Pregnancy changes everything—your body, your emotions, and even your skin. That glow everyone talks about? It doesn’t always show up. Instead, many expecting moms deal with breakouts, dryness, sensitivity, and pigmentation. Understandably, the first instinct is to reach for trusted skincare actives like Retinol or Salicylic Acid—the heavy-hitters we’ve grown up seeing in beauty aisles.

But here’s the thing: what works for your skin in one phase of life may not be the safest in another. At Orimii, we skip certain popular ingredients—not because they aren’t effective—but because your safety (and your baby’s) comes first.

Let’s talk about the ingredients we leave out—and the safer alternatives we choose instead.

 

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🌿 Why Some Skincare Ingredients Are a No-Go During Pregnancy

The skin is more than just a surface—it’s an interface between you and the world. And during pregnancy, it becomes more sensitive, more absorbent, and more reactive. Some ingredients commonly found in conventional skincare can potentially cause harm or haven’t been proven safe for use during pregnancy.

That’s why doctors and dermatologists often recommend avoiding:

 

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❌ Retinol (Vitamin A Derivatives)

Found in: anti-ageing serums, acne treatments, night creams

Retinol and its cousins (like retinoic acid, adapalene, and tretinoin) are powerhouses when it comes to improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles. But when it comes to pregnancy, they raise red flags.

Why we avoid it:
Oral forms of Vitamin A (like isotretinoin) are known to cause birth defects. While the risk from topical retinol is lower, many health bodies recommend erring on the side of caution. It simply hasn’t been proven safe.

What we use instead:
At Orimii, we use Bakuchiol—a plant-derived ingredient often called the “natural retinol alternative.” It helps with skin renewal, fine lines, and even pigmentation—without the risk.

 ✨ Try it in our No Retinol Facial Renew Serum.

 

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❌ Salicylic Acid (BHA)

Found in: acne cleansers, exfoliating toners, spot treatments

Salicylic acid is beloved for unclogging pores and calming breakouts. But in high concentrations, it’s related to aspirin (a salicylate) and is best avoided in pregnancy—especially in leave-on products.

Why we avoid it:
High-dose or long-term salicylic acid use may carry risks of absorption and potential complications. Some doctors allow low doses, but at Orimii, we don’t take chances.

What we use instead:
We use gentle, non-acid exfoliants like fruit enzymes, PHA, and niacinamide that support clarity without the sting.
✨ Try our No Salicylic Clarifying Serum, made with calming botanicals and barrier-loving ingredients.

 

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❌ Benzoyl Peroxide

Found in: acne treatments, spot correctors

This strong antibacterial agent is common in teenage acne products. But it’s a bit too intense (and potentially risky) during pregnancy.

Why we avoid it:
Benzoyl peroxide’s safety in pregnancy hasn’t been firmly established, and it can cause extreme dryness or irritation on sensitive hormonal skin.

What we use instead:
We focus on anti-inflammatory herbs, lightweight hydration, and microbiome-safe ingredients that balance the skin without harshness. Every formula is dermatologically tested and pregnancy-safe.

 

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❌ Chemical Sunscreens (Like Oxybenzone & Avobenzone)

Found in: most conventional sunscreens

Chemical filters are efficient, but some (especially oxybenzone) have been flagged for potential hormone disruption.

Why we avoid them:
During pregnancy, it’s best to avoid any ingredient that might interfere with the body's delicate hormonal balance.

What we use instead:
Orimii’s Pure Mineral Watery Sunscreen is 100% physical, using zinc oxide to safely block UV rays. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and leaves zero white cast.
✨ Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

 

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❌ Fragrance & Harsh Preservatives

Found in: most personal care products

Synthetic fragrances, parabens, and certain preservatives can cause flare-ups or sensitivity—especially during pregnancy, when your skin barrier is more reactive and your sense of smell is heightened.

Why we avoid them:
Fragrance is one of the most common skin irritants, and many conventional products use it purely for cosmetic masking. For pregnant women, strong or synthetic scents can trigger nausea, headaches, or just plain discomfort.

But here’s the nuance:
Some raw, plant-based ingredients—like certain oils or actives—can have a strong, earthy or even pungent natural scent. And when your nose is working overtime during pregnancy, that can feel overwhelming.

What we do instead:
At Orimii, we keep all our formulations fragrance-free by default—but when a gentle scent is necessary to mask the natural odour of raw actives, we use ultra-light, pregnancy-safe natural fragrance blends. Always minimal, always disclosed, and always tested for sensitive skin.

👉 Because skincare should never make you feel queasy—it should feel like a quiet comfort.

 

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🌸 Safety Without Compromise

Just because we skip these strong actives doesn’t mean you have to settle for less. At Orimii, our promise is this:

• Every product is clinically formulated to be effective and safe.
  
  

• We work with dermatologists and real moms to create what your skin actually needs.
  
  

• We don’t just avoid harmful ingredients—we replace them with nourishing, proven, plant-powered alternatives.
  
  

So when you apply our Bump Hydrating Whipped Butter, or smooth on our C Glow Booster Serum, or slather on our Overnight Reset Facial Mask, you’re not just doing skincare—you’re practicing trust, care, and gentle power.

 

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Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is full of unknowns. Your skincare shouldn’t be one of them.

We built Orimii because we believe moms deserve better—better products, better education, better peace of mind. So when we say we skip retinol, salicylic acid & co., it’s not because we’re afraid of science. It’s because we trust it—and we trust you to want what’s safest for your skin and your baby.

You’re already doing so much. Let us take this one thing off your plate.