Pregnancy can come with a glow—but for many, it also brings breakouts. And finding pregnancy-safe skincare for acne isn’t as easy as it sounds. With so many common treatments off the table, knowing what’s actually safe (and what works) is key.

Hormonal fluctuations during the first and second trimesters can trigger excess oil production, clogged pores, and inflammation. Unfortunately, most conventional acne treatments are off-limits while pregnant, leaving many people stuck in breakout limbo.

Many acne-fighting ingredients are flagged during pregnancy because they’re either absorbed into the bloodstream or lack safety data in pregnant individuals. Some to avoid:

• Retinol / Retinoids – Linked to birth defects

• High-dose Salicylic Acid – A BHA that may pose risks in large quantities

• Benzoyl Peroxide – Generally considered low risk, but still controversial

• Essential Oils – Can disrupt hormones or trigger sensitivity

• Fragrances / Preservatives – May increase inflammation or irritation

📚 Read more about ingredient safety from ACOG

Look for ingredients that are gentle, anti-inflammatory, and well-studied for safety:

• Azelaic Acid – Helps with redness and mild acne

• Niacinamide – Soothes inflammation and balances oil

• Oat Extracts / Centella Asiatica – Skin-calming heroes

• AO2 Clear – Distilled water + oxygen nanobubbles only

AO2 Clear is a standout when it comes to pregnancy-safe skincare for acne—thanks to its simple, powerful formula. The oxygen nanobubbles kill acne-causing bacteria and calm inflammation without disrupting your hormones or your skin barrier.

Because AO2 Clear contains just two ingredients—oxygen and distilled water—it’s not only pregnancy-safe, it’s also ideal for sensitive, eczema-prone, and reactive skin. There’s no label deciphering, no risk of doing it “wrong,” and no burning or peeling.

Whether you’re breaking out for the first time or trying to calm hormonal flare-ups, AO2 Clear offers a safe, effective, and truly clean way to treat acne during pregnancy.

Try AO2 CLEAR for yourself—with our money-back policy, there’s nothing to lose (except the breakouts).