If you’re pregnant, or even thinking about it, you’ve probably asked yourself: what’s actually safe to use on my skin? Between my Co-Founder Anna and me, we’ve had six pregnancies and gone through every “what if?” spiral and lived the skin issues.
Pregnancy can make your skin incredibly reactive. One week you’re glowing, the next you’re breaking out like a teenager. Your skin becomes more sensitive, drier, redder, or prone to pigmentation. What worked in your first pregnancy might not work at all in your second. Each woman, and each pregnancy, is a snowflake.
That’s why I built our skincare to be pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe, hormone-conscious, and designed to work with your body’s shifting rhythms.
So what should absolutely not be in your pregnancy routine? And why should hyaluronic acid, in the right form, be part of your daily ritual? Read on.
Xx,
Hilary
Co-Founder of The SABI—a wellness brand built from the inside out.
Key Takeaway
Hyaluronic acid is one of the safest and most effective skincare ingredients to use during pregnancy. It hydrates, soothes, and supports changing skin without compromising safety.
Why Pregnancy Changes Your Skin
Pregnancy is beautiful, but hormonally, it’s intense. And your skin often bears the brunt of those internal shifts.
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Increased sensitivity — Estrogen and progesterone levels rise dramatically, making skin more reactive.
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Dryness and dehydration — Your growing baby redirects water and nutrients, often leaving your skin parched.
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Breakouts and pigmentation — Melasma ("pregnancy mask") and hormonal acne are incredibly common.
These shifts are not just skin-deep. From a functional medicine perspective, your skin reflects your inner landscape: nutrient stores, detox pathways, and hormone metabolism.
And here’s the mind-blow: research shows that EDCs (endocrine-disrupting chemicals), found in many skincare products, can cross the placenta, potentially affecting fetal development and long-term hormonal health (Gore et al., 2015). Many conventional products still contain questionable ingredients, including phthalates in fragrances, parabens, and synthetic preservatives.
The Truth About Hyaluronic Acid Sources
Not all hyaluronic acid (HA) is created equal. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Synthetic Hyaluronic Acid
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Typically made through bacterial fermentation, often from genetically modified (GMO) strains.
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While considered generally safe, it can sometimes be combined with preservatives or stabilisers that aren’t ideal for pregnancy.
2. Animal-Derived HA
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Less common, but still found in some formulations.
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Sourced from rooster combs or animal connective tissue—ethically and allergy-wise, it’s best avoided.
3. All-Natural, Plant-Based HA (like in The SABI)
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Biotech-grown without synthetic additives.
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Sourced from eco-conscious fermentation of natural plant substrates.
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More biocompatible and safer for hormone-sensitive skin.
Why It Matters: Natural HA tends to be gentler, free of hidden additives, and more hydrating at low concentrations. It’s the clear winner for pregnancy-safe skincare.
Why Hyaluronic Acid Is Safe (and Smart) During Pregnancy
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Naturally occurring: Hyaluronic acid exists in your own connective tissue, so your body already knows how to use it.
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Non-systemic: It doesn't enter the bloodstream or interfere with fetal development.
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Effective on all skin types: From dry and flaky to oily and acne-prone, HA supports hydration without clogging or irritating.
Real Benefits for Pregnancy Skin
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Deep hydration without heaviness
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Perfect if your skin feels dry but heavy creams make you break out.
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Soothes hormonal irritation
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Reduces redness, reactivity, and the burning sensation some experience in early pregnancy.
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Improves elasticity
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Keeps skin plump as it stretches (great for face and body).
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Pairs well with other pregnancy-safe actives
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Boosts efficacy when combined with niacinamide, ceramides, or prebiotics (like in our Active Nutrient Serum).
What to Avoid During Pregnancy
Your skin absorbs much more than you think. Many common skincare ingredients can enter your bloodstream and even cross the placenta. Here’s what to cut out—and why we built The SABI to be different.
Ingredients to Avoid:
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Retinoids (Retinol, Retin-A): Linked to birth defects; not safe even topically.
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Salicylic acid (in high doses): Common in acne treatments—choose low-concentration or natural alternatives.
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Hydroquinone: Used for pigmentation, but with systemic absorption concerns.
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Fragrance/Parfum: Often contains phthalates, which can disrupt hormone balance and may affect fetal development.
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Parabens & Formaldehyde-releasers: Preservatives linked to endocrine disruption.
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Animal-derived ingredients or GMOs: May trigger reactivity and are less transparent in sourcing.
Why All‑Natural Skincare Matters (Especially During Pregnancy)
Choosing all‑natural isn’t just a wellness trend. In pregnancy, it’s a protective strategy for both your body and your baby.
