If I’m pregnant, how do I know these skin care products are safe?

Hello, I'm currently pregnant and was wondering about two products. I currently use C E Ferulic serum and also use Neutrogena 5 minute facial. I was able to look up ingredients on most of my other facial products but was unsure about those two. I couldn't find much on the Ferulic acid, and I had read online not to use peels while pregnant but I wasn't sure that an at-home mask type would be the same thing. The main ingredient is some sort of mushroom extract,which I thought would be safe but wanted to double check. Thank you for your time.

In general, the FDA doesn’t require studies of over the counter, non prescription products including in pregnancy because any systemic absorption from the skin is minimal to zero depending on the product.

But having said that, I think none of us ever want to look back and wonder if something might have caused a birth defect or problem of any sort. I think, if even the idea of something in a product makes you uncomfortable, why not just stop it for the nine months? It’s just not that long and there are plenty of other products that contain known and safe ingredients used over many years. The ferrulic acid in products is a plant-based antioxidant but what I said above, still applies.

 

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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