Pregnancy-Safe Ingredients: Your Guide to Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid

Pregnancy is supposed to be all about that “glow,” right? Well… sometimes. For many women, it’s actually a time of random breakouts, dry patches, and skin that suddenly hates everything. And to make things even trickier, some of your go-to skincare ingredients (like retinol and salicylic acid) are now off-limits.

So, what can you use? Enter Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid (HA)—two pregnancy-safe superheroes that will keep your skin looking fresh, hydrated, and radiant without any risks.

Is Vitamin C Safe During Pregnancy?

Absolutely! Vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective skincare ingredients for pregnancy. It helps tackle hyperpigmentation (looking at you, melasma), keeps skin firm, and adds a much-needed glow—all without the risks associated with harsher actives.

Why Pregnant Skin Loves Vitamin C

• Brightens dull skin – Pregnancy hormones can leave skin looking tired. Vitamin C helps even out your complexion.
• Fades dark spots – Those pesky dark patches (aka melasma) that show up during pregnancy? Vitamin C helps fade them over time.
• Supports collagen production – With retinol off the table, Vitamin C steps in to help keep skin firm and bouncy.
• Protects against environmental stressors – Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and Vitamin C helps boost protection against UV damage.

Want a breakdown of different forms of Vitamin C and how to pick the best one for your skin? Check out Vitamin C Demystified: Forms, Stability & Skin Benefits.

How to Use Vitamin C Safely During Pregnancy

• Choose a stable form – Sodium ascorbyl phosphate or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate are great options for sensitive skin.
• Use it in the morning – Apply before sunscreen to maximize its antioxidant benefits.
• Stick to 10-15% concentrations – Higher strengths can be too harsh for pregnancy-sensitive skin.
• Always pair with SPF – Melasma-prone skin needs daily sun protection.

Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe for Pregnancy?

100%! Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is one of the safest, most effective ways to keep your skin hydrated—which is a lifesaver since pregnancy can make your skin drier than usual.

Why Hyaluronic Acid Is a Pregnancy Must-Have

• Intensely hydrates – HA pulls moisture into the skin, keeping it plump and dewy.
• Soothes sensitivity – Pregnancy hormones can make skin more reactive. HA helps calm and balance irritation.
• Lightweight & non-greasy – Works for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
• Supports skin elasticity – Hydrated skin is more resilient, which may help with stretch marks.

Want to know why Hyaluronic Acid is the ultimate hydration superstar? Read more in Hyaluronic Acid: Why It’s a Holy Grail for Hydration.

How to Use Hyaluronic Acid During Pregnancy

• Apply to damp skin – HA pulls in water, so it works best on freshly washed, slightly damp skin.
• Layer it under moisturizer – This locks in hydration for maximum effect.
• Look for multi-weight HA – Different molecular sizes penetrate different layers of the skin, giving longer-lasting moisture.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to pregnancy-safe skincare, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid are your new besties. They’ll keep your skin glowing, hydrated, and healthy without any risks to you or your baby. Skip the harsh actives and lean into these tried-and-true powerhouses.

For a deep dive into how these actives work with other ingredients, check out The Science of Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid.