Is Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated July 13, 2026
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum
Mad Hippie
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum receives a C- for pregnancy because its formula contains several ingredients that warrant caution, including clary sage, chamomile flower extract, and aloe barbadensis leaf. The concerns are largely based on limited or indirect evidence involving essential oil or oral exposure rather than ordinary topical serum use, but a simpler formula may be preferable during pregnancy.
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.
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What Ingredients Are in Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum?
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum has 18 ingredients. We flagged 3 ingredients to use with caution.
aloe barbadensis leaf
CAUTION
Aloe barbadensis leaf is a plant extract used in skin products, juices, supplements, and laxatives. Topical aloe barbadensis leaf is low concern, while pregnancy cautions primarily involve ingesting aloe latex, whole leaf products, laxatives, supplements, or juices.
chamomile flower extract
CAUTION
Chamomile flower extract is a daisy family herb used in teas, foods, supplements, extracts, tinctures, essential oils, and topical products. Topical chamomile flower extract has limited pregnancy data, while the greater concern applies to regular high dose oral supplements, tinctures, or essential oils.
clary sage
CAUTION
Clary sage is an essential oil from Salvia sclarea used in aromatherapy, massage oils, footbaths, and fragrance. Clary sage has sparse pregnancy safety data and traditional labor stimulation claims, so topical exposure depends on its concentration, dilution, timing, and frequency.
vitamin e
LIKELY SAFE
Vitamin e is an essential fat soluble antioxidant found in foods, prenatal vitamins, supplements, and some skincare. Topical vitamin E is not the same as high dose supplementation, which is not routinely recommended during pregnancy and may increase bleeding or membrane rupture side effects.
alkyl benzoate
SAFE
Alkyl benzoate is a lightweight, non greasy ester commonly used as an emollient and skin conditioning agent in cosmetics and skincare products. No specific pregnancy concern is identified for ordinary topical exposure to alkyl benzoate in this Serum.
amorphophallus konjac root powder
SAFE
Amorphophallus konjac root powder is a natural, high fiber thickening agent derived from the konjac plant's tuber, commonly used in food and health products. No specific pregnancy concern is identified for the small topical amount of amorphophallus konjac root powder used in this Serum.
deionized water
SAFE
Deionized water is purified water that has had its mineral ions removed through a process of ion exchange, resulting in highly pure, mineral free water. Deionized water presents no identified pregnancy concern when used as the topical base of this Serum.
ferulic acid
SAFE
Ferulic acid is a natural antioxidant found in plant cell walls that helps protect skin from environmental damage and enhances the stability of other skincare ingredients. No specific pregnancy concern is identified for ordinary topical exposure to ferulic acid in this Serum.
glycerin
SAFE
Glycerin is a colorless, odorless, and sweet tasting humectant commonly used in skincare products to attract and retain moisture in the skin. Glycerin is not identified as a pregnancy concern at the amount used topically as a Moisturizer in this Serum.
grapefruit
SAFE
Grapefruit is a juicy, tangy citrus fruit known for its vibrant flavor and refreshing acidity. No specific pregnancy concern is identified for ordinary topical exposure to grapefruit in this Serum.
hyaluronic acid
SAFE
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrating ingredient that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, promoting plumpness and smoothness. Hyaluronic acid is not identified as a pregnancy concern when used topically for hydration in this Serum.
hydroxyethyl cellulose
SAFE
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a water soluble, plant derived thickening and stabilizing agent commonly used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products. No specific pregnancy concern is identified for topical hydroxyethyl cellulose used as a thickener in this Serum.
sodium anisate
SAFE
Sodium anisate is the sodium salt of anisic acid, commonly used as a flavoring agent and preservative with a sweet, Licorice like aroma. No specific pregnancy concern is identified for the small topical amount of sodium anisate used as a preservative in this Serum.
sodium levulinate
SAFE
Sodium levulinate is a salt derived from levulinic acid, commonly used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative in cosmetic and personal care products. No specific pregnancy concern is identified for the small topical amount of sodium levulinate used in this Serum.
