Is Glow Recipe Safe During Pregnancy? #

Glow Recipe is known for fruit-forward, hydrating formulas and dewy finishes. Most everyday products fall into low-risk bands, but the brand also carries retinol treatments and SPF products that deserve extra caution. Below is a clear guide to safer picks, caution items, and what to avoid.

Quick verdict #

• Safe-leaning: cleansers, moisturisers, and lip treatments.
• Use with caution: chemical SPF products.
• Avoid: retinol treatments (high risk).

Safe Glow Recipe staples (brand - name - safety score - notes) #

• Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Smoothing Enzyme Cleansing Balm (score 99) - balm cleanser for makeup removal.
• Glow Recipe Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner (score 79) - brightening prep layer.
• Glow Recipe Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin (score 79) - hydrating serum step.
• Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer (score 79) - lightweight daily moisturiser.
• Glow Recipe Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum (score 76) - barrier support serum.
• Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin C Bright-Eye Gel Cream (score 76) - eye-area hydrator.
• Glow Recipe Blueberry Glow Lip Pop (score 76) - lip balm option.
• Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Lip Pop (score 76) - lip balm option.
• Glow Recipe Glass Balm Lip Treatment (score 76) - nourishing lip treatment.

Products to use with caution (check with your clinician) #

• Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 (score 53): chemical filters; choose mineral if you prefer lowest absorption.
• Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm SPF 45 (score 53): chemical filters; choose mineral if you prefer lowest absorption.
• Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Balm SPF 30 (score 53): chemical filters; choose mineral if you prefer lowest absorption.
• Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Shield SPF 30 (score 53): chemical filters; choose mineral if you prefer lowest absorption.

Products to avoid in pregnancy #

• Glow Recipe Blackberry Retinol Blemish Serum (score 15): retinoid active (high risk).
• Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Sleeping Mask (score 26): retinoid active (high risk).
• Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Eye Cream (score 26): retinoid active (high risk).

Simple routines with Glow Recipe #

• Dry or sensitive skin (AM): Papaya Sorbet Cleansing Balm -> Cloudberry Bright Essence Toner -> Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer -> mineral SPF.
• Dry or sensitive skin (PM): Papaya Sorbet Cleansing Balm -> Avocado Ceramide Recovery Serum -> Watermelon Pink Juice Moisturizer.
• Oily or breakout-prone (AM): gentle cleanser -> Prickly Pear Peptide Mucin -> mineral SPF.
• Oily or breakout-prone (PM): gentle cleanser -> light moisturiser.
• Lip care: Blueberry Glow Lip Pop or Watermelon Glow Lip Pop anytime.

Red flags on labels #

• "Retinol," "retinal," or "retinoid" on face products.
• Layered AHA/BHA products in the same routine.
• Chemical-only SPF if you prefer mineral filters.

FAQs in plain language #

• Do I need every active? No. Keep routines simple and use low-risk basics.
• Is Vitamin C ok? Usually yes in pregnancy, but start slowly if your skin is sensitive.
• Can I double cleanse? Yes. Use the balm first, then a gentle cleanser if you wore makeup or SPF.

References to share with your clinician #

• ACOG on skin changes in pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy
• American Academy of Dermatology on pregnancy skin care: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/pregnancy/skin-care/skin-care-pregnancy
• NHS on acne in pregnancy: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/acne/

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