Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy when kept at concentrations of 10% or lower. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists includes glycolic acid, the most common AHA, on its list of over-the-counter skincare ingredients that can be used during pregnancy. That said, there are some practical limits worth knowing before you reach for your favorite serum or peel.
What the Safety Guidelines Say
AHAs carry a former FDA pregnancy category of B, meaning animal studies have not shown a risk to the fetus and the ingredient is generally regarded as low-concern. The key parameters: concentrations up to 10% with a pH above 3.5 are considered safe for pregnant women. Most over-the-counter products, including toners, serums, and cleansers, fall well within those limits.
The reason AHAs get a relatively clean bill of health is minimal systemic absorption. When you apply glycolic or lactic acid to your skin, very little enters your bloodstream. No human studies have specifically examined topical glycolic acid use during pregnancy, but the small amount that penetrates the skin is considered too low to pose a meaningful risk to a developing baby.
Which AHAs Are Considered Safe
Glycolic acid and lactic acid are the two AHAs you’ll encounter most often in skincare, and both are considered safe for pregnancy use at typical over-the-counter strengths. Glycolic acid is the smallest AHA molecule and penetrates skin most easily, which is why it’s effective for acne and hyperpigmentation but also why the 10% concentration cap matters. Lactic acid has a slightly larger molecule, meaning it penetrates a bit less and tends to be gentler. Mandelic acid, another AHA with an even larger molecular size, is often recommended for sensitive skin and follows the same general safety profile.
If your product lists “alpha hydroxy acid” or any of these specific acids and the concentration is 10% or below, you’re within the range that dermatologists and obstetric guidelines consider acceptable.
Professional Peels Are a Different Story
At-home products and in-office treatments are not the same thing. Professional chemical peels use much higher concentrations of acid, and the rules shift accordingly. Glycolic acid and lactic acid peels performed by a dermatologist are still deemed safe during pregnancy. However, peels using trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or high-concentration salicylic acid should be avoided or used with caution.
The concern with stronger peels isn’t just absorption. Higher concentrations increase the chance of skin irritation and inflammation, and pregnancy already makes your skin more reactive. If you’re considering a professional peel, make sure the provider knows you’re pregnant so they can choose the right acid and strength.
How AHAs Compare to BHAs
The other acid you’ll see in skincare is salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). Salicylic acid is also on the ACOG’s list of acceptable topical ingredients during pregnancy, but it comes with more caveats. Animal studies have linked systemic (not topical) salicylic acid exposure to embryo malformation. The risk from topical use is considered low as long as you apply it to small areas for limited periods. Broad application over large skin areas, high concentrations, or use under bandages or occlusion should be avoided because these increase the amount that enters your bloodstream.
AHAs don’t carry this same systemic concern, which is one reason they’re often the preferred exfoliant during pregnancy. If you’re choosing between a glycolic acid cleanser and a salicylic acid one, the glycolic option gives you a wider safety margin.
Practical Tips for Using AHAs While Pregnant
AHAs increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV light. During pregnancy, you’re already more prone to melasma, the dark patches of pigmentation that hormonal shifts can trigger on the face. Using an AHA without consistent sun protection can make melasma worse, which defeats the purpose if you’re using the acid to address uneven skin tone in the first place. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is essential every day you use an AHA product.
Pregnancy skin is also more sensitive in general. Even if you used a 10% glycolic acid serum without issues before pregnancy, you may find it stings or causes redness now. Starting with a lower concentration (around 5%) or using the product every other day instead of daily can help you gauge your skin’s tolerance. A lactic acid product is another option if glycolic acid feels too intense, since it tends to be milder while still providing exfoliation and brightening benefits.
One ingredient to genuinely avoid is retinol (vitamin A derivatives), which is a common companion to AHAs in anti-aging routines. Retinoids carry real risks during pregnancy. If your AHA product also contains retinol or retinaldehyde, swap it for one that doesn’t.
What AHAs Can Help With During Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings a wave of skin changes, and AHAs address several of them. Hormonal acne is one of the most common complaints, and glycolic acid works as a keratolytic, meaning it loosens dead skin cells that clog pores. It’s one of the most widely used over-the-counter acne ingredients for exactly this reason. Hyperpigmentation, including melasma, also responds well to AHAs, which speed up cell turnover and help fade dark spots over time. Dull or uneven texture, another frequent pregnancy skin concern, improves with regular AHA use as fresh skin cells reach the surface faster.
The combination of effectiveness and a favorable safety profile is why AHAs remain a go-to recommendation for pregnant women looking to maintain an active skincare routine without unnecessary risk.