Picking out pregnancy-safe skincare can seem complicated. I have an entire page on pregnancy beauty dedicated to which skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or IVF.
Today is about niacinamide, and yes, topical niacinamide is pregnancy safe! It has multiple benefits for the skin, such as:
- Reduction in the appearance of pigmented sun spots by its action on pigment-producing cells of the skin.
- Reduction of pore size and improvement in the overall skin texture.
- Improvement in fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen production.
- It also enhances the skin barrier, whose compromise is a common problem as skin ages. An improved barrier function translates into better moisture retention and protection against environmental insults, such as pollutants.
For skincare, it is generally available in concentrations from 2-20%. Higher percentages can cause skin irritation, more so if you are new to it or have sensitive, reactive skin. A patch test is always recommended before starting any new product, especially when you are pregnant, as your skin may react differently and unexpectedly as your immune system changes.
As always, all my pregnancy recommendations (at the time of writing) are free of:
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Triclosan
- Benzophenone 3 (also known as oxybenzone)
All of the above four are endocrine disruptors. They interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system and the reproductive and other biological processes that it regulates. - Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
These have been linked to cancer and are also known skin irritants.
*Always consult your treating doctor before starting any beauty regimen. They are the best people to guide you based on your needs and medical history.
Reminder: Companies frequently change their formulas, and the ingredient list may also vary by country. Hence, always check the ingredient list before using any product.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe Niacinamide Serums
- With 15% niacinamide, zinc, and allantoin
- Improves skin texture, reduces oil, and minimizes pore size
- For oily, combination, acne-prone skin
- 10% niacinamide % hyaluronic acid
- Cruelty-free
- For all skin types
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
- With 10% niacinamide- no other actives!
- Refines texture & improves pore appearance
- For all skin types
Honest Beauty Daily Green Juice
- With niacinamide, hyaluronic acids, and plant-based antioxidant
- For all skin types
- Cruelty-free, vegan
- With 5% niacinamide- no other actives
- Minimizer appearance of shine & redness
- For oily skin
- 12% niacinamide & 2% zinc, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
- Reduces congested pores, dark spots, & uneven texture
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- For all skin types
Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Niacinamide Serum (fragrance-free)
- With 10% niacinamide & hyaluronic acid
- Improves uneven tone & dull complexion
- Dye-free, not tested on animals
- For all skin types
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum
- With 10% niacinamide and hyaluronic acid
- Helps reduce excess oil, blemishes, and redness
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- For all skin types
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + 1% Zinc
- Targets dullness, uneven texture, excess oil, and reduces pore size
- Water-based, oil-free
- Vegan, gluten-free, silicon-free
- Cruelty-free
- For all skin types
- With 10% niacinamide and trans-resveratrol (antioxidant)
- Minimizes pores and overall radiance, minimize post acne spots,
- For all skin types
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe Niacinamide Face Creams
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
- With niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, & ceramides
- Labeled non-comedogenic
Naturium Niacinamide Gel Cream
- 5% niacinamide in gel cream formulation
- Balances skin hydration, reduces the appearance of pores
- For dry, combination, sensitive, acne-prone, aging skin
- Vegan, gluten-free
Number 7 Hydraluminous Day Gel
- With 5% niacinamide & hyaluronic acid
- Gel cream formula
- For normal to dry and sensitive skin
PanOxyl Balancing Repair Moisturizer
- With 4% niacinamide
- Gel cream texture
- Helps control excess oil, minimizes pore appearance
- Specially formulated for acne-prone skin
The Ordinary Niacinamide 5% Face & Body Emulsion
- Lightweight emulsion
- Helps even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots
- For all skin types
- Vegan, gluten and cruelty-free
This post is in collaboration with Amazon, but all the product choices and opinions are my own.
