Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?
Short answer: yes. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is already present in your skin and joints, and topical HA serums simply help hold water in the upper layers of the epidermis. There is no evidence that leave-on HA products harm a foetus, which is why they nearly always pass a MamaSkin scan.
Why HA earns a green tick
- It is a humectant, not a hormone disruptor or keratolytic acid.
- Molecular weights can vary, but they stay on the surface or just beneath it.
- Dermatologists often recommend HA to offset the dryness that comes with cold weather, central heating, or prescription treatments.
How to apply it properly
- Mist or splash your face with tepid water so the serum has moisture to grab.
- Apply 2-3 pumps of HA, pressing rather than rubbing to avoid micro-irritation.
- Seal it in with a moisturiser or facial oil within one minute.
- Use it morning and night underneath your sunscreen.
Our favourite HA serums that passed the scan
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – a classic with multiple molecular weights and vitamin B5 for extra soothing.
- The INKEY List Hyaluronic Acid Serum – under £10, layers well under mineral SPF, and sinks in fast.
- Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum – includes pro-vitamin B5 and pineapple ceramide for the mums who like a luxe texture.
Log these in your MamaSkin collections so you remember which textures you enjoyed and which worked best before, during, and after pregnancy.
Troubleshooting dryness anyway?
- Add a humidifier or bowl of water near your radiator to boost room humidity.
- Swap foaming cleansers for creamier options at night, then return to foams when oilier days hit.
- Introduce niacinamide or squalane alongside HA if your barrier needs more support. Scan every combo to keep hidden retinoids or essential oils out.
Let MamaSkin keep watch
Hyaluronic acid might be safe, but the rest of the INCI list still matters. Snap the barcode, paste the ingredients, and let Mia highlight anything that needs a second look. Save the product if it works so you can reorder it with confidence later.
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