Salicylic Acid (BHA) during Pregnancy
Topical salicylic acid at ≤2% is considered acceptable during pregnancy — endorsed by ACOG.
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concentration at or below: 2%
this can stay in your routine.
Topical salicylic acid at ≤2% is considered acceptable during pregnancy — endorsed by ACOG.
how to use it. Standard 0.5–2% leave-on and wash-off use continues. Limit application to <20% of body surface area.
concentration above: 2%
pause it for this moment.
Peel-level salicylic acid (>2%) and oral salicylates should be avoided in pregnancy.
how to use it. Delay chemical peels containing salicylic acid until after pregnancy.
why it works. Systemic absorption from topical use at OTC concentrations is minimal. ACOG explicitly lists topical salicylic acid as a pregnancy-permissible acne option.
Reviewed with 4 sources on 2026-07-03.
Alpha Arbutin during Pregnancy
Alpha arbutin is considered acceptable during pregnancy.
also about pregnancyAzelaic Acid during Pregnancy
Azelaic acid is the pregnancy-safe active workhorse. Use freely.
also about pregnancyBakuchiol during Pregnancy
Bakuchiol pregnancy safety data are thin. Consider pausing.
also about pregnancyCentella Asiatica (Cica) during Pregnancy
Centella Asiatica is fully safe throughout pregnancy.
also about pregnancyCeramides during Pregnancy
Ceramides is fully safe throughout pregnancy.
also about pregnancyFragrance during Pregnancy
Not teratogenic — but pregnancy commonly heightens fragrance sensitivity.