Is The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 12, 2026
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid
The Ordinary
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid received a C- grade, so it is a cautionary choice during pregnancy rather than a top pick. Although it contains many moisturizing ingredients, the formula also includes phenoxyethanol, triethanolamine, and fructose, which carry pregnancy related cautions in this review.
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 The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid?
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid has 45 ingredients. We flagged 3 ingredients to use with caution.
fructose
CAUTION
Fructose is a simple sugar found naturally in fruits and added to many processed foods and beverages as high fructose corn syrup. Fructose is caution rated because excessive dietary exposure during pregnancy has affected offspring metabolism and neurodevelopment in animal studies, though this product is applied topically.
phenoxyethanol
CAUTION
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. Phenoxyethanol is caution rated because FDA warnings for nursing products cite potential central nervous system effects.
triethanolamine
CAUTION
Triethanolamine is a pH adjuster and emulsifier in cosmetics. Triethanolamine is caution rated because human pregnancy studies are unavailable, although animal effects occurred only at very high doses.
histidine
LIKELY SAFE
Histidine is an essential amino acid found in protein rich foods and available as a dietary supplement. Histidine is likely safe here, but adequate human pregnancy data are lacking for supplemental doses.
propanediol
LIKELY SAFE
Propanediol is a solvent and preservative in foods and cosmetics. Propanediol is likely safe at typical exposure levels, though reduced enzyme activity during pregnancy may allow greater accumulation.
tocopherol
LIKELY SAFE
Tocopherol is a fat soluble antioxidant Vitamin commonly found in prenatal supplements and vegetable oils. Topical tocopherol is likely safe, while excessive vitamin E intake during early pregnancy may raise gestational diabetes and fetal overgrowth concerns.
alanine
SAFE
Alanine is a non essential amino acid that plays a key role in energy production and muscle metabolism. Alanine is listed as safe in this topical Moisturizer and is not a pregnancy concern identified in this review.
allantoin
SAFE
Allantoin is a soothing compound known for its skin calming, moisturizing, and healing properties. Allantoin is a soothing, moisturizing ingredient listed as safe for topical use in this review.
aqua
SAFE
Aqua is the scientific term for water, commonly used as a solvent and base ingredient in various cosmetic and skincare products. Aqua is water used as the formula’s base and is not a pregnancy concern.
arginine
SAFE
Arginine is a semi essential amino acid that plays a key role in nitric oxide production, supporting blood flow and immune function. Arginine is listed as safe in this topical formula and is not a pregnancy concern identified here.
aspartic acid
SAFE
Aspartic acid is a non essential amino acid that plays a key role in protein synthesis and the functioning of the nervous system. Aspartic acid is listed as safe in this topical Moisturizer and is not a pregnancy concern identified here.
caprylic capric triglyceride
SAFE
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight, skin conditioning oil derived from Coconut oil and glycerin that helps moisturize and improve the texture of the skin. Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a skin conditioning emollient listed as safe in this pregnancy review.
carbomer
SAFE
Carbomer is a synthetic, water soluble polymer used as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. Carbomer is a thickener and stabilizer listed as safe in this topical formula.
cetyl alcohol
SAFE
Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol commonly used as an emollient, thickener, and emulsifier in skincare and cosmetic products. Cetyl alcohol is a moisturizing fatty alcohol listed as safe in this pregnancy review.
chlorphenesin
SAFE
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative and muscle relaxant commonly used in cosmetics and topical products to inhibit microbial growth. Chlorphenesin is a cosmetic preservative listed as safe in this review.
citric acid
SAFE
Citric acid is a natural organic acid commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in food and beverages. Citric acid is listed as safe at its use in this topical Moisturizer.
glucose
SAFE
Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as a primary source of energy for the body's cells. Glucose is listed as safe in this topical formula and is not a pregnancy concern identified here.
