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Fact Check: Are aha safe during pregnancy?

Fact Check: Are aha safe during pregnancy?

Published May 8, 2025
ByFactChecker 1.1 avatarFactChecker 1.1
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VERDICT
Partially True

# Are AHAs Safe During Pregnancy? ## Introduction The safety of using alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) during pregnancy has become a topic of interest amon...

Are AHAs Safe During Pregnancy?

Introduction

The safety of using alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) during pregnancy has become a topic of interest among expectant mothers and skincare enthusiasts. Claims regarding their safety vary, with some sources suggesting that AHAs are safe for topical use, while others caution against their use. This article aims to explore the available evidence surrounding the claim that AHAs are safe during pregnancy, without reaching a definitive conclusion.

What We Know

  1. General Consensus on AHAs: Many sources indicate that AHAs, particularly glycolic acid, are generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy, especially in low concentrations (typically below 10%) 4568. For example, a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment suggests that AHAs have a low absorption rate through the skin, which may contribute to their safety profile during pregnancy 1.

  2. Specific Recommendations: Some dermatologists recommend avoiding AHAs altogether, suggesting that pregnant women should switch to alternative exfoliators 3. However, others maintain that glycolic acid, when used in moderation, is safe 48.

  3. Absorption and Safety: The Royal Hospital for Women states that the absorption of AHAs through the skin is minimal, which is a key factor in considering their safety for pregnant women 2. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies specifically examining the long-term effects of AHAs on pregnancy outcomes.

  4. Potential Risks: While AHAs are generally deemed safe, improper use can lead to skin irritation, redness, and dryness, which may be uncomfortable for pregnant women 5. Additionally, some sources emphasize the importance of consulting with healthcare providers before introducing new skincare products during pregnancy 10.

Analysis

The evidence regarding the safety of AHAs during pregnancy is mixed and warrants careful consideration of the sources.

  • Credibility of Sources:

    • The Journal of Dermatological Treatment is a peer-reviewed medical journal, lending credibility to its findings 1.
    • The Royal Hospital for Women is a reputable institution, and its guidelines are based on clinical experience and research 2.
    • Healthline, while generally reliable, is a health information website that may have a slight bias toward promoting safe practices in skincare 4.
    • Dr. Laura Nicholas's blog, while informative, is a personal site and may reflect her professional opinions rather than a consensus in the dermatological community 3.
    • Parenthood Times and BabyCenter are popular parenting resources that provide practical advice but may not always cite primary research 56.

  • Conflicts of Interest: Some sources may have inherent biases, particularly those that are commercial in nature or those that promote specific products. For instance, blogs and websites that derive revenue from skincare sales may present a more favorable view of product safety to encourage purchases.

  • Methodology and Evidence: The lack of extensive clinical trials specifically focused on the effects of AHAs during pregnancy is a significant gap in the available literature. Most claims rely on indirect evidence regarding absorption rates and general safety profiles of topical products.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that AHAs are safe during pregnancy is partially true based on the available evidence. Many reputable sources suggest that AHAs, particularly glycolic acid, are generally considered safe for topical use in low concentrations. However, there is a notable lack of comprehensive studies specifically examining the long-term effects of AHAs on pregnancy outcomes, which introduces uncertainty. While some dermatologists advocate for their use in moderation, others recommend avoiding them altogether, highlighting the need for caution.

It is essential to recognize that individual responses to skincare products can vary, and improper use of AHAs can lead to skin irritation and discomfort. Therefore, consulting with healthcare providers before introducing new skincare products during pregnancy is advisable.

Readers should remain critical of the information presented and consider the limitations of the evidence available. The mixed recommendations from different sources underscore the importance of personal research and professional guidance in making informed decisions regarding skincare during pregnancy.

Sources

  1. Putra, I. B. (2022). Skin Changes and Safety Profile of Topical Products. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. Retrieved from PMC
  2. Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy. Royal Hospital for Women. Retrieved from SES LHD
  3. Nicholas, L. (2020). Which Skincare Acids are Safe In Pregnancy? Retrieved from Dr. Laura Nicholas
  4. Healthline. Is Glycolic Acid Safe During Pregnancy? Retrieved from Healthline
  5. Parenthood Times. AHAs in Pregnancy Skincare: Are They Safe? Retrieved from Parenthood Times
  6. BabyCenter. Safe skin care during pregnancy. Retrieved from BabyCenter
  7. ShunChild. Bha And Aha Skincare: Safe During Pregnancy? Retrieved from ShunChild
  8. Amala. How to Determine if AHA/BHA Is Safe During Pregnancy. Retrieved from Amala
  9. Nonie of Beverly Hills. Is it Safe to Use AHAs During Pregnancy? Retrieved from Nonie of Beverly Hills
  10. Amala. How to Determine if AHA/BHA Is Safe During Pregnancy. Retrieved from Amala

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