{"id":8348,"date":"2026-10-28T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-28T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/?p=8348"},"modified":"2026-10-28T16:21:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T15:21:37","slug":"skincare-while-breastfeeding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/","title":{"rendered":"Skincare While Breastfeeding: What to Avoid and What\u2019s Safe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<nav class=\"ak-topics ak-topics--post\" aria-label=\"Blog topics\"><a class=\"ak-t-blog\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/category\/blog-en\/\">All<\/a><a class=\"ak-t-tradzik\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/category\/blog-en\/acne\/\">Acne<\/a><a class=\"ak-t-wrazliwa\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/category\/blog-en\/sensitive-skin-eczema-rosacea\/\">Sensitive skin &amp; eczema<\/a><a class=\"ak-t-skladniki\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/category\/blog-en\/cosmetic-ingredients\/\">Ingredients<\/a><a class=\"ak-t-porady\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/category\/blog-en\/skincare-tips\/\">Skincare tips<\/a><a class=\"ak-t-bezp\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/category\/blog-en\/cosmetic-safety\/\">Safety<\/a><\/nav>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Published: 28.10.2026 | Reading time approx. 12 min.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After giving birth, you probably read ingredient lists more closely than ever before. In pregnancy, the list of things to avoid was fairly clear. Now that you\u2019re breastfeeding, the internet offers everything from \u2018anything goes\u2019 to lists of dozens of \u2018banned\u2019 ingredients \u2013 often copied word for word from articles about pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet breastfeeding is a different situation from pregnancy. During pregnancy, an ingredient that reaches your bloodstream has a short route to your baby. While you\u2019re breastfeeding, it has to pass several barriers first \u2013 and there is a second route that few people write about: your baby\u2019s direct contact with your skin. In practice, that route decides safety more often than the ingredient itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this guide to <strong>skincare while breastfeeding<\/strong>, I explain how this works, which ingredients have good data behind them, which are worth avoiding, and why <strong>where<\/strong> you apply a product matters as much as <strong>what<\/strong> you apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Have a question about your own skincare while breastfeeding? Scroll to the end of this article \u2013 <strong>I\u2019m happy to advise you by email<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<nav class=\"wp-block-stackable-table-of-contents stk-block-table-of-contents stk-block stk-97b7a37\" data-block-id=\"97b7a37\"><p class=\"stk-table-of-contents__title\">Table of contents<\/p><ul class=\"stk-table-of-contents__table\"><li><a href=\"#key-takeaways\">Key takeaways<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-could-a-skincare-ingredient-reach-your-baby\">How could a skincare ingredient reach your baby?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-route-nobody-talks-about-skin-to-skin-contact\">The route nobody talks about: skin-to-skin contact<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#skincare-ingredients-you-can-use-while-breastfeeding\">Skincare ingredients you can use while breastfeeding<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#niacinamide-while-breastfeeding\">Niacinamide while breastfeeding<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#azelaic-acid-while-breastfeeding\">Azelaic acid while breastfeeding<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#moisturising-and-barrier-repair-ingredients\">Moisturising and barrier-repair ingredients<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#ferulic-acid-and-vitamin-c\">Ferulic acid and vitamin C<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#safe-with-a-few-rules\">Safe \u2013 with a few rules<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#can-i-use-retinol-while-breastfeeding\">Can I use retinol while breastfeeding?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#salicylic-acid-while-breastfeeding\">Salicylic acid while breastfeeding<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#ahas-glycolic-lactic-and-mandelic-acid\">AHAs: glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#benzoyl-peroxide\">Benzoyl peroxide<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#skincare-ingredients-to-avoid-while-breastfeeding\">Skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#hydroquinone\">Hydroquinone<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#camphor-and-menthol-on-the-chest\">Camphor and menthol on the chest<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#essential-oils-and-fragrance-in-the-contact-zone\">Essential oils and fragrance in the contact zone<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#strong-treatments-over-large-areas\">Strong treatments over large areas<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#sunscreen-while-breastfeeding-mineral-or-chemical\">Sunscreen while breastfeeding: mineral or chemical?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#why-your-skin-behaves-differently-after-birth\">Why your skin behaves differently after birth<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#a-simple-skincare-routine-while-breastfeeding\">A simple skincare routine while breastfeeding<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#summary\">Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Most cosmetic ingredients penetrate the skin only slightly, and even less reaches breast milk. For most of them, the risk via milk is very low.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contact matters more: whatever you put on your breasts, chest, neck and hands, your baby can swallow, lick or breathe in.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Niacinamide, azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid, coenzyme Q10, ceramides and emollients are all fine to use.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retinoids, salicylic acid and glycolic acid in facial skincare are considered compatible with breastfeeding \u2013 but never on your breasts or chest.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid long-term use of hydroquinone, camphor and menthol on the chest, and strong peels over large areas.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-could-a-skincare-ingredient-reach-your-baby\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How could a skincare ingredient reach your baby?