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.
In a previous post, I wrote about the safety profile of azelaic acid during pregnancy and lactation.
To know more, read: Is Azelaic Acid Pregnancy & Lactation Safe?
Read on to know what is the best azelaic acid serum and the best azelaic acid cream to try.
To sum up:
- AA is a naturally occurring acid ( found in whole grain cereal, rye, barley, and the human skin where a commensal fungus produces it).
- There is sufficient evidence in literature and recommendations from health bodies like FDA (Food & Drug Administration), NIH (National Academy of Health), & AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) attesting to its safety.
- It is anti-inflammatory, has anti-bacterial action against P.acnes that causes acne, is a mild exfoliative, and inhibits free radical production.
- During pregnancy and lactation, it may be used for:
- Mild to moderate acne
- Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation disorders (for e.g., after acne or trauma)
- Rosacea.
- For topical use, it is available (with or without prescription, depending on the region) in 10%, 15%, and 20% in gel or cream form.
Tips on using AA
- You can expect mild peeling of the skin.
- About 5% to 10% can have a burning or stinging sensation, tight feeling of the skin, and some redness, but this usually only lasts for a few weeks.
- To counteract the dryness and tightness that can come with AA, always use a pregnancy-safe moisturizer with it or a cream formulation.
- AA generally will not help with severe nodulocystic acne as it does not penetrate deep enough.
- If using while breastfeeding, make sure the baby does not come in contact with it (e.g.sloppy loving kisses on your cheek that have just seen a round of your cream being applied or skin contact with it that can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin)
- The standard dose of application is twice a day. Depending on your skin sensitivity, you may start with once a day or a lower percentage.
- You may find preparations with other actives like salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, and retinol.
- Salicylic acid up to 2% is safe in pregnancy and lactation.
- Certain alpha hydroxy acids in the right concentration are safe to use.
- Retinol is contradicted in pregnancy.
- Use of AA with other actives may result in more redness and irritation, and caution is advised.
- To know more, read:
As always, 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
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: Never start a treatment regimen on your own. Always consult with your treating physician. All the products listed here are over-the-counter in the USA.
Building your list is easy! To know which ingredients should be eliminated during such life events, you can go through the following posts:
- Part I: IVF & Pregnancy Safe Skincare- Avoid These Ingredients.
- Part II: IVF & Pregnancy Safe Skincare- Avoid These Ingredients.
- Safe Skincare for Nursing Moms- Ingredients To Avoid.
- Parabens In Cosmetics: Are They Safe To Use?
The Ordinary AA Suspension 10%
Cream base with tocopherol
Alcohol-free
Oil-free
Vegan and cruelty-free.
The Inkey List 10% AA Redness Relief Solution
With micro-fine green color particles to mask redness.
Stated to be suitable for rosacea-prone people.
With allantoin to soothe the skin.
Naturium 10% AA Serum
With vitamin C, niacinamide
Vegan
Gluten-free
Cruelty-free
Cos de Baha 10% AA Serum
With niacinamide & hyaluronic acid
Mario Badescu Clarifying Serum with AA
With AA + prebiotic & postbiotic complex
Vegan, dye, silicon, oil, & cruelty-free.
Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex Face Cream
12% AA + 3% glycolic acid
With tocopherol
Peach Slices Redness Relief Serum
10% AA + green algae + panthenol
Vegan & cruelty-free
Dermatica Clarifying 15% AA Cream
With squalane & glycerine
Proactive Clean Azelaic Pore Perfector
With squalane, allantoin, hyaluronic acid.
Drunk Elephant Leave-On Face Mask
10% AA with 1% Salicylic Acid and triple antioxidant complex.
Bellecote Azelaic Toner
10% AA with 2% Salicylic Acid and tea tree oil.
Farmacy Brightening Toner
With Tranexamic acid and PHA
Dr. Brandt Bright This Way Dark Spots No More
With 10% AA, 3% Tranexamic acid, 2% Phytic Acid
Vegan
Skin Fix 2% BHA and AA
Has licorice extract- only for nursing moms.
10% AA, 2% Salicylic Acid and 2% Niacinamide.
Paula’s Choice 10% AA Booster
Has licorice extract- only for nursing moms.
With 0.5% Salicylic Acid.
Thayer’s Let’s Be Clear Water Cream
Has licorice extract- only for nursing moms
3% AA + Hyaluronic Acid.
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This post is in collaboration with Amazon, but all the product choices and opinions are my own.
