Many active ingredients become off-limits in pregnancy. The Skin Theorie ritual was designed without them from the start.

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A note.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy is personal and complex. Always consult your obstetrician, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance about your specific situation, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or pre-existing skin condition.

What changes in pregnancy.

Hormonal shifts during pregnancy change skin in different ways depending on the trimester and the person. Common patterns include:

Melasma — patches of darker pigmentation, often on cheeks, forehead, upper lip. Driven by estrogen and sun exposure together.

Increased sensitivity — reactions to products that never used to cause issues.

Dryness or oiliness — either, depending on the person and the trimester.

Hormonal breakouts — often in the first trimester, sometimes ongoing.

Ingredients most experts ask you to avoid.

Retinoids — retinol, retinal, tretinoin, adapalene, retinyl palmitate. Off-limits.

High-dose salicylic acid — small leave-on amounts may be fine; ask your provider.

Hydroquinone — typically avoided.

Some essential oils — particularly in high concentrations.

Strong chemical peels and professional treatments — paused for the duration.

What's in our range.

Skin Theorie was formulated without retinoids, hydroquinone, BHA, harsh AHAs, or essential oils. The active ingredients across our five formulas are all generally considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Niacinamide — well-tolerated, supports the barrier and helps with melasma.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5) — soothing, restorative, universally safe.

Hyaluronic acid — pure hydration, no concerns.

Ceramides — barrier lipids, effectively biomimetic, safe.

Peptides — the specific peptide sequences we use are safe in pregnancy.

Kakadu plum and quandong — native Australian botanicals, food-grade actives.

Pink clay — mineral-based, well-tolerated.

As always, individual reactions vary. Patch-test new products. Confirm with your healthcare provider if you have any specific concerns.

The pregnancy ritual.

The complete Luminary ritual is suitable through pregnancy and breastfeeding. Two adjustments worth noting:

For melasma support — Resilience (niacinamide) layered under Radiance (kakadu plum vitamin C) helps even tone gently, alongside daily SPF.

For new sensitivity — Stillness's ceramides become particularly valuable. Apply slightly heavier in the evening.

For first-trimester breakouts — Recovery (pink clay) 1–2x per week is gentler than acne treatments and supports without aggravating.