reach the baby when these products are applied to the skin as recommended in the instructions, some women will absorb the medicines in creams and gels better than others.
• Most reports of women who used topical retinoids in pregnancy show that their babies were unaffected, but there are also case reports of babies with birth defects. It is not yet possible to rule out that these birth defects were caused by the retinoids.
Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to using topical retinoids in pregnancy?
Yes. Creams and gels with active ingredients that are not retinoids can also be used to treat acne and will not harm your baby.
No treatment
What if I prefer not to use medicines to treat acne during pregnancy?
It is likely to be safe to stop acne treatment during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor or specialist if you need further advice.
Will my baby need extra monitoring?
Women in the UK will be offered a very detailed scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy as part of routine antenatal care. No extra monitoring for major birth defects is required following topical retinoid use in pregnancy.
Are there any risks to my baby if the father has used topical retinoids?
We do not expect any increased risk to your baby if the father uses topical retinoids.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have any questions regarding the information in this leaflet, please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.