Is isotretinoin safe during pregnancy?

Isotretinoin is a known teratogen (FDA category X). Avoid during pregnancy and for at least one month before conception.

Is isotretinoin safe while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding data for isotretinoin is limited. Check VeriMom regularly — we update scores as new studies land on PubMed.

Is isotretinoin safe for baby skin?

We don't have baby-skin-specific data for isotretinoin. Stick to ingredients we've marked no known risks for babies until more evidence is available.

How does VeriMom score isotretinoin?

VeriMom scores isotretinoin at 0/100 (high risk) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.

What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to isotretinoin?

See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to isotretinoin based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.

HIGH RISK

Should I Avoid isotretinoin During Pregnancy? | VeriMom

Reviewed by VeriMom Editorial Team · Last reviewed June 11, 2026

Products containing isotretinoin — check your shelf

These products list isotretinoin on their INCI. If one is in your routine, consider swapping it during pregnancy.

What to use instead

Pregnancy-safe ingredients that serve a similar function:

holmium oxide

magnesium hydroxide

helianthemum nummularium flower extract

sodium methylnaphthalenesulfonate

sh-oligopeptide-5 sp

sr-rainbow trout oligopeptide-1 sh-polypeptide-11

Pregnancy-safe products to use instead

Products built around the safer ingredients above, scored "no known risks" or "low risk".

Mew mew tweet

100

Mew mew tweet Cedar Spruce Baking Soda Free

L'Occitane

100

L´Occitane Powder To-mousse Facial Exfoliator

Avero

100

Avero Solid Deodorant

Sustain Yourself Natural Deodorant

Bitamin

100

Bitamin Natural Deodorant N'orange

Dr Teals's

Dr Teals's Aluminum Free Deodorant Charcoal

900care

Déodorant stick parfum embruns

Sources & references

Authoritative references used to score this ingredient.

PubMed — peer-reviewed literature on isotretinoin in pregnancy

Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to isotretinoin | VeriMom

helianthemum nummularium flower extract

100

sodium methylnaphthalenesulfonate

100

sh-oligopeptide-5 sp

100

sr-rainbow trout oligopeptide-1 sh-polypeptide-11

100

Ingredients — Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients Database — 28,000+ Ingredients Rated

hydrogenated mineral oil39

peg-120 propylene glycol stearate39

olive oil propylene glycol esters39

ethylhexyl oleate39

peg-23 poly(1,2-butanediol)-21 propylene glycol dimethyl ether39

n,n'-methylenebisacrylamide39

FAQ

Is isotretinoin safe during pregnancy?: Isotretinoin is a known teratogen (FDA category X). Avoid during pregnancy and for at least one month before conception.
Is isotretinoin safe while breastfeeding?: Breastfeeding data for isotretinoin is limited. Check VeriMom regularly — we update scores as new studies land on PubMed.
Is isotretinoin safe for baby skin?: We don't have baby-skin-specific data for isotretinoin. Stick to ingredients we've marked no known risks for babies until more evidence is available.
How does VeriMom score isotretinoin?: VeriMom scores isotretinoin at 0/100 (high risk) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.
What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to isotretinoin?: See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to isotretinoin based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.

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Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Safety scores are based on publicly available data and may not reflect all risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any product during pregnancy or breastfeeding.