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, a personal favorite.
It works beautifully for acne, both as a treatment and for preventive therapy. This oil-loving beta hydroxy acid penetrates your pores, unclogs them, lets them breathe, and heals and prevents acne. If you’re wondering whether salicylate is safe for pregnancy, you’ll be pleased to know that salicylate is considered pregnancy safe when used appropriately.

In a previous post, I listed pregnancy and lactation-safe salicylic acid cleansers and how to include them in your skincare regimen. Click here to read that.

If you are concerned about the safety of salicylic acid while pregnant or lactating, let me tell you that it is safe to use topical salicylic acid with up to 2% strength.

The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) deems over-the-counter topical salicylic acid safe for pregnancy.

Click here to read about its safety profile.
I recommend reading this post as it lists all the dos and don’ts of salicylic acid when pregnant or lactating.

To reiterate and emphasize (you will find a detailed explanation of the following points in the above two posts I have mentioned):

  1. Do not use it if you are not confident about its safety for your baby. Click here to read about other pregnancy-safe acne treatments.
  2. Do not use it if your treating doctor advises against it.
  3. Do not use salicylic acid at a concentration exceeding 2%.
  4. Start with a lower percentage and wash off products like face washes.
  5. Do not use it on large areas, as it means more absorption of it in your system.
  6. Avoid multiple products with salicylic acid- it increases the chances of skin irritation.
  7. Start with once-a-day use.
  8. Do not undergo peels, as they tend to be in concentrations exceeding the recommended 2%.
  9. If using while breastfeeding, ensure that your baby does not come in contact with salicylic acid- it irritates the baby’s sensitive skin. Also, it runs a theoretical risk of absorption toxicity.

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 4 are endocrine disruptors. They interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system and the reproductive and other biological processes regulated by it.

  1. Added fragrance
    It is a rich source of phthalates and is also a skin irritant, especially in pregnancy, when, due to hormonal changes, skin can become more sensitive.
  1. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releases
    These have been linked to cancer and are also known skin irritants.

Note:
i) I personally do not prefer products formulated with certain alcohols (denatured alcohol, ethanol, isopropyl), especially if they are somewhere at the beginning of the ingredients list. These can cause problems in those with dry, sensitive skin and skin with a compromised barrier, like seen with dermatitis. That said, technically, that little bit of alcohol in your skincare is pregnancy-safe, although your skin might be more sensitive at this time.
ii) I have not included any product that does not give out its salicylic acid percentage.
iii) I have included willow bark, a natural salicylic acid source, on the list.
This blog post details the safety profile of oral and topical willow bark when pregnant or lactating.

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.

Cleansers

I have covered salicylic acid cleansers extensively in another post. Click here to read it.

Scrubs

Masks

Toners, Lotions, Gels

Serums

Moisturizer

Spot Treatments

Wipes

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AuthorDr. Devikaa ManghnaniPlastic surgeon

Devikaa, a plastic surgeon from Western India who has now relocated to Colorado, balances her professional life with her passions for clean living and writing. Her blog, a blend of medical insights and personal interests, aims to engage readers with topics ranging from skincare to random musings, all shared from her unique perspective.

Dr. Devikaa Manghnani