Is Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated July 13, 2026
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash
Naturium
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash receives a C+ for pregnancy. Its rinse off exfoliating acids are generally lower exposure than peels, but pyruvic acid has limited pregnancy specific data, so cautious, limited use is preferable to frequent or intensive application.
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 Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash?
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash has 24 ingredients. We flagged 1 ingredient to use with caution.
pyruvic acid
CAUTION
Pyruvic acid is an exfoliating alpha keto acid used in some cosmetics and professional chemical peels. Pyruvic acid has limited pregnancy specific evidence, so brief low strength rinse off exposure is lower concern while strong or professional peels are best avoided or deferred.
tetrasodium glutamate diacetate
LIKELY SAFE
Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate is a nonessential amino acid found in protein foods and used as a flavor enhancer or nutrient additive. Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate is considered lower concern at ordinary exposure, while evidence about high dose supplements or concentrated exposure should not be applied to this rinse off use.
aqua
SAFE
Aqua is the scientific term for water, commonly used as a solvent and base ingredient in various cosmetic and skincare products. Aqua serves as the water base, and ordinary topical rinse off exposure is not a pregnancy concern.
caprylyl glycol
SAFE
Caprylyl glycol is a versatile moisturizing agent and skin Conditioner commonly used in skincare products for its humectant and antimicrobial properties. Caprylyl glycol functions as a Moisturizer and antimicrobial aid, with no pregnancy concern identified for ordinary rinse off use.
chondrus crispus extract
SAFE
Chondrus crispus extract is a natural Seaweed derivative rich in carrageenan, commonly used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetics and food products. Chondrus crispus extract is used to thicken and stabilize the wash, and ordinary rinse off exposure is not flagged as a pregnancy concern.
citric acid
SAFE
Citric acid is a natural organic acid commonly used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in food and beverages. Citric acid supports preservation or formula acidity, and the small topical rinse off exposure here is not a pregnancy concern.
cocamide mipa
SAFE
Cocamide MIPA is a surfactant and foam booster derived from Coconut oil and is commonly used in personal care and cleaning products. Cocamide MIPA is a cleansing and foam boosting surfactant, with no pregnancy concern identified for ordinary rinse off exposure.
cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine
SAFE
Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is a gentle, amphoteric surfactant derived from Coconut oil, commonly used in personal care products for its cleansing and foaming properties. Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine is a gentle cleansing surfactant, and ordinary rinse off use is not flagged as a pregnancy concern.
didecydimonium chloride
SAFE
Didecydimonium chloride is not identified as a pregnancy risk ingredient in this rinse off formula, though direct pregnancy specific information is limited.
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 attracts moisture to the skin, and ordinary topical use during pregnancy is not a concern.
glycol distearate
SAFE
Glycol distearate is a white, waxy, pearlizing agent commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to create a shimmering, pearlescent effect. Glycol distearate gives the wash its pearly appearance, with no pregnancy concern identified from rinse off exposure.
glycolic acid
SAFE
Glycolic acid is a powerful alpha hydroxy acid derived from sugarcane that exfoliates dead skin cells to promote a brighter, smoother complexion. Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin, and exposure from conservative rinse off use is lower than from strong leave on products or professional peels.
lactic acid
SAFE
Lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid commonly used in skincare for exfoliation and improving skin texture. Lactic acid provides topical exfoliation, and ordinary rinse off exposure is lower than exposure from concentrated leave on treatments.
malic acid
SAFE
Malic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound known for its tart flavor and commonly used as a food additive and pH regulator. Malic acid helps regulate acidity and may contribute to exfoliation, with no pregnancy concern identified for ordinary rinse off use.
methylpropanediol
SAFE
Methylpropanediol is a versatile, water soluble solvent and humectant commonly used in skincare and cosmetic formulations to enhance moisture retention and product stability. Methylpropanediol acts as a solvent and humectant, and ordinary rinse off exposure is not flagged as a pregnancy concern.
polyquaternium 10
SAFE
Polyquaternium 10 is not identified as a pregnancy risk ingredient in this rinse off product, though specific pregnancy information is limited.
polyquaternium 73
SAFE
Polyquaternium 73 is a conditioning agent used in hair and skincare products to provide smoothness, reduce static, and enhance manageability. Polyquaternium 73 is a conditioning agent, with no pregnancy concern identified for ordinary topical rinse off exposure.
polyquaternium 80
SAFE
Polyquaternium 80 is not identified as a pregnancy risk ingredient in this rinse off product, though direct pregnancy specific information is limited.
sodium cocoyl isethionate
SAFE
Sodium cocoyl isethionate is a gentle, sulfate free surfactant derived from Coconut oil used in cleansers and foaming products to create a rich, creamy lather. Sodium cocoyl isethionate is a gentle cleansing surfactant, and ordinary rinse off exposure is not a pregnancy concern.