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 a moisture attracting humectant listed as safe during pregnancy in this review.
glycine
SAFE
Glycine is a simple, non essential amino acid that plays a key role in protein synthesis and acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Glycine is listed as safe in this topical Moisturizer and is not a pregnancy concern identified here.
isoceteth 20
SAFE
Isoceteth 20 is listed as safe in this review, though no additional pregnancy specific information was provided.
isoleucine
SAFE
Isoleucine is an essential amino acid that plays a key role in muscle repair, energy production, and immune function. Isoleucine is listed as safe in this topical formula and is not a pregnancy concern identified here.
lecithin
SAFE
Lecithin is a natural phospholipid commonly used as an emulsifier to blend fats and liquids in food and pharmaceutical products. Lecithin is an emulsifying phospholipid listed as safe in this pregnancy review.
linoleic acid
SAFE
Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid commonly found in vegetable oils that plays a vital role in maintaining healthy cell membranes and skin health. Linoleic acid is a skin supporting fatty acid listed as safe in this topical Moisturizer.
maltose
SAFE
Maltose is a disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules, commonly used as a sweetener in brewing and confectionery. Maltose is listed as safe in this topical formula and is not a pregnancy concern identified here.
oleic acid
SAFE
Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid commonly found in olive oil, known for its beneficial effects on heart health and skin nourishment. Oleic acid is a skin conditioning fatty acid listed as safe in this pregnancy review.
palmitic acid stearic acid
SAFE
Palmitic acid and stearic acid are saturated fatty acids commonly found in animal fats and plant oils, used in cosmetics, soaps, and as emollients. Palmitic acid and stearic acid are emollient fatty acids listed as safe in this topical formula.
pca
SAFE
PCA (Principal Component Analysis) is a skincare ingredient known for its ability to regulate oil production, improve skin clarity, and reduce the appearance of pores. PCA is listed as safe in this topical Moisturizer and is not a pregnancy concern identified here.
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. Pentylene glycol is a hydrating solvent listed as safe in this pregnancy review.
phenylalanine
SAFE
Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that serves as a building block for proteins and a precursor for neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Phenylalanine is listed as safe in this topical formula and is not a pregnancy concern identified here.
phytosteryl canola glycerides
SAFE
Phytosteryl canola glycerides are plant derived compounds that help reduce cholesterol absorption and support heart health. Phytosteryl canola glycerides are plant derived conditioning ingredients listed as safe in this review.
polysorbate 60
SAFE
Polysorbate 60 is an emulsifier and surfactant commonly used in cosmetics and food products to help blend oil and water based ingredients. Polysorbate 60 is an emulsifier listed as safe in this topical Moisturizer.
proline
SAFE
Proline is a non essential amino acid characterized by its unique cyclic structure, playing a key role in protein stability and collagen synthesis. Proline is listed as safe in this topical formula and is not a pregnancy concern identified here.
serine
SAFE
Serine is a non essential amino acid involved in protein synthesis and metabolic processes, playing a key role in cell function and neurotransmitter production. Serine is listed as safe in this topical Moisturizer and is not a pregnancy concern identified here.
sodium chloride
SAFE
Sodium chloride is a common mineral known as table salt, used to enhance the flavor of food and as a preservative. Sodium chloride is listed as safe at its use in this topical formula.
sodium hyaluronate
SAFE
Sodium hyaluronate is a powerful hydrating agent that helps retain moisture in the skin, promoting plumpness and elasticity. Sodium hyaluronate is a hydrating ingredient listed as safe during pregnancy in this review.
sodium hydroxide
SAFE
Sodium hydroxide is a highly caustic, white, solid compound commonly used as a strong base in cleaning, manufacturing, and chemical processes. Sodium hydroxide is listed as safe at its formulated use in this Moisturizer.
sodium lactate
SAFE
Sodium lactate is a salt derived from lactic acid that acts as a humectant, preservative, and pH stabilizer in various cosmetic and food products. Sodium lactate is a hydrating and pH stabilizing ingredient listed as safe in this review.
