Can you take adapalene while breastfeeding?
What LactMed says
The National Library of Medicine’s own summary, quoted in full. We do not write a verdict of our own on this question, and we do not compress theirs into a label.
Topical adapalene has not been studied during breastfeeding. Because it is poorly absorbed after topical application, and blood levels are less than 0.25 mcg/L with long-term use, it is probably a low risk to the nursing infant. Absorption should be minimized by applying it to the smallest possible surface area of the body for the shortest time possible. Do not apply to the nipple area and ensure that the infant’s skin does not come into direct contact with the areas of skin that have been treated.
Quoted from Adapalene — Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, revised June 15, 2025.
What LactMed would consider instead
LactMed ends this record by naming the drugs it would consider in place of adapalene. Whether any of them fits depends on what you are treating — this is the database’s list, not a recommendation from us.
How much adapalene gets into breastmilk
Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
What has been seen in breastfed infants
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Effects on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take adapalene while breastfeeding?
Topical adapalene has not been studied during breastfeeding. The full record is quoted on this page, and the decision is one to make with the person who prescribed it — LactMed itself states it is not a substitute for professional judgement.
What can I take instead of adapalene while breastfeeding?
LactMed lists Benzoyl Peroxide, Tretinoin as alternate drugs to consider. That is the database's own list for this drug — whether any of them suits you depends on what you are treating.
Does adapalene pass into breastmilk?
LactMed's measured drug levels for adapalene are quoted in full on this page, under "How much gets into breastmilk".
Do I need to pump and dump after taking adapalene?
LactMed does not frame its records that way — it reports measured drug levels in milk and what has been observed in breastfed infants, which is what this page quotes. "Pump and dump" advice for a specific drug and dose should come from your clinician or a pharmacist, not from a general rule.
More on adapalene
LactMed states that the information it presents is not a substitute for professional judgement, and that you should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Nothing on this page is medical advice.