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.