Is Ferulic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?

Many expecting mothers look forward to the nine-month trek to childbirth. It’s the last few months before a child arrives in the household, changing the course of a family’s life forever. Aside from the baby, pregnancy comes with a plethora of skin issues depending on the individual, ranging from irritation to breakouts. Your skin goes through many changes during this life-changing process, resulting in larger pores and sometimes, hyperpigmentation.

While many anticipate pregnancy, there are countless things to consider once with a child, as everything you put both on and in your body is connected to the person that you haven’t met yet. To help combat your skincare concerns, you want to use some of your favorite skincare products. You use them all the time, so they can’t be harmful, right? You might want to take a second look at that label before using one of your go-to products, particularly if ferulic acid is a common ingredient you happen to utilize. A nine-month hiatus may be necessary, requiring creativity with your skincare regimen until the baby is born.

What is Ferulic Acid?

Also known as “hydroxycinnamic acid,” ferulic acid is an insidiously powerful antioxidant commonly used in skincare products and cosmetics. Its main function is to neutralize free radicals to prevent them from causing further damage as we go about our daily routines. Ferulic acid is considered to be a vegan ingredient, as it is naturally found in plants, leaves, seeds, as well as foods such as the cell walls of fruits and vegetables, and oats.

In fact, ferulic acid has been found to be more effective and powerful than Vitamin C, a skincare lover’s favorite. Even Vitamin E and beta-carotene don’t have as many strong properties as ferulic acid. Ferulic acid is often paired with these ingredients so that they are better stabilized in the body, making them more efficient at protecting the skin from free radicals. Given these effects, products with ferulic acid tend to be on the more expensive side.

You may be looking at a higher price tag, but given its benefits and the fact that ferulic acid is typically suited for all skin types, it may be worth it to loosen the purse strings. However, if you are prone to allergic reactions related to grains, you might want to consult with a dermatologist. You can also test this ingredient in small doses before using it more consistently and at a higher dosage.

Should You Use Ferulic Acid During Pregnancy?

The short answer is no, products containing ferulic acid are not recommended to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This also goes for chemical peels and retinol products, as these are all powerful ingredients and processes that the body shouldn’t undergo during pregnancy. Any products including phthalates, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, as well as chemical sunscreens, and artificial fragrances, should also be avoided temporarily.

Instead of the products mentioned above, consider replacing these with milder ingredients that aren’t as heavy, such as Vitamin C, lactic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acid. Erythromycin is also beneficial during pregnancy, but a dermatologist visit is necessary to acquire it.

If you’re looking for a variety of options to use while pregnant, hyaluronic acid is considered safe and effective to ingest, even when breastfeeding. It’s even considered hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types. Given that the levels of hyaluronic acid tend to increase in the body during pregnancy, it only makes sense that you can enjoy the benefits of this natural ingredient.

These ingredients are proven safe to use during pregnancy and aren’t as powerful as ferulic acid when ingested into the body. Sunscreen should also always be utilized during pregnancy to keep your skin protected, as well as to avoid and/or treat hyperpigmentation.

Aside from skincare products, one should seek to maintain a healthy schedule and routine during pregnancy. Simple workouts a few days per week for 45 minutes a day, including aerobics and yoga, not only keep you and the baby healthy but will help you retreat back to pre-pregnancy weight quicker once the baby is born.

summary : can you use ferulic acid while pregnant?

Some women experience healthy, bright skin during pregnancy. Others experience the latter, such as irritation and breakouts. Every woman’s pregnancy experience is going to be different, whether it’s in relation to cravings, hormonal reactions, and skin reactions. There are most certainly ingredients you need to avoid while pregnant. If these products are some of your favorites, it’s going to take some willpower to use replacement ingredients until it is safe to use substances such as ferulic acid again. While it might seem like a long time to wait, your favorite skincare products will still be there waiting for you!