Is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 12, 2026
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum
The Ordinary
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 receives a C+ grade for pregnancy safety. While hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 are both pregnancy safe hydrating ingredients, this formula contains phenoxyethanol, a preservative with FDA warnings for nursing products that warrants caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
You can use this, but maybe don't make it your everyday go to. Not the end of the world if you've used it. Consult your OBGYN or midwife if you have concerns.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
What Ingredients Are in The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum?
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum has 23 ingredients. We flagged 1 ingredient to use with caution.
phenoxyethanol
CAUTION
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. A preservative with FDA warnings for nursing products; use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
propanediol
LIKELY SAFE
Propanediol is a solvent and preservative in foods and cosmetics. A plant derived humectant and solvent; safe for topical use during pregnancy with typical cosmetic exposure levels.
tocopherol
LIKELY SAFE
Tocopherol is a fat soluble antioxidant vitamin commonly found in prenatal supplements and vegetable oils. Vitamin E is safe in skincare during pregnancy; only high oral doses raise concerns.
ahnfeltiopsis concinna extract
SAFE
A red algae extract used for hydration and skin conditioning; considered safe for topical use during pregnancy.
aqua
SAFE
Aqua is the scientific term for water, commonly used as a solvent and base ingredient in various cosmetic and skincare products. Purified water used as a base in skincare formulations; completely safe during pregnancy.
caprylyl glycol
SAFE
Caprylyl glycol is a versatile moisturizing agent and skin Conditioner commonly used in skincare products for its humectant and antimicrobial properties. This moisturizing agent is considered safe for topical use during pregnancy.
chlorphenesin
SAFE
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative and muscle relaxant commonly used in cosmetics and topical products to inhibit microbial growth. A synthetic preservative and muscle relaxant; safe in cosmetic concentrations during pregnancy.
citric acid
SAFE
Citric acid is a natural organic acid commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in food and beverages. A natural preservative found in citrus fruits; safe during pregnancy.
ethoxydiglycol
SAFE
Ethoxydiglycol is a clear, colorless, and odorless solvent commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products to enhance ingredient delivery and improve texture. A solvent that enhances ingredient absorption; safe for topical use during pregnancy at typical cosmetic levels.
ethylhexylglycerin
SAFE
Ethylhexylglycerin is a skin conditioning agent and preservative booster commonly used in cosmetics to enhance product stability and provide mild antimicrobial benefits. A skin conditioning agent and preservative booster; considered safe during pregnancy.
glycerin
SAFE
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, and sweet tasting humectant commonly used in skincare products to attract and retain moisture in the skin. A gentle humectant that is safe and commonly used during pregnancy.
hexylene glycol
SAFE
Hexylene glycol is a clear, colorless, and odorless solvent commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products as a humectant, solvent, and viscosity stabilizer. A solvent and humectant considered safe in cosmetic formulations during pregnancy.
hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid
SAFE
Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is a smaller, more easily absorbed form of hyaluronic acid that helps hydrate and plump the skin. A smaller form of hyaluronic acid for deeper hydration; safe and beneficial during pregnancy.
p anisic acid
SAFE
A naturally derived preservative from anise; considered safe for topical use during pregnancy.
panthenol
SAFE
Panthenol is a moisturizing and soothing ingredient commonly used in skincare and haircare products to improve hydration and promote healthy skin and hair. Vitamin B5 that moisturizes and soothes skin; safe and often recommended during pregnancy.
pentylene glycol
SAFE
Pentylene glycol is a versatile, water soluble humectant and solvent commonly used in skincare and cosmetic formulations to hydrate the skin and enhance product stability. A humectant and solvent that hydrates skin; safe for topical use during pregnancy.
phospholipids
SAFE
Phospholipids are essential lipid molecules composed of two fatty acid chains, a glycerol backbone, and a phosphate group, playing a key role in cell membrane structure and function. Natural lipids that support skin barrier function; safe and beneficial during pregnancy.
polysorbate 20
SAFE
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water soluble emulsifier commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products to blend oil and water based ingredients. A gentle emulsifier used to blend ingredients; safe for topical use during pregnancy.
sodium citrate
SAFE
Sodium citrate is a salt commonly used as a food additive and buffering agent to regulate acidity and stabilize emulsions. Sodium citrate is a safe food additive during pregnancy, commonly used to regulate acidity in beverages.
sodium hyaluronate
SAFE
Sodium hyaluronate is a powerful hydrating agent that helps retain moisture in the skin, promoting plumpness and elasticity. The salt form of hyaluronic acid for hydration; safe and commonly used during pregnancy.
sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer
SAFE
Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer is a stabilized, gel like form of hyaluronic acid used in skincare products to enhance hydration and improve skin texture. A stabilized form of hyaluronic acid for long lasting hydration; safe during pregnancy.
sphingolipids
SAFE
Sphingolipids are a class of complex lipids that play essential roles in cell membrane structure and signaling processes. Natural lipids that support cell membrane health; safe for topical use during pregnancy.
trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate
SAFE
Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate is a chelating agent used in skincare and cosmetic products to bind and neutralize metal ions, enhancing stability and efficacy. A chelating agent that stabilizes formulas; safe in cosmetic concentrations during pregnancy.
