If you are pregnant or breastfeeding and you have melasma — sometimes called chloasma or 'the mask of pregnancy' in this context — most prescription melasma actives are not appropriate during this window.
- Hydroquinone is contraindicated in pregnancy and is generally avoided during breastfeeding because of systemic absorption concerns. The Brightening Solution and the Precision Dark Spot Corrector are not appropriate.
- Topical retinoids (tretinoin in particular), which sometimes appear in melasma protocols, are contraindicated in pregnancy.
- Many lower-intervention options remain available. Azelaic acid is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding under medical supervision and can be useful for mild-to-moderate pregnancy melasma. Vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid (depending on form and route) may also be options. Daily broad-spectrum mineral SPF 30 or higher with iron oxides is the single most important thing you can do.
Tell your dermatologist in your assessment that you are pregnant or nursing. They will design a pregnancy-safe protocol or recommend pausing pigment-active treatment until after nursing, depending on your case. This is one of the answers your dermatologist needs to make case by case — do not start a melasma protocol you found online while pregnant without a prescriber confirming the formulation is appropriate.