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Picture three sieves stacked one above the other. The first is your skin \u2013 more precisely, the stratum corneum, the outer layer of the epidermis that forms your skin barrier, whose job is to keep substances out. The second is your blood: whatever gets through the skin is diluted throughout your body and metabolised. The third is the passage from blood into breast milk, which depends on the size of the molecule, how fat-soluble it is and how strongly it binds to proteins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then there is a fourth sieve, on your baby\u2019s side: their digestive tract. Some substances simply aren\u2019t absorbed there, or are broken down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s why, with facial skincare applied in pea-sized amounts, the quantity of an ingredient that could reach your baby through milk is usually negligible. Azelaic acid, for example, is absorbed through the skin at around 4% of the applied dose (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501422\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LactMed, NCBI<\/a>). Tretinoin \u2013 the strongest of the topical retinoids \u2013 at less than 2%, and after application to the skin its blood levels are undetectable (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-lactancia.org\/breastfeeding\/tretinoin-topical-use\/product\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-lactancia<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bear in mind, though, that the idea that \u2018creams don\u2019t get through the skin\u2019 is only true for some ingredients. Others pass through far more readily \u2013 around 45% for hydroquinone and around 60% for coumarin, a fragrance molecule. I\u2019ll come back to this below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Remember!<\/strong> Asking \u2018does this ingredient pass into breast milk?\u2019 is only half the question. The other half is: \u2018does my baby come into contact with the place where I apply it?\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"the-route-nobody-talks-about-skin-to-skin-contact\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The route nobody talks about: skin-to-skin contact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your baby spends several hours a day against your skin. They nestle their cheek against your chest, take your nipple and areola into their mouth, and grab at your neck with their hands. Anything on that skin can go straight into their mouth or onto their own skin, which is very thin and permeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s why breastfeeding guidance repeats one rule whatever the ingredient: <strong>don\u2019t apply it to your breasts<\/strong>. If a doctor has prescribed a treatment for that area, apply it straight after a feed and wash it off thoroughly with water before the next one (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-lactancia.org\/breastfeeding\/salicylic-acid\/product\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-lactancia<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/dermnetnz.org\/topics\/lactation-and-the-skin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DermNet<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your baby touches skin where you\u2019ve applied a product with active ingredients, wash their skin with water and a gentle cleanser, and keep their hands away from their mouth. If a rash appears, contact your baby\u2019s doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, I\u2019d divide your body into two zones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The contact zone<\/strong> \u2013 nipples and areolae, the whole breast area, chest, neck, hands and forearms. Use only gentle, simple products here: no active ingredients, no fragrance, no essential oils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The no-contact zone<\/strong> \u2013 your face (except around the mouth if you kiss your baby a lot), back and legs. Here you can use most of the active ingredients I describe below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s one more reason to keep the contact zone neutral. Newborns find the breast partly by smell. In a study where one of the mother\u2019s breasts was washed and the other wasn\u2019t, newborns more often turned towards the unwashed breast \u2013 the one that carried their mother\u2019s natural scent (<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/7934434\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Varendi et al., The Lancet 1994<\/a>). A heavily perfumed body lotion on your chest masks that signal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"skincare-ingredients-you-can-use-while-breastfeeding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skincare ingredients you can use while breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"niacinamide-while-breastfeeding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Niacinamide while breastfeeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, and your body knows it well \u2013 niacin is a natural component of breast milk, and its level depends on how much you get from your diet. The e-lactancia database rates niacinamide as compatible with breastfeeding (<a href=\"https:\/\/e-lactancia.org\/breastfeeding\/niacinamide-vit-b3\/product\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-lactancia<\/a>). The amount that could penetrate from a serum applied to your face is many times smaller than what you take in every day from food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s one of the best ingredients for the months after birth: it strengthens the skin barrier, calms redness and helps with the pigmentation that often lingers after pregnancy. You\u2019ll find more about how it works in my article on <a href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/niacinamide-vitamin-b3-skin-benefits-properties-and-how-to-use-it-in-skincare\/\">niacinamide (vitamin B3): benefits and how to use it<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"azelaic-acid-while-breastfeeding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Azelaic acid while breastfeeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Azelaic acid is absorbed through the skin at around 4% and is quickly eliminated, so it\u2019s unlikely to reach significant levels in breast milk. Both LactMed and e-lactancia consider it compatible with breastfeeding (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501422\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LactMed<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-lactancia.org\/breastfeeding\/azelaic-acid\/product\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-lactancia<\/a>). The