Motherhood and K-Beauty:
which actives for a safe routine?
Retinol, salicylic acid, AHAs, fragrance... We sort through it all for you, honestly. Because your skin deserves the best care, even during pregnancy.
Why adapt your routine
Pregnancy transforms your skin — and your routine
Pregnant or breastfeeding, and no longer sure what to do with your K-beauty routine? Between the ingredients to avoid, the actives to watch and the products you can keep using safely, it’s hard to know where you stand.
Hormonal upheavals can cause acne, melasma, hypersensitivity or unusual dryness. And some cosmetic actives that are highly effective at other times are not recommended during this period — because they can potentially enter the bloodstream.
While this risk is low for most cosmetics, a few well-identified actives call for particular care. Here is the complete, honest guide.
“The golden rule during pregnancy: if you’re unsure about an ingredient, avoid it. Your skin can wait 9 months.”
Hazardous ingredients
What you absolutely must stop
| Ingredient | Status | Why & in our range |
|---|---|---|
| Retinol & Retinoids | Avoid | Teratogenic at high doses. Absolute precautionary principle, even at low concentrations. In our range: ONDO Niacinamide & Green Tea Eye Serum — set it aside. Replace with bakuchiol or vitamin C. |
| Tea tree oil | Avoid | Not recommended as a precaution according to several medical guidelines. In our range: Puri-Tea Salicylic Acid Cleansing Gel and Tea Tree Balancing Foaming Cleanser — set them aside. |
| Stimulating essential oils | Avoid | Peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, camphor, sage, bergamot, geranium — too stimulating. Concentrated natural fragrances can also worsen hormonal melasma. |
Caution required
Ingredients to use with care
| Ingredient | Status | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Salicylic acid (BHA) | Caution | At low concentration (0.5%) in rinse-off products, the risk is low according to some dermatologists. As a precaution, check with your doctor. In our range: Aloe BHA Skin Toner — check first. |
| AHA — Glycolic acid | Moderation | Generally accepted at low concentration if you were already using it before pregnancy. Increases sensitivity to UV — making SPF even more essential. In our range: AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid — consult your doctor. |
| Fragrance & Alcohol Denat. | Worth noting | No documented teratogenic risk, but skin is more sensitive during pregnancy. Favour fragrance-free formulas during this period to avoid irritation. |
Good news!
Most K-beauty remains compatible
The good news is that most of K-beauty’s hero actives are perfectly compatible with pregnancy. Here’s what you can use without worry:
| Ingredient | Status | Why it’s safe |
|---|---|---|
| Hyaluronic acid | 100% safe | Naturally present in the body. One of the safest ingredients there is. Ideal against pregnancy dryness. |
| Niacinamide | 100% safe | Excellent for treating hormonal melasma. An effective replacement for retinol during pregnancy. |
| Centella asiatica | 100% safe | Soothing and healing. Helps prevent stretch marks on the body. No identified risk. |
| PHA (Lactobionic acid) | 100% safe | The gentlest chemical exfoliant. Large molecule = minimal penetration. The ideal exfoliant during pregnancy. |
| Vitamin C | Generally safe | Antioxidant and brightening. Ideal against melasma. Generally well tolerated during pregnancy. |
| Aloe vera, Panthenol, Glycerin | 100% safe | Hydrating and soothing. No identified risk. Perfect for skin sensitised by hormones. |
| Ceramides & Calendula | 100% safe | Strengthen a weakened skin barrier. No problematic ingredients. Can be used without restriction. |
The Haru & Bom selection
Products compatible with pregnancy & breastfeeding
An exemplary formula: centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera. No BHA, no essential oils, no fragrance. This enzyme powder cleanser cleanses gently without disrupting the skin barrier.
View product
A very clean formula based on centella asiatica. Ideal for calming redness and irritation linked to hormonal changes. Centella also helps prevent stretch marks.
View product
Three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid for hydration at every level of the epidermis. Perfect for combating the skin dryness that’s common during pregnancy.
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The gentlest chemical exfoliant. Its large molecule penetrates less deeply into the skin, reducing the risk of absorption. The ideal exfoliant for keeping skin texture refined during pregnancy.
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A clean formula based on aloe vera and hyaluronic acid. Light and non-comedogenic, it hydrates without weighing skin down and suits skin sensitised by hormonal changes.
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Contains 7% glycolic acid. Generally accepted at a low dose if you were already using it before pregnancy. Increases sensitivity to UV — SPF is essential. Be sure to check with your doctor.
View productThe complete routine
Morning & evening during pregnancy
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01BentonGoodbye Redness Centella Powder WashGentle cleanser — removes SPF without strippingView
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02BentonPHA Peeling TonerUltra-gentle exfoliant — twice a week onlyView
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03BentonGoodbye Redness Centella MaskSoothing mask — 1 to 2 times a weekView
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04BentonAloe Hyaluron CreamLight moisturising cream — for a restorative nightView
Your pregnancy routine,
delivered to your door in 2 to 5 days
100% authentic products, shipped from Reunion Island by tracked Colissimo.
Your questions
FAQ — Pregnancy skincare & K-beauty
- Retinol is the only K-beauty active you must cut out completely throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding — no exceptions.
- Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, centella asiatica and PHAs are 100% compatible with pregnancy.
- SPF50+ sun protection is even more essential during pregnancy — hormones increase the risk of melasma.
- If you’re unsure about an ingredient, always consult your doctor or midwife before continuing to use it.
- Haru & Bom offers a selection of pregnancy-compatible K-beauty products, delivered on Reunion Island in 2 to 5 days.
Pregnancy doesn’t mean giving up your K-beauty routine — it simply means adapting it wisely. By cutting out retinol, keeping an eye on salicylic acid and favouring gentle actives such as hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica and PHAs, you can keep caring for your skin during this very special time.
And never forget sun protection — it’s the most important step in your pregnancy routine, especially under the Reunion Island sun.
Discover our pregnancy and breastfeeding skincare selection →
