Is Azelaic Acid safe during pregnancy?
A go-to pregnancy-safe option for acne, redness and dark spots, per ACOG and AAD.
PregnancyGenerally safe
BreastfeedingGenerally safe
EvidenceModerate
What the sources say
ACOG lists azelaic acid among OTC acne ingredients that can be used in pregnancy, and AAD says it is thought to be safe (no birth defects in animal studies). LactMed: only about 4% is absorbed and it occurs naturally in foods and breast milk, so it is low risk while breastfeeding; avoid applying it to the nipple and keep treated skin away from the baby. Derivatives like potassium azeloyl diglycinate have not been studied separately.
Also listed as
azelex, azeloglycine, finacea, nonanedioic acid, potassium azeloyl diglycinate
Sources
- ACOG: Skin Conditions During Pregnancy
- AAD: Is any acne treatment safe to use during pregnancy?
- NIH LactMed: Azelaic Acid - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.