Microfibre Face Sponge

Yes, it is safe to use the DermExcel Retinol serum while breastfeeding.  

THE EVIDENCE

• Because tretinoin (the prescription molecule, remember, our Retinol is an ester of the prescription molecule) is poorly absorbed after topical application. It is considered a low risk to the nursing infant.
  Ref: Drugs and Lactation Database (Lactmed)
• Blood concentrations measured 2-48 hours following application are essentially zero. Absorption of Retin-A (Tretinoin) via topical sources is reported to be minimal, and breastmilk would likely be minimal to none.
  Ref: Dr. Thomas Hale, Medications and Mother's Milk
• Vitamin A and, presumably, tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid) are natural constituents of human milk. There are no data on the amount of all-trans retinoic acid excreted into milk after topical use. Although other retinoids are excreted (see Vitamin A), the minimal absorption after topical application of tretinoin probably precludes the detection of clinically significant amounts in breast milk from this source. Thus, the use of tretinoin while breastfeeding does not appear to represent a significant risk to a nursing infant.
  Ref: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation: Gerald Briggs, pharmacologist at Washington State University College of Pharmacy.

The type of Vitamin A. DERMEXCEL™ Retinol serum contains 3% GranActive Retinoid - Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate (HPR).

The normal retinol molecule needs to be converted to the active form (all-trans retinoic acid) before it can bind to the retinoid receptors to activate a biological response - all dermatological benefits.

Because of this conversion, studies indicate that 1% Retinol is about 20 times weaker than the active form of Retinoic acid. 1% Retinol, equivalent to about 0.05% Retinoic acid. The HPR retinoid molecule needs no conversion to bind to Retinoid receptors as it’s already in the active form. It binds directly to the retinoid receptor without causing irritation.

The normal retinol molecule and the newly advanced HPR retinoid molecule (included in Granactive Retinol) are two totally different molecules and therefore conversion calculation would be almost impossible. It is however save to say that 3% of the Granactive retinoid molecule yields significantly more retinoid receptor binding activity than 1% retinol (the highest percentage retinol in non-prescription products).