Can I use salicylic acid during pregnancy?

Why the product matters

Only a relatively small proportion of topical salicylic acid usually enters the bloodstream. The amount absorbed depends on the formula, acidity, concentration and quantity applied; absorption can be higher through damaged skin. Direct pregnancy safety data for topical use are lacking, so get advice about the actual product rather than treating every salicylic acid treatment as interchangeable.1

General cosmetic safety limits are not a pregnancy dosing schedule. European cosmetic limits differ by product category: up to 2% for many products, but up to 0.5% for body lotion and certain other categories. Those limits cannot tell you how often to use a particular product during pregnancy or whether a stronger prescription treatment is suitable.4

What to do before using it

Acne products come as lotions, washes and wipes, so the shopping aisle offers plenty of formats and very little help choosing.2

1. 1Check the product name, salicylic acid percentage and directions so you can discuss the exact treatment.
2. 2Ask a dermatologist before treating acne yourself if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. For medicines, your pharmacist, midwife or GP can also check suitability.
3. 3If the product is approved for you, follow its directions and your clinician's instructions. There is no single pregnancy schedule here for morning versus evening use or daily frequency.
4. 4Tell the clinician about other medicines you use, including anything prescribed regularly. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without checking with your doctor.

What if yours is a prescription 6% gel?

The Solutech Pharmaceuticals Salicylic Acid 6% Gel is used to remove excess thickened skin, rather than being an ordinary facial acne product. Its label permits pregnancy use only when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk. During the last three months of pregnancy, do not use this gel unless a doctor specifically directs you to.3

For this 6% gel, prolonged use over large areas can cause salicylate toxicity, meaning harmful effects from excessive salicylate exposure. The label warns against covering treated skin with occlusive dressings or products that seal it in. Avoid the eyes, lips, broken or inflamed skin and mucous membranes. Stop and contact your doctor if excessive burning, stinging or peeling occurs.3

What if you already used salicylic acid?

Ask your pharmacist, midwife or doctor about the product you used, especially if it was a prescription treatment. Advice should account for its strength, quantity and whether the skin was damaged. If you take regular medicine, arrange a review as soon as you find out you are pregnant. A clinician can request specialist pregnancy medicine advice when needed.15

Will it help your acne?

Salicylic acid is a topical acne treatment that unclogs pores and exfoliates skin. It works best on blackheads and whiteheads. Choose one acne product rather than building a collection, because a bathroom shelf is not a treatment plan.26

For an acne treatment cleared for use during your pregnancy, expect gradual improvement. General acne treatment timelines are fewer breakouts in 4 to 8 weeks and clearing around 16 weeks if the treatment works. See a dermatologist for deep, painful pimples, scarring, dark spots after acne clears, or a treatment that is not helping after several weeks.2