only condition: don\u2019t apply it to your breasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s my first choice for breakouts and pigmentation while breastfeeding, because it works on both at once. I explain how to use it in my article on <a href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/azelaic-acid-in-at-home-skincare-acne-rosacea-pigmentation-and-sensitive-skin\/\">azelaic acid in at-home skincare<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"moisturising-and-barrier-repair-ingredients\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Moisturising and barrier-repair ingredients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, panthenol, low-concentration urea, squalane, omega fatty acids and coenzyme Q10 all work in the epidermis and have no pharmacological effect on the body. You can use them freely \u2013 including in the contact zone, as long as the product contains no fragrance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hyaluronic acid deserves a special mention. It occurs naturally in your body \u2013 it is even found in breast milk. Its molecular size makes passage into milk very unlikely, and your baby\u2019s digestive system doesn\u2019t absorb it. The e-lactancia database rates it as compatible with breastfeeding (<a href=\"https:\/\/e-lactancia.org\/breastfeeding\/hyaluronic-acid\/product\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-lactancia<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"ferulic-acid-and-vitamin-c\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ferulic acid and vitamin C<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ferulic acid is a plant-derived antioxidant that you already take in every day through your diet \u2013 it\u2019s found in wheat bran and coffee, among other foods. There are no studies on its use while breastfeeding, but in skincare it appears at low concentrations (usually up to 1%), and its profile raises no concerns. The same goes for vitamin C: a vitamin C serum while breastfeeding is fine. Use both on your face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"safe-with-a-few-rules\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Safe \u2013 with a few rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"can-i-use-retinol-while-breastfeeding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I use retinol while breastfeeding?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is where I see the most conflicting information. Retinoids are not used in pregnancy, and that position stands (I cover it in my <a href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/pregnancy-safe-skincare-guide-which-ingredients-to-avoid-what-to-use-instead\/\">pregnancy-safe skincare guide<\/a>). While breastfeeding, the picture is different. Even tretinoin \u2013 a medicine many times stronger than the retinol in a cream \u2013 is absorbed at less than 2%, and its blood levels after application to the skin remain undetectable. The e-lactancia database rates it as compatible with breastfeeding, and DermNet describes topical retinoids as \u2018probably low risk\u2019 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-lactancia.org\/breastfeeding\/tretinoin-topical-use\/product\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-lactancia<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/dermnetnz.org\/topics\/lactation-and-the-skin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DermNet<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Retinol and retinal in skincare have to be converted in the skin into retinoic acid, so their effect \u2013 and any potential exposure \u2013 is smaller still. What\u2019s missing are studies that measure them in breast milk. So my view is this: if you can wait with retinol while breastfeeding, wait \u2013 you have good alternatives in niacinamide and azelaic acid. If a doctor has prescribed a retinoid for your face, it\u2019s not a reason to stop breastfeeding. Never apply it to your chest or breasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among prescription retinoids, the differences are clear. Adapalene is absorbed through the skin at around 1\u20132%, and tazarotene \u2013 the strongest of them \u2013 at around 6%. That\u2019s why extra caution is advised with tazarotene, and it shouldn\u2019t be used over large areas of skin (<a href=\"https:\/\/infantrisk.com\/content\/retinoid-skincare-and-nursing-what-new-moms-should-know\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">InfantRisk Center<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s one more reason for caution, and it concerns you rather than your baby: pigmentation. Retinoids don\u2019t cause pigmentation in themselves \u2013 on the contrary, they speed up skin renewal and reduce melanin, which is why they\u2019re used to fade it. In one study, 0.1% tretinoin lightened post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by 40% after 40 weeks, compared with 18% in the placebo group (<a href=\"https:\/\/jddonline.com\/articles\/dermatology\/S1545961611P0483X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Geria et al., J Drugs Dermatol 2011<\/a>). The problem is irritation. Red, flaking skin after introducing a retinoid too quickly is inflammation, and inflammation leaves post-inflammatory marks \u2013 the same paper points this out directly. After birth, skin is more reactive and a tendency to melasma often persists, so irritation can leave a mark that lasts longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So if you do introduce a retinoid, go very slowly: the lowest strength, every third evening, over a barrier-repair moisturiser, and always SPF in the morning. I explain how to combine retinoids with other ingredients in my <a href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/retinol-vitamin-c-niacinamide\/\">guide to retinol, vitamin C and niacinamide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> Oral isotretinoin and other retinoids taken as tablets are not compatible with breastfeeding. Everything above applies only to retinoids used on the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"salicylic-acid-while-breastfeeding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Salicylic acid while breastfeeding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Salicylic acid (BHA) is absorbed through the skin better than most cosmetic ingredients \u2013 depending on concentration and contact time, it can be as much as 10\u201325% of the amount applied. Even so, with ordinary facial skincare you shouldn\u2019t expect meaningful levels in the