Is hyaluronic acid safe during pregnancy?

What does the evidence say about hyaluronic acid during pregnancy?

1. Hyaluronic acid isn't foreign to your body: the tissue lining your uterus naturally makes its own supply in early pregnancy to help keep your immune system in balance. 1
2. Most hyaluronic acid used in moisturizers and serums is a large molecule that sits on top of your skin instead of soaking in deep, and clinical trials on these skincare formulas have supported their safety. 2
3. Hyaluronic acid supplements taken by mouth have a good safety track record across multiple studies in the general population, but researchers haven't specifically studied them during pregnancy yet. 3
4. Hyaluronic acid is also the main ingredient in the most common injectable cosmetic fillers, which is a completely different use than a hydrating serum. 4
5. Research on hyaluronic acid filler injections during pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited, so many providers suggest waiting until after delivery, especially since any injection carries some risk of infection at the site. 4

Is hyaluronic acid safe in each trimester?

• First trimester. In the first trimester, a hyaluronic acid moisturizer or serum is a gentle way to keep your skin comfortable if hormone shifts or morning sickness leave your face feeling dry or dull. There's nothing about this stage that changes how you'd use it.
• Second trimester. Skin often feels tighter and drier in the second trimester as your bump grows, and a hydrating hyaluronic acid product can help it feel more comfortable day to day. This is also a common time people think about filler or Botox touch-ups, but it's best to save injectable procedures for after delivery.
• Third trimester. Keep using your hyaluronic acid moisturizer or serum as usual right up to delivery. Hold off on any hyaluronic acid filler injections until after you've given birth, since research on injecting it during pregnancy is still limited.