Answering Your Questions
How much The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum is safe during pregnancy?
Apply 2-3 drops to damp skin. A little goes a long way with this Serum using too much can leave a sticky residue without added benefit.
Can you use The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum daily while pregnant?
Can be used twice daily, morning and evening, after cleansing and before Moisturizer. Apply to damp skin for best absorption.
Is The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 safe while breastfeeding?
Use with caution while breastfeeding. This Serum contains phenoxyethanol, which has FDA warnings specifically for nursing products due to potential central nervous system effects. While topical absorption is limited, many nursing mothers prefer phenoxyethanol free alternatives.
What are pregnancy safe alternatives to The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid serum?
Look for hyaluronic acid serums without phenoxyethanol as a preservative. Many brands offer HA serums with alternative preservative systems. Check our database for A or B graded hyaluronic acid serums that skip this ingredient.
Why does The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 get a C+ grade?
The C+ grade reflects the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative with FDA cautions for nursing products. The core ingredients hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and vitamin B5—are all pregnancy safe. The grade accounts for the preservative concern while acknowledging the otherwise gentle formula.
Is hyaluronic acid and ceramides pregnancy safe?
Yes, both hyaluronic acid and ceramides are considered safe during pregnancy. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in your body that provides hydration, while ceramides help strengthen the skin barrier. These ingredients don't penetrate deeply and pose no known risks to pregnancy.
Can you use B5 on skin when pregnant?
Yes, vitamin B5 (panthenol) is safe for use during pregnancy. It's a gentle ingredient that helps skin retain moisture and can be especially helpful for pregnancy related dryness or breakouts. B5 is commonly found in pregnancy safe skincare formulations.
Which Ordinary products are not safe for pregnancy?
Avoid The Ordinary's retinoid products during pregnancy, including Granactive Retinoid, Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, and Retinol 1% in Squalane. Also avoid high concentration chemical exfoliants like the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. Stick to hydrating serums, niacinamide, and vitamin C products instead.
What is hyaluronic acid 2% B5 hydrating serum with ceramides used for?
This Serum instantly hydrates and plumps the skin while smoothing texture and fine lines. The combination of multiple forms of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and ceramides works to attract moisture, strengthen the skin barrier, and improve overall skin texture.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum?
Here are some solid alternatives. Everything below has an A or B grade, meaning no flagged ingredients in our database.
| Grade | Product | Brand | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | The Ordinary | serum |
| A | Cosmedica Skincare Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum | Cosmedica Skincare | serum |
| A | Skinceuticals Phloretin Cf 30Ml | Skinceuticals | serum |
Are Other The Ordinary Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 12 other The Ordinary products. 3 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 9 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| C- | The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Daily Moisturizer | moisturizer |
| C+ | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | serum |
| A | 100% Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil | face oil |
| A | Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | serum |
How Does The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum Compare to Other Serums?
We graded 161 Serums for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum earns a C+ grade, placing it among the majority of Serums. Only 2% of products in this category get an A grade, so it pays to choose carefully.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
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References
- https://www.babymamabrand.com/blogs/good to know/phenoxyethanol safety guide for moms and kids
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3556838/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmwh.13428
- https://blissoma.com/phenoxyethanol dangers phenoxyethanol safe what is phenoxyethanol in skincare
- https://motherfigure.com/safe skincare/phenoxyethanol/
- https://millionmarker.com/pages/pregnancy fertility chemical phenoxyethanol
- https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/83-112/default.html
- https://www.mustelausa.com/blogs/mustela mag/is phenoxyethanol safe for you and your newborn
- https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-08/sccs_o_195_0.pdf
- https://nayaglow.com/blogs/news/avoid phenoxyethanol clean skincare
- https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1206103
- https://www.zalinaswissorganic.com/blogs/clean beauty selfcare/the truth about phenoxyethanol a-hidden hazard in skincare
- https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health news/fda warns mothers about nipple cream flna1c9463497
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6985251/
- http://sfda.gov.sa/en/warnings/1156
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12598991/
- https://www.lorealdermatologicalbeauty.com/-/media/project/loreal/brand sites/acdpro/master/dmi/skinalliance/articles/phenoxyethanol/phenoxyethanol_execsummary.pdf?rev=a531ca2bc4b44982b6db701c83284d55
- https://terrellhogan.com/fda warns consumers against using mommys bliss nipple cream/
- https://series.publisso.de/sites/default/files/documents/series/mak/dam/Vol2019/Iss1/Alt006/mb12299kske6319_w.pdf
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