sodium phytate
SAFE
Sodium phytate is a salt derived from phytic acid that acts as a natural chelating agent, commonly used as an antioxidant and preservative in food and cosmetic products. No specific pregnancy concern is identified for topical sodium phytate used as a stabilizing ingredient in this Serum.
vegetable glycerin
SAFE
Vegetable glycerin is a clear, sweet, and viscous liquid derived from plant oils, commonly used as a Moisturizer, humectant, or sweetener in various products. Vegetable glycerin is not identified as a pregnancy concern at the amount used topically as a humectant in this Serum.
vitamin c
SAFE
Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant that supports immune health, skin vitality, and overall cellular function. Vitamin C is not identified as a pregnancy concern when applied topically in a facial Serum.
xanthan gum
SAFE
Xanthan gum is a natural thickening and stabilizing agent derived from fermented sugars, commonly used in gluten free baking and food processing. No specific pregnancy concern is identified for the small topical amount of xanthan gum used to thicken this Serum.
Answering Your Questions
How much Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum is safe during pregnancy?
If you choose to use it, apply a thin layer rather than saturating your skin. Avoid broken or irritated skin, and stop if you develop redness, itching, or discomfort.
Can you use Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum daily while pregnant?
Follow the product label and introduce it gradually, especially if your skin is more sensitive during pregnancy. Ask your prenatal healthcare professional before regular use if you want to avoid clary sage or other botanicals with limited pregnancy data.
Why did Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum receive a C-?
The C- comes from ingredient based scoring and reflects caution flags for clary sage, chamomile flower extract, and aloe barbadensis leaf. The strongest concerns involve ingestion, concentrated essential oils, or other higher exposure uses, but pregnancy data for these ingredients in a topical Serum are limited.
Can I use Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum while breastfeeding?
The listed concerns do not establish that ordinary facial use is unsafe while breastfeeding, but direct infant exposure should still be avoided. Do not apply the Serum on or near the nipple, and wash your hands before handling your baby.
What is a more pregnancy conscious alternative?
Consider a simple, fragrance free Vitamin C Serum without essential oils or botanicals associated with limited pregnancy data. Check the complete ingredient list rather than assuming every product from a brand has the same pregnancy profile.
Is topical vitamin C safe during pregnancy?
Vitamin C itself is not the reason this Serum received a C-. In this formula, the pregnancy cautions come from other botanical ingredients rather than the Vitamin C.
Is this the same as Mad Hippie Super A Serum?
No. This page evaluates Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, not Super A Serum, so its grade and ingredient assessment should not be applied to a different product.
Should I avoid all essential oils in pregnancy skincare?
Not every essential oil or exposure is equivalent; route, concentration, timing, and frequency matter. This formula contains clary sage, which has sparse pregnancy safety data and traditional labor stimulation claims, so you may prefer to avoid it or ask your healthcare professional.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to Mad Hippie Vitamin C 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| B+ | Byoma Hydrating Serum | Byoma | serum |
| B+ | Good Molecules Hyaluronic Acid Serum 1.0 Fl Oz / 30 Ml | Good Molecules | serum |
| A | Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | The Ordinary | serum |
| A | E.L.F. Skin Holy Hydration Thirst Burst Drops Serum | E.L.F. Skin | serum |
Are Other Mad Hippie Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 10 other Mad Hippie products. 3 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 7 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| B+ | Brightening Gel Moisturizer | moisturizer |
| B+ | Cleansing Oil | cleansing oil |
| B+ | Cream Cleanser 4 Oz | cleanser |
| C | Face Cream | face cream |
How Does Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum Compare to Other Serums?
We graded 778 Serums for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum earns a C- grade, placing it among the majority of Serums. Only 3% 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
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- https://webprod.hc sc.gc.ca/nhpid bdipsn/dbImages/mono_aloe--oral_english.pdf
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal monograph/final european union herbal monograph aloe barbadensis mill and aloe various species mainly aloe ferox mill and its hybrids folii succus siccatus_en.pdf
- https://www.utep.edu/herbal safety/populations/herbs to avoid during pregnancy.html
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/05/09/02-11510/status of certain additional over the counter drug category ii and iii active ingredients
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