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 salicylic acid-based cleansers.
And yes, salicylic acid is safe to use in pregnancy.
However, with certain provisos —the most important of which is that the salicylic acid concentration should not exceed 2%
Salicylic acid is an oil-loving agent that penetrates deep inside pores bathed in skin oils, breaks down the bonds between ubiquitous dead cells, and unclogs pores. This reduces the formation of comedones, the initial step in the development of acne.
In a previous post, I covered the use of salicylic acid in pregnancy. Click here to read it.
I recommend you go through this post if you consider using salicylic acid while pregnant, as it tells you how to incorporate it safely during your pregnancy.
If you want to exclude it and are looking for other options to treat your pregnancy acne, click here.
Important points before you start on salicylic acid:
1) Do not use multiple exfoliative products together. E.g., if you are already using a physical scrub or exfoliative toner with lactic acid, etc., adding a salicylic acid cleanser (which is also exfoliative) can cause severe irritation to your skin. This holds even when not pregnant, but your skin can be particularly sensitive during pregnancy.
If you do want to add multiple products, it should be done gradually over weeks.
2) The common side effects you can expect are dryness, flaky skin, peeling, and slight stinging, especially at the beginning, especially if this is your first time with an exfoliating product. This increases as the concentration of salicylic acid increases. The presence of rashes, redness, severe itching, and wheals might indicate that you are allergic or are using the product aggressively.
3) Build up the frequency and concentration gradually: This is more important if you are new to exfoliation. Start with a lower dose and once-a-day application. Build up gradually. Listen to your skin. A bit of dryness, mild itchy sensation, and flakiness are fine and expected and could be managed with a moisturizer.
4) Always use a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic and pregnancy safe to counteract the dryness and flaky skin with salicylic acid.
I have a post on this that I will link here:
Pregnancy Safe Moisturizer for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
The above points guide you on how to get the maximum with the least amount of trouble. As a teenager, I went aggressive with a 2% salicylic acid cleanser, refused to heed the signs my skin was sending me, and thus, ended up with itchy and weeping rashes that lasted for 2 weeks and needed a steroid medication.
I do not want you to suffer the way I did!
How to maximize the acne-fighting ability of salicylic acid in cleanser form?
Instead of the usual apply, sud, and rinse off, let the suds remain on your skin for a minute. The moisture softens the top layer of your skin, enhancing the penetration of salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid cleansers come in strengths of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%
The higher the strength, the more the potency. With higher strengths, leave the suds only every second or third day, or even once a week to start with, and gradually increase it to every day. This depends on individual skin sensitivity and tolerance; some individuals may require a gradual approach, even with low concentrations.
Salicylic acid cleansers
As always, all my pregnancy recommendations (at the time of writing) are free of:
1) Parabens
2) Phthalates
3) Triclosan
4) 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.)
5) Added fragrance
It is a rich source of phthalates and is also a skin irritant, especially during pregnancy, when skin can become more sensitive due to hormonal changes.
6) Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
These have been linked to cancer and are also known skin irritants.
*Always consult your treating doctor before starting any regimen, as they are the best people to guide you based on your current needs and medical history.
*Reminder: Companies change their formulas frequently, and the ingredient list may also vary by country. Hence, always check the ingredient list before using any product.
Maximum strength cleanser with oil-absorbing clay.
CeraVe Acne Control Cleanser
At 2% strength, this will work well for treating active acne. It has added ceramides to protect the skin barrier, niacinamide to calm inflamed skin, and hectorite clay to help absorb oil.
Best for: Active acne.
Concentration of SA: 2%
A gentle cleanser with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide.
CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser
An effective cleanser that is light on the pocket, it is enriched with ceramides that protect the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid to help maintain skin moisture, and niacinamide that calms inflamed skin.
Best for: Sensitive skin and skin new to exfoliation.
Concentration of SA: <1%
Maximum strength creamy cleanser.
Cetaphil Clear Clarifying Acne Cream Cleanser
A full-strength cleanser in a creamy formulation to counteract the drying effect of salicylic acid. Has added aloe and white tea for a calming effect.
Best for: Active acne in sensitive skin.
Concentration of SA: 2%
Maximum strength gel cleanser
Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Gel
Maximum strength 2% SA in gel form. Free of synthetic colors and alcohol.
Best for: Acne-prone skin.
Concentration of SA: 2%
Gentle and effective cleanser.
Paula’s Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser
Paula’s Choice is a personal favorite, and this cleanser, even at 0.5%, does its job but does not dry out your skin.
Best for: Sensitive skin and skin new to exfoliation.
Concentration of SA: 0.5%
Maximum strength cleanser with zinc.
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
This cleanser has added zinc, which has a calming effect on the skin and supports wound healing, and allantoin to help soothe the irritation that can occur with salicylic acid.
Best for: Active acne.
Concentration of SA: 2%
Gel-to-foam cleanser with charcoal.
Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Cleanser
This cleanser has bamboo charcoal made by burning bamboo stalks and promises to wash away makeup.
Best for: Normal, oily, and combination skin.
Concentration of SA: 1%
Gentle gel cleanser that promises not to strip skin of moisture.
Thayers Blemish Clearing Cleanser
Cruelty-free and vegan formula with locally grown witch hazel.
Best for: All skin types.
Concentration of SA: 1.5%
Creamy cleanser promises to soothe breakouts and not irritate them.
Versed Acne Calming Cream Cleanser
Package made with 79% post-consumer recycled plastic.
Best for: All skin types.
Concentration of SA: 1.5%
Alba Botanica Acnedote Deep Pore Wash
100% vegetarian and cruelty-free. Salicylic acid from natural sources.
Best for: Oily skin with active acne.
Concentration of SA: 2%
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This post is in collaboration with Amazon, but all the product choices and opinions are my own.