blood, and it\u2019s considered compatible with breastfeeding \u2013 on condition that you use it on a small area and not for long periods (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-lactancia.org\/breastfeeding\/salicylic-acid\/product\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-lactancia<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice: a salicylic acid toner or spot gel on your face \u2013 yes. A salicylic peel over your whole back and chest \u2013 not now. On your nipples and areolae \u2013 never (<a href=\"https:\/\/dermnetnz.org\/topics\/lactation-and-the-skin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DermNet<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"ahas-glycolic-lactic-and-mandelic-acid\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">AHAs: glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Glycolic acid is rated as compatible with breastfeeding, because little of it is absorbed from skincare (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-lactancia.org\/breastfeeding\/glycolic-acid\/product\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-lactancia<\/a>). Its main drawback isn\u2019t your baby but your skin \u2013 glycolic acid can be quite irritating, and skin after birth reacts with irritation more easily. If you want to exfoliate, choose gentler lactic acid at a low concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"benzoyl-peroxide\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benzoyl peroxide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s absorbed at around 5%, and in the skin it\u2019s converted into benzoic acid, which is quickly eliminated. That makes benzoyl peroxide a very low-risk ingredient while breastfeeding (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-lactancia.org\/breastfeeding\/benzoyl-peroxide\/product\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-lactancia<\/a>). Just remember that it bleaches fabric \u2013 including baby clothes and muslin cloths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"skincare-ingredients-to-avoid-while-breastfeeding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"hydroquinone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Hydroquinone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the one skin-lightening ingredient where I recommend clear caution. Hydroquinone penetrates the skin very well \u2013 around 45% of the applied dose \u2013 and because of the ongoing debate about its potential mutagenic effects, long-term use while breastfeeding is not advised (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.e-lactancia.org\/breastfeeding\/hydroquinone\/product\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-lactancia<\/a>). In Europe, hydroquinone isn\u2019t permitted in cosmetic skin lighteners \u2013 you\u2019ll only come across it in prescription medicines or products bought outside Europe. For pigmentation after pregnancy, choose azelaic acid, niacinamide and consistent sun protection instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"camphor-and-menthol-on-the-chest\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Camphor and menthol on the chest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2018Warming\u2019 rubs and balms containing camphor are particularly dangerous for babies. Camphor is toxic to the nervous system even in small amounts, and serious poisoning has been reported in children after small quantities were swallowed or applied around the nose. The e-lactancia database explicitly advises against applying it to the breast (<a href=\"https:\/\/e-lactancia.org\/breastfeeding\/camphor\/product\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">e-lactancia<\/a>). The same rule applies to menthol rubs and essential oils on your chest when you have a cold \u2013 that\u2019s exactly where your baby\u2019s face is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"essential-oils-and-fragrance-in-the-contact-zone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Essential oils and fragrance in the contact zone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Essential oils are mixtures of dozens of compounds, including the most common fragrance allergens. While you\u2019re breastfeeding, your skin is often drier and more reactive, so irritation is more likely. And whatever is scenting your chest, your baby breathes in from very close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fragrance ingredients don\u2019t stay on the surface of your skin either. They are small, fat-soluble molecules that pass through the epidermis exceptionally easily. Coumarin \u2013 one of the allergens that must be listed on the label \u2013 was absorbed at around 60% of the applied dose in volunteers (<a href=\"https:\/\/apps.ncl.ac.uk\/edetox\/invivodetails.aspx?id=528\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ford et al., Food Chem Toxicol 2001<\/a>). Linalool from lavender oil was detectable in the blood just 5 minutes after a massage (<a href=\"https:\/\/library.scconline.org\/v043n01\/49\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">J\u00e4ger et al., J Soc Cosmet Chem 1992<\/a>). For most fragrance allergens there are no measurements in breast milk, but for synthetic musks there are: women who used a lot of perfume during pregnancy had higher levels in their milk (<a href=\"https:\/\/web.vscht.cz\/~hajslovj\/publications\/lignell_musk_milk_est_vol42_p6743-6748.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lignell et al., Environ Sci Technol 2008<\/a>). The larger the area, the more is absorbed \u2013 a perfumed body lotion is many times the dose of a face cream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On your face, you can use a fragranced product if your skin tolerates it well. On your breasts, chest, neck and larger areas of your body, choose fragrance-free. A certified-organic label or the word \u2018natural\u2019 tells you nothing here: a certified product can contain essential oils and fragrance allergens just like any other. Why \u2018natural\u2019 doesn\u2019t mean \u2018safe\u2019 is something I explain in <a href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/are-natural-cosmetics-safer-5-myths-debunked\/\">5 myths about natural cosmetics<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"strong-treatments-over-large-areas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strong treatments over large areas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High-strength chemical peels (such as TCA), or acid treatments over your whole back or chest, aren\u2019t forbidden \u2013 but they increase the surface area and the amount of substance absorbed. This is a good time to put them on hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sunscreen-while-breastfeeding-mineral-or-chemical\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sunscreen while breastfeeding: mineral or chemical?