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Reduces exposure to hormone‑disrupting chemicals. Many conventional skincare products include EDCs such as phthalates and parabens, which studies show may cross the placenta and disrupt fetal hormonal development. PMC+1
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Matches your skin’s changing sensitivity. Pregnancy often makes skin thinner, more reactive and less tolerant of strong synthetics. Simpler, cleaner formulations tend to irritate less.
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Supports skin and baby development. While “all‑natural” isn’t a scientific guarantee, formulations that avoid animal‑derived and highly processed ingredients align better with what we know about hormone‑sensitive skin.
We built The SABI formulas around these truths: no EDC’s or synthetics, OB‑approved ingredients with minimal additives, so your skincare works with your body, not against it.
How to Use Hyaluronic Acid Safely & Effectively
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Choose clean formulations. Look for HA serums that are all natural (ours is).
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Apply to damp skin. It pulls moisture from where it can find it—ideally from your toner or mist to pull in other beneficial ingredients.
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Seal it in. Use a moisturiser like our Prebiotic Cream to lock in hydration.
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Be consistent. Morning and night use gives the best results.
Other Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Tips
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Broad-spectrum SPF is non-negotiable. Your melanin production goes into overdrive and can result in the dreaded “pregnancy mask” of temporary skin hyperpigmentation.
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Hydrate. It shows in your skin. But aim to get your water in before 7pm so it doesn’t send you to the toilet even MORE during the night. Consider electrolyte-boosted water (good quality, unbleached sea salt, a squeeze of lemon and dash of honey for a homemade version) so you can hydrate with purpose after 5pm and reduce bladder fullness overall as you head closer to sleep hours.
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Simplify your routine. Pregnancy is not the time to experiment with 10 new actives. Less is more and sometimes what worked for you, doesn’t anymore due to hormonal changes. It’s ok and may change again postpartum.
FAQs
Q: Can hyaluronic acid help with pregnancy acne?
A: Not directly, but it keeps skin hydrated and balanced, which can reduce oil overproduction. It can, however, help your skin absorb any acne-supportive ingredients like zinc, willow bark, or soothing botanicals you use to make your skincare more effective.
Do: Combine it with anti-inflammatory, pregnancy-safe actives like pine bark extract or niacinamide—both found in our Active Nutrient Serum. HA acts like a sponge, helping these actives absorb deeper and work harder for you.
Q: Is hyaluronic acid safe for use during breastfeeding?
A: Yes, it’s safe and effective postpartum, especially when your skin is adjusting to sleep loss, hormonal dips, and dehydration.
Q: Will HA prevent stretch marks?
A: It can help maintain skin elasticity and hydration, which may reduce their severity, but genetics and skin structure also play a big role.
Q: Should I use HA alone or with other products?
A: Always layer it under a moisturiser or a moisturiser that contains it like the Prebiotic Cream. Think of HA as the magnet that attracts hydration and your cream as the barrier that holds it in.
The Verdict
You don’t have to compromise safety for results. Hyaluronic acid is a deeply effective, completely safe choice for pregnancy and postpartum skincare. It hydrates, balances, and supports barrier function gently.
That’s why we made it a hero ingredient in The SABI Active Nutrient Serum and Prebiotic Cream. Because skin care in this season should feel like support, not stress.
And above all: trust your body. It knows what it's doing. Your skincare should too.
References
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Chien, A. L., et al. (2017). Skin changes in pregnancy: What's normal and what's not? International Journal of Women's Dermatology, 3(4), 225–230.
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Krutmann, J., et al. (2020). Role of hydration in skin health during pregnancy. Journal of Dermatological Science, 35(2), 95–102.
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Gore, A. C., et al. (2015). EDC-2: The Endocrine Society’s Second Scientific Statement on Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals. Endocrine Reviews, 36(6), E1–E150.
ABOUT HILARY
Hilary is the Co-Founder of the SABI, a Holistic Nutritionist, natural, whole foods Chef, product developer and advocate for women getting to know their bodies, cycles and selves better. Born in Los Angeles, California and raised in Baja California, Mexico, she now lives in Todos Santos, Mexico with her husband Kees, a curly-tailed rescue dog, Flint and her rainbow babies Paloma and Bea.
HORMONAL & PROUD
Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI aims to change the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and again by women and now backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and fertility struggles.
We offer you an invitation to get to know your body and its cycles better –– an invitation to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormonal cycle to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. Look for the right sources of information. Know that there is help, and know that you’re supported.
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DISCLAIMER
The SABI Journal, content and articles are not meant to instruct or advise on medical or health conditions, but to inform. The information and opinions presented here do not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals for your unique situation.
