The usual guidance is to stop using retinol during pregnancy. Health authorities strongly warn against oral retinoids because they can cause serious birth defects, and they advise avoiding topical retinoids like retinol as a precaution. This page reflects what ACOG, the NHS, the FDA, and dermatology bodies say.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A used in skincare to smooth skin and treat acne and fine lines. It belongs to a group of ingredients called retinoids, which also includes prescription creams (tretinoin, adapalene) and oral acne drugs such as isotretinoin. The FDA notes that oral vitamin A derivatives like isotretinoin are known to cause birth defects. Topical retinol is far weaker, but it sits in the same family.
High-dose oral retinoids are among the most established causes of birth defects, so the FDA classifies isotretinoin as an ingredient to avoid entirely in pregnancy. For topical retinol, absorption through the skin is low and evidence of harm is limited, but the American Academy of Dermatology and the NHS advise avoiding topical retinoids in pregnancy as a precaution. When the evidence is thin and the potential harm is serious, the cautious choice is to stop.
Many providers suggest pregnancy-friendly skincare ingredients instead, such as azelaic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin C, and dermatology guidance often points to these for acne and skin texture. For acne specifically, ask your provider before starting anything, as some acne treatments are also restricted. Check the label of any product for retinol, retinal, tretinoin, adapalene, or retinyl palmitate and set those aside for now.