Pregnancy-Safe Face Masks: 8 Ingredients to Skip

A face mask is a reasonable part of a pregnancy routine when its ingredient list leaves out prescription retinoids, hydroquinone and the handful of other ingredients doctors suggest pausing, and keeps the formula short and fragrance-free. Hydrating basics such as aloe, glycerin and hyaluronic acid don't appear on the avoid lists published by the American Academy of Dermatology or Australia's MotherSafe service, but your obstetrician or dermatologist is the right person to confirm any product for you.

By Dr. Ian Baek, PhD in Biomaterial Sciences, founder of ORGAID. This guide is general information, not medical advice.

The 8 ingredients to check for

These are the ingredients that come up most often in guidance from dermatologists and pregnancy information services. Some are rarely found in sheet masks, but they show up in brightening, peeling and "anti-aging" masks often enough to be worth a scan.

What is generally considered fine

• Hydrating ingredients: aloe vera, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol and allantoin don't appear on the AAD or MotherSafe avoid lists.
• Azelaic acid: the AAD says it is thought to be safe to use during pregnancy.
• Glycolic acid: MotherSafe lists it as considered safe in pregnancy.
• Sunscreen: MotherSafe says absorption through the skin is generally minimal and encourages sunscreen use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

How to check a sheet mask label in 5 steps

1. Read the full ingredient list, not the front. "Clean," "natural" and "gentle" have no legal definition for cosmetics, so the ingredient list is the only reliable source.
2. Scan for the eight names in the table. Retinoids and hydroquinone hide most often in "brightening," "dark spot" and "overnight renewal" masks.
3. Check the preservative. Every water-based mask needs one. Look for the formaldehyde releasers listed above and choose a different preservative system.
4. Look for fragrance and essential oils. "No synthetic fragrance" still allows essential oils, so read to the end of the list.
5. Bring the list to your next appointment. MotherSafe also recommends against unbranded products bought online, because their real ingredients can't be verified. Pick a brand that publishes its full formula.

What's in ORGAID sheet masks

We don't label any product "pregnancy safe," because that is a decision for you and your doctor. Here is exactly what each mask contains, so you can take it to your appointment. Full ingredient lists are on the Organic Sheet Mask Multi-pack page.

If your doctor has asked you to avoid salicylates, the Vitamin C & Revitalizing mask is the one without willow bark. The Multi-pack includes two of each formula, and you can compare all three in the sheet mask collection. Every ORGAID mask is freshly made in California, registered under the California Organic Products Act and never tested on animals. For how organic content is measured, see What makes a sheet mask organic.

FAQ

Can I use sheet masks while pregnant? The sheet itself isn't the concern; the serum's ingredients are. Romper's reporting with an OB-GYN concludes masks are fine when they are free of fragrance, allergens and the ingredients above. Check the full list with your doctor if you're unsure.

Is retinol OK during pregnancy? The AAD says most experts recommend stopping prescription retinoids such as tretinoin. MotherSafe considers the small amounts of vitamin A in cosmetics insignificant, but many doctors suggest pausing retinol too, so ask yours.

Is salicylic acid in a face mask OK during pregnancy? The AAD says salicylic acid is generally considered safe when used for a limited time, and suggests checking with your obstetrician or dermatologist first.

Are organic face masks automatically pregnancy-safe? No. Organic describes how ingredients are farmed. An organic mask can still contain essential oils or willow bark, so the ingredient list matters more than the label.

What about while breastfeeding? MotherSafe advises avoiding hydroquinone while breastfeeding as well, because of how much of it the skin absorbs. For other ingredients, ask your doctor or a lactation consultant.

Sources

• American Academy of Dermatology, "Is any acne treatment safe to use during pregnancy?"
• MotherSafe, Royal Hospital for Women (NSW Health), "Skin Care, Hair Care and Cosmetic Treatments in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding," April 2021
• Ochsner Health, "Skin Care Product Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy"
• Romper, "Can you use sheet masks during pregnancy?"