Is it Safe to Use AHAs During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy changes the way many people approach skincare. Ingredients that once felt routine may suddenly raise questions, especially exfoliating acids like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are widely used in cosmetic skincare to help smooth the appearance of texture and support visible clarity, but pregnancy introduces new priorities. Skin comfort, barrier support, and conservative decision-making take precedence over fast results.
The question is not whether AHAs are inherently unsafe, but how they interact with pregnancy skin and what dermatology and obstetric guidance actually supports. This article explains how pregnancy can affect the skin, how AHAs work, which ingredients are commonly avoided, and how to use evidence-based judgment rather than fear when caring for your skin during pregnancy.
Key Takeaways
- Low-strength topical AHAs may be considered during pregnancy when used conservatively
- Retinoids and hydroquinone are commonly avoided due to safety concerns and limited pregnancy data
- Daily sun protection is essential when using exfoliating acids
- Gentle, consistent routines align best with dermatology guidance
- Medical recommendations consistently favor moderation over intensity during pregnancy
How Pregnancy Hormones Affect the Skin
Pregnancy triggers significant hormonal changes that can affect the skin in several ways. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that common pregnancy-related skin concerns include acne, melasma or darkened patches of skin, dryness, and increased sensitivity.
Melasma, often called the mask of pregnancy, is also addressed in obstetric guidance. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists explains that hormonal changes combined with sun exposure can contribute to this pigmentation and emphasizes the importance of sun protection.
Because pregnancy skin can become more reactive, dermatology guidance commonly recommends simplifying routines and focusing on gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and consistent sun protection rather than aggressively treating cosmetic concerns.
What Alpha Hydroxy Acids Are and How They Work
Alpha hydroxy acids are water-soluble acids used in cosmetic products. Common examples include glycolic acid and lactic acid. According to the FDA, AHA-containing cosmetics are marketed to improve the look of skin texture and tone.
Dermatology research describes AHAs as reducing corneocyte cohesion in the outermost layer of the skin, which supports exfoliation and smoother-looking texture. That same literature also notes that higher concentrations increase irritation risk and barrier disruption.
Because exfoliation alters the skin surface, AHA products can increase sensitivity to sunlight. The FDA specifically addresses this risk and recommends sunburn alert labeling for AHA-containing cosmetics.
Are AHAs Considered Acceptable to Use During Pregnancy
For pregnancy, the most defensible position is cautious and evidence-based. A MotherToBaby fact sheet notes that clinical and obstetric guidance indicates certain over-the-counter topical acne ingredients, including glycolic acid, may be used during pregnancy when needed.
The American Academy of Dermatology pregnancy acne guidance also lists multiple topical treatments that are considered acceptable, while emphasizing avoidance of certain higher-risk ingredients.
Peer-reviewed pregnancy and lactation acne management reviews support a stepwise approach that prioritizes topical treatments and minimizes risk.
In practical terms, low-strength, leave-on AHA products used infrequently and stopped at the first sign of irritation align more closely with established guidance than high-strength chemical peels or intensive exfoliation.
Skincare Ingredients Commonly Avoided During Pregnancy
Certain skincare ingredients are commonly avoided during pregnancy because of known risks or limited safety data.
Retinoids: Dermatology guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology recommends stopping topical retinoids during pregnancy unless otherwise directed by a clinician.
Hydroquinone: Clinical safety reviews published in peer-reviewed literature note relatively high systemic absorption and support minimizing exposure during pregnancy because of limited safety data.
High-strength peels: Dermatology literature consistently shows that higher AHA concentrations increase irritation and barrier disruption, which is especially relevant during pregnancy.
Glycolic Acid vs Lactic Acid for Pregnancy Skin
Glycolic acid has a smaller molecular size than lactic acid, which contributes to its deeper penetration and higher irritation potential.
Lactic acid is also associated with hydration support because lactate is a component of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor, which helps attract and retain water in the stratum corneum, as explained in NCBI’s overview of moisturizers.
For pregnancy-friendly use, tolerability and routine simplicity matter more than exfoliation strength. Many people exploring gentle options start with low-strength formulas from curated AHA collections such as Nonie of Beverly Hills’ AHA products.
The Importance of Sunscreen When Using AHAs
Because AHAs can increase sun sensitivity, daily sun protection is essential. This risk is addressed directly in FDA guidance on alpha hydroxy acids.
For pregnancy specifically, dermatology guidance recommends physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to help reduce irritation.
Systemic absorption of some chemical sunscreen ingredients has been documented under maximal-use conditions, prompting continued safety evaluation by the FDA and in a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA.
How to Build a Pregnancy-Friendly AHA Routine
A pregnancy-friendly AHA routine prioritizes consistency over intensity. Dermatology guidance supports a foundation of gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and daily sunscreen.
If an AHA is used, start with low frequency, choose a low-strength formula, and stop if irritation develops. Higher concentrations are more likely to disrupt the skin barrier.
Hydration remains important throughout pregnancy. Supporting the skin barrier with moisturizers helps reduce dryness and discomfort.
Stretch Marks, Dryness, and Realistic Expectations
Stretch marks are influenced by genetics, hormonal changes, and skin stretching. The Mayo Clinic notes that no topical product has been proven to prevent stretch marks, although moisturization may help reduce itching and discomfort.
Pregnancy skincare is not about eliminating every mark or imperfection. It is about supporting comfort and skin health during a period of significant physical change.
Sources
American Academy of Dermatology. Pregnancy skin care guidance
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/pregnancy-skin-care
American Academy of Dermatology. Acne treatment during pregnancy
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/derm-treat/pregnancy
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Skin conditions during pregnancy
https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy
FDA. Alpha hydroxy acids in cosmetics
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/alpha-hydroxy-acids
FDA. Second sunscreen absorption study
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-brief/fda-brief-fda-announces-results-second-sunscreen-absorption-study
JAMA. Systemic absorption of sunscreen ingredients
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2759002
MotherToBaby. Topical acne treatments in pregnancy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582985/
PMC. Dual effects of alpha hydroxy acids on the skin
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6017965/
PMC. Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9823189/
PMC. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3114665/
NCBI. Moisturizers
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545171/
PubChem. Glycolic acid
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Glycolic-Acid
PubChem. Lactic acid
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Lactic-Acid
Mayo Clinic. Stretch marks diagnosis and treatment
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stretch-marks/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351144
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or skincare routine during pregnancy. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.