Is glycolic acid safe during pregnancy?

What does the evidence say about glycolic acid during pregnancy?

1. Glycolic acid is on ACOG's short list of over-the-counter skincare ingredients that can be used during pregnancy, alongside benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and topical salicylic acid. 1
2. Only a small amount of a topical skincare product is absorbed through intact skin, and absorption climbs when skin is broken or a large area is covered. 2
3. Glycolic acid is one of the two alpha hydroxy acids that appear most often in cosmetics, and how much exfoliation happens depends on the acid, its concentration, the product pH, and the other ingredients. 3
4. Four weeks of alpha hydroxy acid use raised sensitivity to UV redness by about 18 percent in FDA studies, and the effect faded within a week of stopping, which is why FDA recommends a sunburn alert on these products. 3
5. Light glycolic acid peels were rated acceptable in a systematic review of cosmetic procedures during pregnancy, while trichloroacetic and salicylic acid peels were flagged to avoid or approach with caution. 4

Is glycolic acid safe in each trimester?

• First trimester. No first-trimester restriction applies. Absorption through intact skin is low, so a daily glycolic cleanser or toner is generally fine. If nausea has sharpened your sense of smell, an unscented formula is easier to sit with.
• Second trimester. This is often when melasma shows up. Glycolic acid works on surface tone, but sun exposure is the bigger lever. Put a broad-spectrum sunscreen over it every morning.
• Third trimester. Skin turns more reactive late in pregnancy. If your usual strength suddenly stings or leaves red patches, drop the frequency rather than pushing through it.