Is Paula's Choice Safe During Pregnancy? #

Paula's Choice is known for powerful actives like BHA, AHA, and retinol. In pregnancy, the safest route is to keep things gentle: avoid retinol, be cautious with leave-on salicylic acid, and lean on hydrators, niacinamide, and mineral sunscreen. Below is a brand-specific guide with examples from our dataset so you can see what stays, what goes, and what to swap.

Quick verdict #

• Safe-leaning: gentle cleansers, niacinamide, hydrating serums, mineral sunscreens.
• Use with caution: leave-on BHA products; keep contact short and get clinician approval.
• Avoid: retinol treatments and high-strength peel routines during pregnancy.

Safe-leaning Paula's Choice picks (brand - name - safety score - notes) #

• C25 Super Booster (score 79) - vitamin C serum without retinol.
• 25% Vitamin C + Glutathione Clinical Serum (score 75) - brightening; layer under SPF.
• C15 Super Booster (score 76) - classic ascorbic acid; patch test if sensitive.
• Barrier Repair Advanced Moisturizer (score 75) - barrier-focused cream.
• 5% Niacinamide Body Serum (score 76) - body smoothing without heavy acids.
• Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++ (score 76) - broad spectrum; check filter type if you prefer mineral.
• 0.5% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (score 79) - low dose; use sparingly and rinse if clinician advises.

Products to use with caution #

• 2% BHA Lotion/Body Exfoliants (scores around 50-58): salicylic acid leave-ons; limit area, short contact, and get clinician approval.
• 8% AHA Lotion Exfoliant (score 74): go slow; avoid stacking with other acids.
• 10% Niacinamide Booster (score 58): patch test if sensitive.
• 10% Azelaic Acid Booster (score 58): azelaic is generally pregnancy-friendly, but this blend includes other actives; patch test first.
• Vitamin C Sheer Moisturizer SPF 50 (score 51): chemical filters; choose mineral if you want lowest absorption.

Products to avoid in pregnancy #

• 1% Retinol Booster (score 26, high risk).
• 1% Retinol Treatment (score 26, high risk).
• Skin Renewing Retinol-style treatments or anything clearly labeled "retinol."

Example routines without retinol #

• Brightening AM: Gentle cleanser -> C15 or C25 Vitamin C -> Barrier Repair Moisturizer -> Mineral or your preferred SPF.
• Evening calm: Gentle cleanser -> Niacinamide Booster (if tolerated) -> Barrier Repair Moisturizer.
• Texture support (if clinician-approved): 0.5% BHA Liquid 1-2x/week, short contact, then rinse -> Moisturizer. Skip on nights with any other acids.
• Body care: 5% Niacinamide Body Serum on arms/legs -> Moisturiser; avoid layering with body BHA unless approved.

Label checks and safety language #

• If it says "retinol" or "retinoid," skip it in pregnancy.
• If it is a leave-on BHA, keep to tiny areas, low frequency, and ask your clinician.
• If you are melasma-prone, pick tinted mineral SPF to cover visible light.

FAQs in plain language #

• Is BHA always off limits? Many clinicians limit leave-on salicylic acid; a rinse-off or very small-area use may be acceptable with approval.
• Can I still exfoliate? Yes, but gently: lactic/mandelic cleansers or low-dose BHA sparingly. Do not stack multiple acids.
• Do I need any acids at all? Not necessarily. Many see great results with just vitamin C, niacinamide, moisturiser, and sunscreen.

References to share with your clinician #

• ACOG on acne during pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/acne-during-pregnancy
• American Academy of Dermatology on pregnancy skin care: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/pregnancy/skin-care/skin-care-pregnancy
• FDA on sunscreen use: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun

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