Retinol While Breastfeeding: Is It Safe for Nursing Parents?

Postpartum skin can be…rude. Between hormones, sleep deprivation, and the general chaos of caring for a tiny human, postpartum skin can change fast. So, it’s no surprise many breastfeeding parents eye their pre-baby skincare favorites—especially retinol—and wonder: Is this safe while nursing?

Let’s walk through what the most trusted medical references say, plus how to use retinol (and prescription retinoids) safely if you and your healthcare provider decide it’s a good fit.

Can you use retinol while breastfeeding?

In many cases, an over-the-counter retinol used on small areas of intact skin is likely low risk during breastfeeding—because only a small amount of topical retinoids is expected to get into your bloodstream, and therefore the amount that could reach breast milk would probably be small. That said, “low risk” isn’t the same as “risk-free,” and how you use it matters a lot—especially avoiding any chance your baby’s mouth or skin touches treated areas.

What is retinol?

Retinol is a form of vitamin A used in skincare to help improve acne and signs of aging. Most retinol products are over-the-counter, while stronger vitamin A derivatives (called retinoids) are often prescription-only.

Retinol can help with:

Acne

Uneven tone and pigmentation

Fine lines and early wrinkles

Rough texture

Retinol works in a few key ways:

Speeds up skin cell turnover. By helping your skin shed old cells and make new ones more efficiently, retinol can smooth texture and brighten dullness.

Helps keep pores clear. Retinoids (including tretinoin) help treat acne by promoting peeling and unclogging pores—one reason they’re a mainstay in acne care.

Boosts collagen over time. Dermatology experts note retinoids can stimulate collagen, which helps soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

Retinol vs. Retinoids

“Retinoids” is the umbrella term for vitamin A–based skincare. Retinol is one type (commonly OTC). Prescription retinoids include adapalene, tretinoin, and tazarotene.

Why this matters: The stronger the retinoid—and the larger the area you use it on—the more cautious you should be during breastfeeding.

Why People Worry About Retinoids During Breastfeeding

Retinoids are related to vitamin A, and some retinoids (especially oral forms) can cause serious harm during pregnancy. During breastfeeding, the main concern with topical products is usually not that they dramatically change breastmilk—it’s that more product could absorb into your bloodstream if used on broken/irritated skin, used more than needed, or used over a large area. Along those lines, there’s concern a baby could get exposed by direct contact (face-to-face cuddles, baby hands grabbing your cheek, etc.).

Topical Retinoids and Breastfeeding

Used carefully (small amount, small area, intact skin, no baby contact), OTC retinol is generally considered unlikely to be a problem for most breastfeeding parents and babies—though you should still run your exact product by your healthcare provider. Here’s a rundown of common retinoids and the risks they pose.

Topical Adapalene (Differin)

Topical adapalene has not been studied directly in breastfeeding, but because it’s poorly absorbed and blood levels are very low, it’s likely a low risk to nursing babies. But to minimize absorption (smallest area, shortest time) and not applying to the nipple, plus avoiding infant contact with treated skin.

Topical Tazarotene (Tazorac)

Expert opinions on topical tazarotene vary. Some advise not using it on a large surface area, and others recommend not using it during breastfeeding at all due to theoretical concerns. If you do use it, make sure that your baby isn’t in contact with the skin it’s been applied to.

Topical Tretinoin (Retin-A)

While breastfeeding use hasn’t been studied, very little passes into your body with skin use, so the amount in milk is thought to be small.

How to Use Retinol More Safely While Breastfeeding

If you and your provider decide retinol/retinoids are okay for you, these are the big safety moves:

Never apply retinol/retinoids to the nipple or areola.

Avoid letting your baby come into contact with treated skin. If your baby’s cheek, lips, or hands might touch it (hello, snuggly newborn), choose another area—or skip it for now.

Use the smallest amount on the smallest area.

Avoid applying on broken or irritated skin. Absorption can increase if skin is compromised.

Apply after the last feed before your longest stretch of sleep, and wash hands after. (This is a practical way to reduce transfer risk—especially if your baby loves grabbing your face.)

When to Avoid Retinoids While Breastfeeding

Avoid oral isotretinoin (Accutane) while breastfeeding.

There’s simply not information available about isotretinoin use during breastfeeding, but oral products are riskier than topical agents. There is also good evidence that Accutane is very harmful during pregnancy, so that should give folks pause as well.

Be extra cautious with systemic retinoids (like acitretin).

There have been measurable levels of this retinoid in milk in a case report and notes that opinions vary on breastfeeding during therapy; it again points out that topical agents may be preferred, especially for newborns or preterm infants.

Consider skipping (or pausing) strong topical retinoids on large areas.

Research suggests using extra caution for topical tazarotene if used on a large surface area.

Breastfeeding-Friendly Alternatives to Retinol

If you’d rather avoid retinol for now, There are several acne alternatives that are commonly used in lactation, including:

Azelaic acid

Benzoyl peroxide

Topical clindamycin

Topical erythromycin

Topical tretinoin (with precautions)

Breastfeeding and Retinol FAQ

Do I need to pump and dump if I used retinol?

Usually, no. With topical use, the bigger issue is direct contact transfer, not breast milk “contamination.” If you used a strong prescription retinoid over a large area (or on broken skin), call your clinician for personalized guidance.

What if my baby touched my face after I applied retinol?

Wash the baby’s skin with gentle soap and water if there’s obvious residue, and try to prevent mouth contact with treated areas going forward. If your baby develops a rash, contact your pediatrician.

Where can I check a medication’s breastfeeding safety quickly?

LactMed—the NIH’s peer-reviewed breastfeeding medication database—is a great resource for breastfeeding medication safety information.

The Bottom Line

For most breastfeeding parents, carefully used topical retinol (small amount, small area, intact skin, and zero baby contact) is generally considered low risk—but caution is warranted with stronger topical retinoids, large surface areas, and especially oral retinoids.

If you tell your clinician the exact product name (and strength), they can help you decide whether to continue to use a product with precautions, switch to a breast-feeding friendly alternative, or pause retinoids until weaning.

More on Breastfeeding:

• The Buzz on Caffeine and Breastfeeding
• Do I Need to Pump and Dump After Drinking?
• Which Cold Medicines Are Safe for Breastfeeding?
• The Nutrients You Need While Breastfeeding

• Cleveland Clinic: Retinol
• American Academy of Dermatology: Retinoid or Retinol? Here’s What You Need to Know
• MedlinePlus: Tretinoin Topical
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Prescription Medications While Breastfeeding
• MotherToBaby: Topical Tretinoin (Retin-A) and Pregnancy
• NCBI Bookshelf: Tretinoin
• NCBI Bookshelf: Isotretinoin
• NCBI Bookshelf: Vitamin A
• NCBI Bookshelf: Acne

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.