Can glycolic acid be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The application of topical treatments containing glycolic acid is considered safe during pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. That being said, there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women that quantify safety during pregnancy, so it is always important to seek the advice of your obstetrician.

It is advisable to err on the side of caution and take certain precautions to ensure maximum safety. It is better to stick to lower concentrations, typically 10% or less, during pregnancy. No studies have tested the effects of using higher concentrations of glycolic acid during pregnancy, but studies have shown harmful effects on the fetuses of rats exposed to high doses of this AHA.

Glycolic acid peels performed in a professional setting during pregnancy are still not recommended, as these products contain a much higher concentration of acid. If you are unsure about using a specific product or treatment, it is best to first seek the advice of your doctor (usually a dermatologist).

At Typology, our glycolic acid treatments contain 10% or less concentration and are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

As of today, no information is available regarding the clinical use of glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) on the skin during breastfeeding. However, since it is unlikely to be appreciably absorbed or appear in breast milk, it is considered that its use is safe during breastfeeding. Nevertheless, avoid applying the product on body areas that could come into direct contact with the infant's skin or where the active ingredient could be ingested by the infant through licking.

• Glycolic Acid, Drugs and Lactation Database, (2021).

• Munley SM, Kennedy GL, Hurtt ME. Developmental toxicity study of glycolic acid in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol. (1999).