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 caustic when concentrated but is used within the finished wash, where brief rinse off exposure is not flagged as a pregnancy concern.
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 moisturizes and stabilizes the formula, with no pregnancy concern identified for ordinary rinse off use.
sodium methyl cocoyl taurate
SAFE
Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is a gentle, sulfate free surfactant derived from Coconut oil and taurine, commonly used in cleansers and shampoos to create a rich, foaming lather while being mild on the skin and hair. Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate is a mild cleansing surfactant, and ordinary rinse off exposure is not flagged as a pregnancy concern.
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 skin Conditioner, and ordinary topical use during pregnancy is not a concern.
tartaric acid
SAFE
Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid commonly used as an acidulant in food and beverage products to enhance flavor and stability. Tartaric acid regulates formula acidity and may add mild exfoliation, with no pregnancy concern identified for ordinary rinse off exposure.
Answering Your Questions
How much Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash is safe during pregnancy?
Use only enough to create a light lather over the intended area, then rinse it off thoroughly. Avoid applying it to broken, irritated, or freshly shaved skin, which may increase irritation and exposure.
Can you use Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash daily while pregnant?
Start less often rather than using it every day, especially if you are new to exfoliating acids or have sensitive skin. Reduce or stop use if you develop burning, persistent redness, or peeling, and ask your prenatal clinician about regular use if you have concerns.
Why did Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash receive a C+?
The ingredient based score reflects the presence of pyruvic acid, which has limited pregnancy specific evidence and warrants caution, particularly in stronger or professional peel exposures. This rinse off wash represents lower exposure, but the uncertainty prevents a more reassuring grade.
Can you use glycolic acid body wash while pregnant?
Topical glycolic acid in a rinse off wash involves much less exposure than a strong leave on treatment or professional peel. Use it conservatively, rinse thoroughly, and avoid combining it with several other exfoliating products if your skin becomes sensitive during pregnancy.
Is this exfoliating body wash suitable for everyday use during pregnancy?
Daily use may be too irritating for some pregnant users, especially because the formula combines several exfoliating acids. Begin less frequently, monitor your skin, and increase only if it remains comfortable and your prenatal clinician has not advised otherwise.
Can this body wash help with pregnancy related body acne?
Its glycolic and lactic acids exfoliate the skin and may improve the appearance of clogged pores and uneven texture. Do not use it on severely inflamed or broken skin, and seek medical guidance for persistent or worsening acne.
Can I use this product while breastfeeding?
A rinse off Body Wash generally creates limited exposure, but avoid using it on or near the nipple where an infant could ingest residue. Rinse your hands and treated skin thoroughly before feeding or close skin contact.
What are more conservative alternatives during pregnancy?
Choose a simple, fragrance free Body Wash without exfoliating acids if you want to minimize uncertainty and irritation. For gentle smoothing, a plain moisturizing cleanser and soft washcloth can provide mild physical exfoliation without a concentrated acid blend.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash?
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 | Sheamoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash - 13 Fl Oz | Sheamoisture | body wash |
| A | Fine'Ry. Women'S Body Wash - Sweet On The Outside - 14.5Oz | Fine'Ry. | body wash |
| A | Body Wash - Silver Birch And Mandarin - 16Oz | Goodfellow & Co | body wash |
| A | Dove Limited Edition Nourishing Body Wash Apple Caramel Crumble 20 Fl Oz | Dove | body wash |
Are Other Naturium Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 12 other Naturium products. 0 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 12 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| C | Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Butter | body butter |
| C+ | Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% | topical acid |
| C | Multi-Bright Advanced Serum | serum |
| C | Multi-Bright Milky Toner | toner |
How Does Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash Compare to Other Body Washes?
We graded 1,022 Body Washes for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash earns a C+ grade, placing it among the majority of Body Washes. 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.
People Also Checked
References
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