Is it safe
while you're pregnant?
Scan a barcode or photograph the ingredient list. Prenalo shows what public health sources say about skincare, food and home products, for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Night Renewal Serum
Not recommended- Retinyl palmitateNot recommended
- Salicylic acidUse with care
- NiacinamideGenerally safe
Sources: ACOG, AAD
Guidance traced to public sources
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Over-the-counter vitamin A (retinoid). Not recommended during pregnancy; swaps: azelaic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide.
Salicylic AcidUse with careOK in low-strength products (2% or less) like cleansers and spot treatments. Skip high-strength peels and large-area use while pregnant.
NiacinamideGenerally safeVitamin B3 for redness, oil and dark spots. Reviews name it a safe option in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Azelaic AcidGenerally safeA go-to pregnancy-safe option for acne, redness and dark spots, per ACOG and AAD.
HydroquinoneNot recommendedSkin lightener best avoided in pregnancy because much more is absorbed than with most topicals. Common swaps: azelaic acid, vitamin C.
Zinc OxideGenerally safeMineral sunscreen filter recommended by dermatologists during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily helps limit melasma.
One 12-oz cup a day generally fits ACOG's under-200 mg caffeine limit. Count lattes, tea and soda too.
Sushi & raw fishNot recommendedNot recommended during pregnancy — raw fish can carry parasites and bacteria like Listeria. Common swaps: cooked or veggie sushi rolls.
BrieUse with careOK only if the label says made with pasteurized milk — or cook it until steaming hot. Avoid raw-milk brie.
Deli meatUse with careOK in pregnancy only when heated to 165°F or until steaming hot (like a toasted or hot sandwich). Cold deli meat is a Listeria risk.
SalmonGenerally safeBest Choice (lower mercury) — enjoy salmon (cooked) cooked, 2–3 servings a week in pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
AspartameUse with careConsidered safe by FDA within normal intake; avoid it if you have PKU. Stay within normal amounts in pregnancy.
Most research shows dyeing your hair in pregnancy is OK. Some wait until after 12 weeks; highlights limit scalp contact.
BleachUse with careFine to clean with as directed. Open a window, wear gloves, and never mix it with ammonia or other cleaners.
Cat litterNot recommendedHave someone else change the litter. If no one can, wear disposable gloves, scoop daily and wash hands. You can keep your cat.
Hot tubs and jacuzzisNot recommendedSkip hot tubs while pregnant, especially in the first trimester. Dangling your feet in is generally fine.
Latex and water-based paintUse with careHousehold painting with latex paint is low exposure when you ventilate, wear gloves and skip scraping old paint.
DEET insect repellentGenerally safeCDC says EPA-registered repellents like DEET are safe and effective in pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed.
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Answers come from a sourced table, not a chatbot. If a name isn't recognized, Prenalo says so.
Separate answers for breastfeeding
Guidance changes after birth, so every entry has its own breastfeeding verdict.
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Coming to iPhoneQuestions, answered.
What does Prenalo do?
Prenalo checks products for pregnancy and breastfeeding. Scan a barcode or photograph an ingredient list, and it shows which ingredients public health sources flag, how strongly, and where that guidance comes from.
Where does the safety guidance come from?
From named sources such as CDC, FDA, ACOG, NHS, MotherToBaby, LactMed and the American Academy of Dermatology. Every entry lists its sources and the date it was reviewed.
Is Prenalo medical advice?
No. Prenalo summarizes public health sources for general information. Your doctor, midwife or pharmacist knows your situation, so ask them about anything that matters to you.
Does it work for breastfeeding too?
Yes. Each entry has a separate answer for pregnancy and for breastfeeding, because the guidance is often different.
Does Prenalo use AI to decide what is safe?
No. Answers come from a reviewed, sourced table of ingredients. If a name on a label isn't recognized, Prenalo says so instead of guessing.
Is my data private?
Your profile, due date and saved products stay on your iPhone. There are no accounts and no advertising trackers. Product lookups outside the built-in library go to the Open Food Facts family of databases.
Does it work without internet?
Yes, for products in the built-in library. The full library covers about 2.2 million barcodes.
How much does it cost?
You get 5 free product checks, and searching ingredients is always free. Premium is $39.99 a year with a 7-day free trial, or $9.99 a month.