Should I Avoid retinol/saccharomyces polypeptide During Pregnancy? | VeriMom

What to use instead

Pregnancy-safe ingredients that serve a similar function:

FAQ

Is retinol/saccharomyces polypeptide safe during pregnancy?

EU regulation restricts retinol (Retinol, Retinyl acetate, Retinyl palmitate) in cosmetics (Annex III, Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996) based on SCCS assessment that cumulative vitamin A exposure is a reproductive/ developmental concern; SCCS set maximum retinol-equivalent limits and the EU introduced mandatory labelling. Topical retinoids are associated with teratogenic risk when systemic exposure is sufficient and retinoids act via RAR agonism (mechanism). Systemic absorption from topical use is low but measurable, so exposure is non‑negligible. Sources: SCCS opinion and EU Regulation. ([cirs-group.com](https://www.cirs-group.com/files/bjaxyplqmqyo/content/2022/11/c2966q5thjwg.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Is retinol/saccharomyces polypeptide safe while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding: direct human data are limited; because retinoids have a clear RAR-mediated mechanism and systemic absorption from topical retinol can be measurable, a precautionary hazard score >0 is warranted. There is limited specific evidence of teratogenic/ developmental effects from topical retinol via breastmilk, so this is scored lower than pregnancy but mechanism and measurable absorption justify caution. ([cirs-group.com](https://www.cirs-group.com/files/bjaxyplqmqyo/content/2022/11/c2966q5thjwg.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Is retinol/saccharomyces polypeptide safe for baby skin?

For infants 0–3 years: infant skin has higher surface‑area‑to‑weight and immature barrier function so exposure (e) is increased by +1 versus adults when absorption is measurable. There is no infant‑specific evidence showing retinol causes developmental defects via topical application to babies, so hazard (h) is kept precautionary (structural/class concern) but not escalated. Saccharomyces polypeptide has no reproductive/ developmental signals. ([cirs-group.com](https://www.cirs-group.com/files/bjaxyplqmqyo/content/2022/11/c2966q5thjwg.pdf?utm_source=openai))

How does VeriMom score retinol/saccharomyces polypeptide?

VeriMom scores retinol/saccharomyces polypeptide at 13/100 (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 retinol/saccharomyces polypeptide?

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