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What is hyaluronic acid?
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 hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring molecule found throughout our body, especially in the joints, eyes, and skin.
In addition to animal sources, it can be extracted from bacteria and algae. For use in cosmetics, HA is primarily lab-made from bacteria via a process known as bio-fermentation, making it possible to create a pregnancy-safe hyaluronic acid serum.
HA in the joints acts as a lube that allows the joints to glide smoothly and is used as an injectable inside the joints to relieve arthritis pain.
In the eyes, it keeps the eyes lubricated and helps replenish any lost moisture, and thus is used in eye drops to relieve symptoms of dry eyes.
Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare
The skin is rich in HA, a hydrophilic (water-loving) chemical that retains moisture. As we age, there is a natural reduction in the HA levels, resulting in dehydration of the skin and wrinkle formation- a process exacerbated by factors like free radical damage by smoking, UV exposure, environmental pollution, and other mechanical or chemical insults.
The Low vs. High Molecular Weight HA
HA comes in different molecular sizes- high (>1600kDa), medium (1600-200kDa), and low (200-10kDa).
The larger molecules sit on your skin’s surface and are best at their water-binding and surface hydration capacity. It creates a protective film of moisture and holds the moisture in.
The smaller molecules have a lower potency of binding water, but instead of just sitting on the skin surface, they can penetrate it (but only the topmost skin layer, the epidermis).
The low-weight HA has been shown to be most effective in reducing wrinkle depth.
To maximize the benefits of HA, select a product that contains HA of different molecular weights.
How has this list been made?
All my pregnancy recommendations (at the time of writing) are free of:
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Triclosan
- Benzophenone 3 (also known as oxybenzone)
(All the above four are endocrine disruptors. They interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system and the reproductive and other biological processes regulated by it.) - Added fragrance or perfume.
(a rich source of no.2 and a skin irritant, especially in pregnancy when, due to hormonal changes, skin can become more sensitive) - Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
It is easy to make your own list.
Follow these posts to eliminate pregnancy-unsafe chemicals in your personal care products:
Part-I: Pregnancy & Lactation Safe Skincare- Avoid these ingredients.
Part II: Pregnancy & Lactation Safe Skincare- Avoid these ingredients.
Are Parabens in Cosmetics Safe to Use?
Reminder: Companies change their formulas frequently, and the ingredient list may vary by country. Hence, always check the ingredient list before using any product.
Note: Vitamin C is a pregnancy-safe option for skin brightening and hyperpigmentation management.
HA and vitamin C are often combined as they complement each other to create a more productive routine.
To know more about pregnancy-related hyperpigmentation or melasma:
Melasma in Pregnancy: Causes & Prevention.
Pregnancy Safe Melasma Treatment.
Top Pregnancy & Lactation Safe Sunscreen for Melasma & Hyperpigmentation.
Best HA Serum
Farmacy Filling Good HA serum
Multi-molecular weight HA
Added vegan collagen & amino acids
Mineral oil free
Cruelty-free
The Ordinary HA 2%
Multi-molecular weight HA
Water-based (oil-free)
With added vitamin B5
Alcohol and silicon-free
Vegan
Gluten-free
Cruelty-free
The Ordinary Multipeptide + HA
Multi-molecular weight HA
Peptide complex for the additional anti-aging benefit
Water-based (oil-free)
Alcohol and silicon-free
Vegan
Gluten-free
Cruelty-free
NIOD Multi-Molecular HA Complex
Multi-molecular weight HA
15 different types of HS compounds and precursors
Water-based
Alcohol and silicon-free
Vegan
Gluten-free
Cruelty-free
The Inkey List 2% HA Serum
Multi-molecular weight HA
With peptides for collagen boost
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Glossier Super Bounce HA
Multi-molecular weight HA
Added B5
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Vichy Mineral 89 Fortifying & Hydrating Daily Skin Booster
Multi-molecular weight HA
With niacinamide & cocoa seed
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Tula Ultrahydration Complex
Multi-molecular weight HA
With squalane & collagen
Cruelty-free.
CosRx Hydrium Triple HA Moisture
Multi-molecular weight HA
With B5
L’Oréal Revitalift 1.5% HA
Multi-molecular weight HA
Dye-free
Lightweight feel
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum
With B5 & pineapple ceramide.
Has licorice- not suitable for pregnant women; suitable for nursing moms.
Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum
Multi-molecular weight HA
With niacinamide and peptide proteins.
Kiehl’s Ultra Pure HA Serum
1.5% HA with minimal ingredients
Innis Free Green Tea HA Serum
Refillable container
Alcohol-free
With panthenol and niacinamide
Paula’s Choice HA Booster
With ceramides & B5
Best HA Serum with Vitamin C
Cosmedica Vitamin C Super Serum
Vitamin C as sodium ascorbyl phosphate
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Alcohol-free
Timeless Skincare HA & Vitamin C Serum
With Vitamin C & peptides
Cruelty-free
The Ordinary Vitamin C 23% + HA 2%
23% vitamin C as ascorbic acid
With squalane
Water free
Alcohol and silicon-free
Vegan
Gluten-free
Cruelty-free
CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with HA
10% vitamin C as ascorbic acid
With ceramides
Lightweight, nongreasy feel
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C as sodium ascorbyl phosphate
With Vitamin E
Cruelty-free
Vegan
Vichy LiftActive Vitamin C
15% vitamin C as ascorbic acid
Oil & silicone free
Lightweight, non-greasy feel
Kiehl’s Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C as 10.5% L-Ascorbic Acid and 2% Ascorbyl Glucoside
Alcohol-free
Mineral oil free
Dye-free
DermaE Vitamin C Serum
Vitamin C as sodium ascorbyl phosphate
With vitamin E %B5
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Clinique Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Moisturizer
With aloe bioferment
Vitamin C & E
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This post is in collaboration with Amazon, but all the product choices and opinions are my own.