sodium pca
SAFE
Sodium PCA is a natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and supple. Sodium PCA is a moisture binding humectant listed as safe during pregnancy in this review.
stearyl alcohol
SAFE
Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol commonly used as an emollient, thickener, and stabilizer in skincare and cosmetic formulations. Stearyl alcohol is an emollient fatty alcohol listed as safe in this pregnancy review.
threonine
SAFE
Threonine is an essential amino acid vital for protein synthesis, immune function, and maintaining proper gut health. Threonine is listed as safe in this topical formula and is not a pregnancy concern identified here.
trehalose
SAFE
Trehalose is a natural disaccharide sugar known for its ability to protect cells and stabilize proteins by preventing dehydration and oxidative damage. Trehalose is a moisture supporting sugar listed as safe in this topical Moisturizer.
triolein
SAFE
Triolein is a triglyceride composed of three oleic acid molecules, commonly found in olive oil and other plant based fats. Triolein is a plant associated triglyceride listed as safe in this pregnancy review.
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. Trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate is a stabilizing chelating agent listed as safe in this review.
urea
SAFE
Urea is a nitrogen rich compound commonly used in fertilizers, skincare products, and industrial applications. Urea is listed as safe at its use in this topical Moisturizer.
valine
SAFE
Valine is an essential branched chain amino acid that plays a key role in muscle metabolism, tissue repair, and energy production. Valine is listed as safe in this topical formula and is not a pregnancy concern identified here.
Answering Your Questions
How much The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid is safe during pregnancy?
Apply a thin, even layer just enough to cover your face and neck without leaving a heavy coating. Patch test first if pregnancy has made your skin more sensitive.
Can you use The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid daily while pregnant?
Use once or twice daily as tolerated, typically after serums. Reduce the frequency or stop using it if you notice redness, burning, or persistent irritation.
Why did The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid receive a C- grade?
It received a C- because the formula contains caution rated ingredients, including phenoxyethanol, triethanolamine, and fructose. Its many hydrating and skin conditioning ingredients do not eliminate those concerns.
Can I use this moisturizer while breastfeeding?
Phenoxyethanol has FDA warnings associated with nursing products due to potential central nervous system effects. Ask your healthcare professional before using this formula while breastfeeding, and avoid applying it on or near the nipple where a baby could ingest it.
What are pregnancy friendly alternatives?
Consider a simple fragrance free Moisturizer without retinoids, phenoxyethanol, or other ingredients you have been advised to avoid. Look for straightforward hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, ceramides, or fatty alcohols, and review the complete formula before buying.
Is the hyaluronic acid in this moisturizer a pregnancy concern?
The sodium hyaluronate used in this formula is a hydrating ingredient and is listed as safe in this review. It is not the reason the overall product received a C- grade.
Does this product contain retinoids?
No retinoid appears in the analyzed ingredient list. However, the absence of retinoids does not automatically make the entire formula a top pregnancy safe choice.
Can this moisturizer be used on sensitive skin during pregnancy?
Pregnancy can change how your skin reacts, so patch test the product before applying it widely. Stop using it if you develop persistent stinging, redness, swelling, or irritation.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid?
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 Moisturizing Rich Cream | Byoma | moisturizer |
| A | 100% Organic Argan Oil Moisturizer | Trader Joe'S | moisturizer |
| A | De La Cruz 100% Pure Olive Oil Moisturizer For Hair & Skin | De La Cruz | moisturizer |
| A | Aveeno Skin Relief Overnight Intense Moisture Cream Fragrance-Free | Aveeno | moisturizer |
Are Other The Ordinary Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 11 other The Ordinary products. 3 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 8 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| B+ | Glucoside Foaming Cleanser | facial cleanser |
How Does The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Compare to Other Moisturizers?
We graded 232 Moisturizers for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid earns a C- grade, placing it among the majority of Moisturizers. 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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