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sun protection after birth matters more than ever, because pregnancy pigmentation (melasma) darkens in the sun. The only question is: which filters?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a Swiss study, UV filters were found in 85% of breast milk samples, and their presence was clearly linked to whether the women used cosmetics containing those filters (<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.chemosphere.2010.09.079\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Schlumpf et al., Chemosphere 2010<\/a>). The study showed no harm to babies \u2013 but it did show that some organic (chemical) filters pass through the skin into the body and into breast milk. Some organic filters are also being discussed for possible hormonal activity \u2013 a mineral filter sidesteps that question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mineral filters \u2013 zinc oxide and titanium dioxide \u2013 stay on the surface of the skin. That\u2019s why, for your chest, neck and hands, I\u2019d choose a mineral sunscreen while breastfeeding. On your face, you can use whichever SPF you tolerate well, but if you want to keep exposure to a minimum, mineral is the safer choice. You can read more about the types of filters in my article on <a href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/mineral-vs-chemical-sunscreen\/\">mineral vs chemical sunscreen<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"why-your-skin-behaves-differently-after-birth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why your skin behaves differently after birth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you\u2019re breastfeeding, oestrogen levels are low and prolactin levels are high. For many women, skin becomes drier, feels thinner and is more reactive. Products you tolerated well before pregnancy suddenly start to sting. That\u2019s a sign your skin barrier needs support \u2013 not another active ingredient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s why minimalism works best in postpartum skincare: gentle cleansing, one active product (if you need it), a good barrier-repair moisturiser and SPF. I describe how to rebuild your barrier step by step in my article on <a href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/how-to-repair-skin-barrier\/\">how to repair your skin barrier<\/a>. If breakouts return after birth, as they often do, my article on <a href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/hormonal-acne-causes-symptoms-treatment-and-skincare\/\">hormonal acne<\/a> will help too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> In the contact zone (chest, neck, breasts, hands), choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products. \u2018Hypoallergenic\u2019 is the only cosmetic \u2018category\u2019 that requires additional testing \u2013 I explain this in my <a href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/hypoallergenic-skincare-for-sensitive-skin-your-ultimate-guide\/\">guide to hypoallergenic skincare for sensitive skin<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"a-simple-skincare-routine-while-breastfeeding\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">A simple skincare routine while breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Morning:<\/strong> gentle cleansing or just water, a niacinamide or antioxidant serum, moisturiser, mineral SPF on your face and chest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Evening:<\/strong> cleansing, azelaic acid or niacinamide (if you have breakouts or pigmentation), a barrier-repair moisturiser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chest, neck and hands:<\/strong> only a fragrance-free moisturiser with no active ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Nipples and areolae:<\/strong> nothing except what your doctor or lactation consultant has recommended. Guidance also advises avoiding creams and gels containing paraffin (mineral oil) on the nipples, so that your baby doesn\u2019t swallow them (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK501422\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LactMed<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"summary\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To sum up, when it comes to skincare while breastfeeding, where you apply a product matters more than a long list of banned ingredients. On your face, you can use most active ingredients, with niacinamide and azelaic acid leading the way. Your breasts, chest, neck and hands are the contact zone with your baby \u2013 simple, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products are all you need there. If you\u2019re not sure how to build a breastfeeding-safe skincare routine, I\u2019m happy to help \u2013 you\u2019ll find the free email consultation just below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>.ak-product-cards>.wp-block-column{align-self:stretch!important;display:flex;flex-direction:column}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card{flex:1 1 auto;display:flex;flex-direction:column;margin-bottom:0}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card>.stk-container{flex:1 1 auto;display:flex;flex-direction:column}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card__content{flex:1 1 auto;display:flex;flex-direction:column}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card__content>.stk-inner-blocks{flex:1 1 auto;display:flex;flex-direction:column}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card__content .stk-block-button-group{margin-top:auto}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-block-card__image{height:auto!important;aspect-ratio:1\/1}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-block-card__image img{object-fit:contain!important;object-position:50% 50%!important;width:100%;height:100%}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-block-card__content{padding:20px 16px!important}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-block-subtitle__text{font-size:14px!important;line-height:1.5!important;word-break:normal!important;overflow-wrap:normal!important;hyphens:manual!important}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-button{padding-left:16px!important;padding-right:16px!important}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-block-button-group .stk-button-group,.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-block-button,.