Is Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated July 13, 2026
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash
Naturium
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash earns a B+, meaning it is generally a pregnancy compatible option based on its ingredient profile. Its exfoliating acids were assessed as safe, while tetrasodium glutamate diacetate is rated likely safe with limited pregnancy specific evidence for this rinse off use.
Go ahead and use it. Nothing to worry about here.
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What Ingredients Are in Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash?
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash has 24 ingredients. All 23 ingredients are considered safe for pregnancy.
tetrasodium glutamate diacetate
LIKELY SAFE
Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate is a naturally occurring amino acid and neurotransmitter found in protein rich foods and used as a flavor enhancer. Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate is considered likely safe; the supplied high dose evidence does not directly establish risk from ordinary 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 is water used as the formula’s base and is not a pregnancy concern in topical products.
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 is a moisturizing skin conditioner assessed as safe for topical use during pregnancy.
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 a seaweed derived thickener and stabilizer assessed as safe in this pregnancy focused ingredient 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 serves as a preservative or formula adjuster and was assessed as safe for pregnancy in this wash.
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 coconut derived surfactant and foam booster assessed as safe for pregnancy in this rinse off product.
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 assessed as safe for pregnancy.
didecydimonium chloride
SAFE
Didecydimonium chloride was assessed as safe for pregnancy in this ingredient based review.
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 assessed as safe for topical use during pregnancy.
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 is a cosmetic pearlizing agent assessed as safe for pregnancy.
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 is an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid assessed as pregnancy compatible, though it may irritate sensitive skin.
lactic acid
SAFE
Lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid commonly used in skincare for exfoliation and improving skin texture. Lactic acid is an exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid assessed as safe for topical use during pregnancy, with irritation possible if overused.
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 is an organic acid used in the formula and was assessed as safe for pregnancy.
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 is a solvent and humectant assessed as safe for topical use during pregnancy.
polyquaternium 10
SAFE
Polyquaternium 10 was assessed as safe for pregnancy in this rinse off formula.
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 ingredient assessed as safe for pregnancy.
polyquaternium 80
SAFE
Polyquaternium 80 was assessed as safe for pregnancy in this rinse off formula.
pyruvic acid
SAFE
Pyruvic acid was assessed as safe for pregnancy in this ingredient based review.
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 mild cleansing surfactant assessed as safe for pregnancy.
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 used in cosmetic formulation and was assessed as safe for pregnancy in the finished wash.
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 humectant and pH stabilizer assessed as safe for pregnancy.
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 assessed as safe for pregnancy.
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 assessed as safe for topical use during pregnancy.
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 is an organic acid used in the formula and was assessed as safe for pregnancy.
Answering Your Questions
How much Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash is safe during pregnancy?
Use enough to lightly cover the areas you want to cleanse, then rinse thoroughly. Start with a small area if pregnancy has made your skin more sensitive, and avoid applying it to irritated or broken skin.
Can you use Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash daily while pregnant?
Begin a few times per week and increase only if your skin tolerates the exfoliating acids without persistent dryness, burning, or redness. Daily use may be too irritating for some people, especially when combined with other exfoliating products.
Why did this body wash receive a B+?
It received a B+ through ingredient based scoring: the exfoliating acids and other formula ingredients were assessed as safe, while tetrasodium glutamate diacetate is considered likely safe rather than fully established for pregnancy. The underlying concern comes from a different exposure and does not directly establish risk from ordinary rinse off use.
Can I use glycolic acid body wash while pregnant?
Topical glycolic acid in this rinse off formula was assessed as pregnancy compatible. Because exfoliating acids can still irritate sensitive skin, introduce the wash gradually and stop if you develop persistent burning, redness, or peeling.
Can I use this Naturium body wash every day during pregnancy?
Some people may tolerate daily use, but pregnancy can make skin more reactive. Start a few times per week and increase gradually rather than assuming daily exfoliation will suit your skin.
Can this exfoliating wash help with pregnancy related body acne?
Glycolic and lactic acids exfoliate dead skin cells and may help improve rough texture or clogged looking skin. This is a cosmetic Body Wash rather than an acne treatment, so ask your clinician about persistent, painful, or widespread breakouts.
Can I use this body wash while breastfeeding?
The formula is generally compatible with breastfeeding based on the ingredient assessment. Avoid using it on the nipple or areola, and wash it off before nursing if it could contact the baby’s skin or mouth.
What are gentler pregnancy compatible alternatives?
Choose a fragrance free, non exfoliating Body Wash with mild surfactants and moisturizing ingredients if your skin is dry or reactive. If you still want exfoliation, look for a rinse off product with a simple formula and use it less frequently.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating 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 | Aloe Scented Body Wash, Mild & Gentle - Super C | Super C | body wash |
| A | Manuka Honey & Oatmeal Smooth & Exfoliating Body Wash | Sheamoisture | body wash |
| A | Sheamoisture Raw Shea Butter Hydrating Body Wash - 13 Fl Oz | Sheamoisture | body wash |
| A | Raw Sugar Sensitive Skin Green Tea + Cucumber + Aloe 25 Oz | Raw Sugar | 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 Azelaic Topical Acid 10% | topical acid |
| C | Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Butter | body butter |
| C | Mini The Glow Getter Body Butter 2.5 Fl Oz | body butter |
| C | Multi-Bright Advanced Serum | serum |
How Does Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash Compare to Other Body Washes?
We graded 522 Body Washes for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash earns a B+ grade, placing it among the top of Body Washes. Only 1% 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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