Quick answer
What to know first
ACOG states that over-the-counter topical salicylic acid and glycolic acid can be used during pregnancy, while topical retinoids are generally recommended to be avoided. The full formula, body area, amount used and your own pregnancy care plan still matter, so review the exact label and ask your obstetrician if you are unsure.
Pregnant people checking body-acne, rough-skin or exfoliating products.
Major guidance on common OTC acne/exfoliating ingredients, retinoid caution, label review and escalation.
- Personal medical clearance
- Advice for prescription medicines beyond referral to clinicians
- A claim that any HerSensi product is pregnancy-safe before the final formula is reviewed
Real-life scenario
How this can show up in everyday life
A new product seems promising, but you also change your cleanser, lotion and shaving routine in the same week. If irritation appears, you cannot tell which change caused it. A slower one-change-at-a-time approach gives you usable evidence.
Why the advice makes sense
- Routine changes are easier to evaluate when introduced separately.
- Patch testing can reveal obvious intolerance before wider use, although it cannot guarantee no future reaction.
- Symptoms such as persistent burning, swelling or worsening rash should not be pushed through for the sake of ‘adjustment.’
What to track
- Exactly when each new product started
- Frequency and body area used
- Any burning, redness, swelling, dryness or delayed reaction
Key takeaways
Key points to remember
- ACOG allows several OTC acne ingredients
- Retinoids are a different category
- Check the full formula and body area
ACOG allows several OTC acne ingredients
ACOG lists topical benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, topical salicylic acid and glycolic acid among OTC ingredients that can be used during pregnancy. This does not mean every multi-ingredient cosmetic automatically suits every person.
Retinoids are a different category
ACOG generally recommends avoiding topical retinoids during pregnancy and clearly warns against isotretinoin. Read labels carefully because retinoid ingredients can appear in OTC products.
Check the full formula and body area
A rinse-off body wash, large-area leave-on lotion and small spot product create different use patterns. Fragrance, allergens and other ingredients can matter even when one headline active is acceptable.
Keep routines simple when skin becomes reactive
Pregnancy can change skin sensitivity. Introduce one product at a time, stop persistent irritation and avoid stacking several exfoliating products.
Ask your obstetrician when the label is unclear
If a product contains an ingredient not covered by the guidance you are using, or if you have a high-risk pregnancy or prescription treatment plan, ask your obstetrician/dermatologist before use.
Routine tracker
What to note as you test the routine
Keeping these details together can make product changes and professional conversations easier to assess.
- Timing of the concern
- Products used in the previous 48 hours
- Hair-removal, clothing or sweat triggers
- Whether skin is broken, painful or pus-filled
- What changed after simplifying the routine
Common questions
Questions people ask next
Can topical salicylic acid be used during pregnancy?
ACOG lists topical salicylic acid among OTC acne ingredients that can be used during pregnancy. Check the complete product label and ask your obstetrician when unsure.
What about glycolic acid?
ACOG also lists glycolic acid among OTC ingredients that can be used during pregnancy.
Are retinoids the same as acids?
No. Retinoids are vitamin-A-derived ingredients; ACOG generally recommends avoiding topical retinoids during pregnancy.
Sources and safety references
References used for this guide
These sources support the general educational guidance. They do not assess a specific product formula or replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
- Skin Conditions During Pregnancy — American College of Obstetricians and GynecologistsACOG guidance on OTC pregnancy acne ingredients including topical salicylic acid and glycolic acid, plus retinoid cautions.
- Allergens in cosmetics — U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationBackground on cosmetic allergic reactions and ingredient sensitivity.