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-button{width:100%}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-button{justify-content:center;padding-left:8px!important;padding-right:8px!important}.ak-product-cards .stk-block-card .stk-button__inner-text{white-space:nowrap;font-size:14px!important}<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns ak-product-cards is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-995f960e wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-card stk-block-card stk-block stk-6918a0d is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"6918a0d\"><style>.stk-6918a0d {opacity:1 !important;}.stk-6918a0d .stk-block-card__image{height:249px !important;}.stk-6918a0d .stk-block-card__image img{transform:scale(1) !important;object-position:56.00000000000001% 73% !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk--no-padding stk-container stk-6918a0d-container stk-hover-parent\"><figure class=\"stk-block-card__image stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-6342\" src=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1.jpg\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" alt=\"Gentle Gel \u2013 gentle face wash with a chelating agent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/GENTLE-GEL_1-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"stk-container-padding stk-block-card__content\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-6918a0d-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-729bf1a\" id=\"crea\" data-block-id=\"729bf1a\"><style>.stk-729bf1a {margin-bottom:6px !important;}<\/style><h6 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Gentle Gel<\/strong><\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">500 ml<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-79374c9\" data-block-id=\"79374c9\"><p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\">Gentle cleansing with prebiotics and a chelating agent<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-37225cf\" data-block-id=\"37225cf\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button has-text-align-center stk-block stk-e4f838b\" data-block-id=\"e4f838b\"><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/product\/gentle-gel\/\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">View Gentle Gel<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-card alignfull stk-block-card stk-block stk-2724130 is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"2724130\"><style>.stk-2724130 .stk-block-card__image{height:249px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk--no-padding stk-container stk-2724130-container stk-hover-parent\"><figure class=\"stk-block-card__image stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-4391\" src=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB.jpg\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" alt=\"Smoothing Cleanser \u2013 facial cleanser that reduces the visibility of pores\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SMOOTHING-CLEANSER-AOB-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"stk-container-padding stk-block-card__content\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-2724130-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-9b2c77e\" id=\"smo\" data-block-id=\"9b2c77e\"><style>.stk-9b2c77e {margin-bottom:6px !important;}<\/style><h6 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Smoothing Cleanser<\/strong><\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">50 ml<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-1de9832\" data-block-id=\"1de9832\"><p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\">Hydrates, softens and smooths<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-968b836\" data-block-id=\"968b836\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button stk-block stk-c980d30\" data-block-id=\"c980d30\"><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/product\/smoothing-cleanser-en\/\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">View Cleanser<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-top is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-card stk-block-card stk-block stk-eafb0fe is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"eafb0fe\"><style>.stk-eafb0fe {opacity:1 !important;}.stk-eafb0fe .stk-block-card__image{height:249px !important;}.stk-eafb0fe .stk-block-card__image img{transform:scale(1) !important;object-position:56.00000000000001% 73% !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk--no-padding stk-container stk-eafb0fe-container stk-hover-parent\"><figure class=\"stk-block-card__image stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-4399\" src=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB.jpg\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" alt=\"Cream \u2013 face cream that supports skin regeneration\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-CREAM-50-AOB-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"stk-container-padding stk-block-card__content\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-eafb0fe-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-ba30c1e\" id=\"crea\" data-block-id=\"ba30c1e\"><style>.stk-ba30c1e {margin-bottom:6px !important;}<\/style><h6 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Cream<\/strong><\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">50 ml<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-d46d6cc\" data-block-id=\"d46d6cc\"><p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\">Supports your skin\u2019s natural regeneration<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-0feb192\" data-block-id=\"0feb192\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button has-text-align-center stk-block stk-da1a178\" data-block-id=\"da1a178\"><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/product\/cream-en\/\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">View Cream<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-card stk-block-card stk-block stk-7faf1c7 is-style-default\" data-v=\"2\" data-block-id=\"7faf1c7\"><style>.stk-7faf1c7 .stk-block-card__image{height:249px !important;}<\/style><div class=\"stk--no-padding stk-container stk-7faf1c7-container stk-hover-parent\"><figure class=\"stk-block-card__image stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-4401\" src=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB.jpg\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" alt=\"Serum + Q10 \u2013 antioxidant serum with omega acids and coenzyme Q10\" srcset=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1-SERUM-AOB-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"stk-container-padding stk-block-card__content\"><div class=\"stk-block-content stk-inner-blocks