Is The Ordinary Safe During Pregnancy? We Checked Every Product
There is a lot of noise online about what is safe when you are expecting. Here is a calm, practical way to think about The Ordinary during pregnancy, and how to check each item quickly with MamaSkin.
Snapshot: ingredients to watch
- Avoid: Retinoids (Granactive Retinoid, Retinol, Retinol in Squalane), high dose vitamin C powders, strong peels used nightly.
- Limit: High strength AHA or BHA leave-ons, direct acids above 10 percent, anything labelled "peeling solution".
- Generally fine: Hydrators like Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, Squalane Cleanser, Amino Acids + B5, and most oils.
Not sure about a specific bottle? Scan it in MamaSkin for an instant risk rating and ingredient flags.
Ingredient watchlist in more detail
1. Retinoids
Retinoids are the clearest no during pregnancy. The Ordinary hides them under names like Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion, Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, and Retinol 1% in Squalane. Swap these for pregnancy friendly resurfacing ingredients such as bakuchiol, azelaic acid, or mandelic acid.
2. Strong direct acids
Products such as the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, or Salicylic Acid 2% Masque can feel intense. Gentle use is usually fine, but avoid layering multiple exfoliants and keep them to once or twice a week. MamaSkin will flag overexposure if you scan your full routine.
3. Vitamin C powders
Ethylated or pure vitamin C powders can be used in controlled amounts, but mixing at home makes it easy to overdo the concentration. Opt for stable, lower-dose serums like Ascorbyl Glucoside or Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate if you want brightening with less guesswork.
Safe staples from The Ordinary
- Hydration: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Marine Hyaluronics, and Amino Acids + B5 draw moisture into the skin without active irritation.
- Barrier support: Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA or plant oils like 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil help maintain resilience.
- Calming boosters: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% keeps congestion in check, while the Multi-Peptide + HA Serum offers lightweight firming support.
Always check the exact formula because seasonal kits and limited editions sometimes tweak ingredients. A quick scan in MamaSkin confirms the current INCI list.
Ingredient spot check (popular products)
| Product | Key callouts | MamaSkin verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Buffet + Copper Peptides 1% | Copper peptides, amino acids | Safe for pregnancy; avoid if ultra-sensitive to copper |
| Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres | High strength L-ascorbic acid | Use sparingly; patch test due to possible tingling |
| Salicylic Acid 2% Solution | Leave-on BHA | Skip during pregnancy, swap for azelaic or mandelic acid |
| Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution | AHA exfoliant | Limit frequency to 1-2 nights per week and follow with SPF |
| EUK 134 0.1% | Antioxidant serum | Safe alternative for glow-seekers skipping retinoids |
Routine ideas using safer picks
Morning
- Squalane Cleanser (rinse with lukewarm water)
- Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
- Broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher
Evening
- Glucoside Foaming Cleanser or Squalane Cleanser
- Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (use every other night to start)
- Bakuchiol serum (from another brand) or a hydrating serum
- 100% Plant-Derived Squalane to lock everything in
Use exfoliating acids just once or twice a week, and never on the same night as azelaic acid if your skin feels sensitive.
Common questions answered
Can I keep using my favourite Buffet serum?
Yes. Buffet and Matrixyl formulas focus on peptides and humectants, which are widely considered pregnancy safe.
What about caffeine eye solutions?
Topical caffeine has no known pregnancy risk when used around the eyes. If puffiness is a big concern, store the serum in the fridge for a cooling boost.
Is the Glycolic Acid 7% toner safe for body use?
Occasional use on the body (such as underarms or keratosis pilaris) is typically fine. Rinse-off treatments are lower risk than leave-on layers, but listen to your skin and reduce frequency if you notice irritation.
When can I bring retinol back?
Most dermatologists recommend waiting until pregnancy and breastfeeding are complete. When you reintroduce retinoids, start with a low percentage and rebuild tolerance slowly.
Why ingredients matter more than marketing
Two bottles with similar names can have different INCI lists. MamaSkin checks the actual ingredient list (not just the product name) and flags known risk categories so you can decide with confidence. If The Ordinary releases a reformulation, you will see the update inside the app once our science team has verified it.
Shopping checklist for The Ordinary fans
- Scan the exact bottle: The Ordinary sometimes changes packaging, and some third-party retailers sell older stock.
- Note batch numbers: they are etched on the bottom. Add them to your MamaSkin notes to track reformulations.
- Watch storage instructions: Vitamin C and retinoids degrade faster in heat and light; store in a cool cabinet.
- Pair wisely: avoid layering multiple exfoliants or mixing acids with peptides unless the product instructions recommend it.
- Track your skin: use the MamaSkin history to log how your skin feels week to week. Adjust frequency based on comfort, not hype.
Try MamaSkin alongside your Ordinary routine
- Scan every bottle in your current lineup to see the overall pregnancy risk band.
- Spot gaps like missing moisturiser steps or duplicate exfoliants.
- Save time at the shop by scanning testers or cartons before purchasing.
- Stay informed with calm updates whenever ingredient guidance changes.
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