stk-7faf1c7-inner-blocks\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-e275428\" id=\"strong-serum-q-10-strong\" data-block-id=\"e275428\"><style>.stk-e275428 {margin-bottom:6px !important;}<\/style><h6 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Serum + Q10<\/strong><\/h6><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">30 ml<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-subtitle stk-block-subtitle stk-block stk-a6c76d0\" data-block-id=\"a6c76d0\"><p class=\"stk-block-subtitle__text stk-subtitle\">Antioxidant serum with omega fatty acids and coenzyme Q10<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button-group stk-block-button-group stk-block stk-b7790ae\" data-block-id=\"b7790ae\"><div class=\"stk-row stk-inner-blocks has-text-align-center stk-block-content stk-button-group\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-button stk-block-button has-text-align-center stk-block stk-9811a84\" data-block-id=\"9811a84\"><a class=\"stk-link stk-button stk--hover-effect-darken\" href=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/product\/serumq10\/\"><span class=\"stk-button__inner-text\">View Serum<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-spacer stk-block-spacer stk--no-padding stk-block stk-5d2b8f4\" data-block-id=\"5d2b8f4\"><\/div>\n\n\n        <div class=\"wpo-gr-form-wrapper-v2\">\n            <div class=\"wpo-gr-form-inner-v2\">\n                <h3 class=\"wpo-gr-headline-v2\">Free email consultation<\/h3>\n\n                <div class=\"wpo-gr-copy-v2\">\n                    <p>Not sure which skincare is safe while breastfeeding? Join the Pure Raw Rich newsletter and get a free email consultation with me.<\/p>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <div class=\"wpo-gr-panel-v2\">\n                    <p class=\"wpo-gr-note-v2\">I\u2019m a cosmetic scientist and the founder of Pure Raw Rich.<\/p>\n\n                    <form class=\"wpo-gr-form wpo-gr-form-v2\">\n                        <p class=\"wpo-gr-field wpo-gr-field-v2\">\n                            <input\n                                type=\"email\"\n                                name=\"email\"\n                                class=\"wpo-gr-input wpo-gr-input-v2\"\n                                placeholder=\"Sign up for the newsletter\"\n                                required\n                            >\n\n                            <button type=\"submit\" class=\"wpo-gr-button wpo-gr-button-v2\">\n                                JOIN US                            <\/button>\n                        <\/p>\n\n                        <p class=\"wpo-gr-field wpo-gr-checkbox wpo-gr-checkbox-v2\">\n                            <label>\n                                <input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"consent\" required>\n                                <span>By continuing, you accept the privacy policy<\/span>\n                            <\/label>\n                        <\/p>\n\n                        <div class=\"wpo-gr-messages\"><\/div>\n                    <\/form>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions (FAQ)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792663672192\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I use retinol cream while breastfeeding?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Based on the available data, retinoids applied to the face are low risk, because very little passes into the blood. However, there are no studies measuring retinol in breast milk, so if you can, it\u2019s better to swap it for niacinamide or azelaic acid. Never apply retinol to your breasts or chest.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792663672193\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is niacinamide safe while breastfeeding?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, which occurs naturally in breast milk. The amount that could penetrate from skincare is negligible compared with what you take in from your diet.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792668435376\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is hyaluronic acid safe while breastfeeding?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, and even in breast milk. It is very unlikely to pass into milk, and your baby\u2019s digestive system doesn\u2019t absorb it \u2013 the e-lactancia database rates it as compatible with breastfeeding. You can use it freely, including on your chest, as long as the product is fragrance-free.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792663672194\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which acids can I use while breastfeeding?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Azelaic, lactic, glycolic and salicylic acid in facial skincare are considered compatible with breastfeeding. Use them on a small area, never on your breasts, and save strong chemical peels for later.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792663672195\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I keep using the skincare I used during pregnancy?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Skincare that is safe in pregnancy is also safe while breastfeeding \u2013 the only new rule is the contact zone with your baby. It doesn\u2019t always work the other way round: retinoids, which are low risk on the face while breastfeeding, are still not recommended in pregnancy.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1792663672196\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do I need to pump and dump after using retinol or acids?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. With products applied to your face, the amounts that could reach breast milk are very small, so you don\u2019t need to stop breastfeeding or discard your milk. What matters more is that your baby doesn\u2019t come into contact with the skin where you\u2019ve applied the product. The exceptions are oral medicines and camphor products applied to the breast \u2013 in that case, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Published: 28.10.2026 | Reading time approx. 12 min. After giving birth, you probably read ingredient lists more closely than ever before. In pregnancy, the list of things to avoid was fairly clear. Now that you\u2019re breastfeeding, the internet offers everything from \u2018anything goes\u2019 to lists of dozens of \u2018banned\u2019 ingredients \u2013 often copied word for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8350,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[59,149],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8348","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog-en","category-pregnancy-breastfeeding"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Skincare While Breastfeeding: Retinol &amp; What to Avoid<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Can you use retinol while breastfeeding? 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A cosmetic scientist explains which skincare is safe, what to avoid and why where you apply it matters.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Alexandra Kubas\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-10-28T08:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-28T15:21:37+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/skincare-while-breastfeeding.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1366\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"768\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"20 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Aleksandra Kubas-Maliszewska\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/7ffe37bfb2c9db064054279b6c129743\"},\"headline\":\"Skincare While Breastfeeding: What to Avoid and What\u2019s Safe\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-28T08:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-28T15:21:37+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3351,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/skincare-while-breastfeeding.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Blog\",\"Pregnancy &amp; breastfeeding\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\\\/\",\"name\":\"Skincare While Breastfeeding: Retinol & What to Avoid\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/skincare-while-breastfeeding.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-28T08:00:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-28T15:21:37+00:00\",\"description\":\"Can you use retinol while breastfeeding? 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Studiowa\u0142a chemi\u0119 kosmetyczn\u0105 na Wydziale In\u017cynierii Warszawskiej Akademii Medyczno-Technicznej Nauk Stosowanych. Recenzentka artyku\u0142\u00f3w popularnonaukowych w czasopi\u015bmie Aesthetic Cosmetology and Medicine.\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\\\/#faq-question-1792663672192\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/alexandrakubas.com\\\/en\\\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\\\/#faq-question-1792663672192\",\"name\":\"Can I use retinol cream while breastfeeding?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Based on the available data, retinoids applied to the face are low risk, because very little passes into the blood. However, there are no studies measuring retinol in breast milk, so if you can, it\u2019s better to swap it for niacinamide or azelaic acid. 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Studiowa\u0142a chemi\u0119 kosmetyczn\u0105 na Wydziale In\u017cynierii Warszawskiej Akademii Medyczno-Technicznej Nauk Stosowanych. Recenzentka artyku\u0142\u00f3w popularnonaukowych w czasopi\u015bmie Aesthetic Cosmetology and Medicine."},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/#faq-question-1792663672192","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/#faq-question-1792663672192","name":"Can I use retinol cream while breastfeeding?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Based on the available data, retinoids applied to the face are low risk, because very little passes into the blood. However, there are no studies measuring retinol in breast milk, so if you can, it\u2019s better to swap it for niacinamide or azelaic acid. Never apply retinol to your breasts or chest.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/#faq-question-1792663672193","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/#faq-question-1792663672193","name":"Is niacinamide safe while breastfeeding?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3, which occurs naturally in breast milk. The amount that could penetrate from skincare is negligible compared with what you take in from your diet.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/#faq-question-1792668435376","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/#faq-question-1792668435376","name":"Is hyaluronic acid safe while breastfeeding?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body, and even in breast milk. It is very unlikely to pass into milk, and your baby\u2019s digestive system doesn\u2019t absorb it \u2013 the e-lactancia database rates it as compatible with breastfeeding. You can use it freely, including on your chest, as long as the product is fragrance-free.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/#faq-question-1792663672194","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/#faq-question-1792663672194","name":"Which acids can I use while breastfeeding?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Azelaic, lactic, glycolic and salicylic acid in facial skincare are considered compatible with breastfeeding. Use them on a small area, never on your breasts, and save strong chemical peels for later.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/#faq-question-1792663672195","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/#faq-question-1792663672195","name":"Can I keep using the skincare I used during pregnancy?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Skincare that is safe in pregnancy is also safe while breastfeeding \u2013 the only new rule is the contact zone with your baby. It doesn\u2019t always work the other way round: retinoids, which are low risk on the face while breastfeeding, are still not recommended in pregnancy.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/#faq-question-1792663672196","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/skincare-while-breastfeeding\/#faq-question-1792663672196","name":"Do I need to pump and dump after using retinol or acids?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. With products applied to your face, the amounts that could reach breast milk are very small, so you don\u2019t need to stop breastfeeding or discard your milk. What matters more is that your baby doesn\u2019t come into contact with the skin where you\u2019ve applied the product. The exceptions are oral medicines and camphor products applied to the breast \u2013 in that case, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8348","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8348"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8348\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8419,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8348\/revisions\/8419"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8350"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8348"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alexandrakubas.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}