Is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated July 13, 2026
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
The Ordinary
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% receives a C grade, so it warrants caution even though azelaic acid itself is listed as safe. The formula also contains caution rated phenoxyethanol and triethanolamine, while tocopherol is rated likely safe.
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 Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%?
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% has 17 ingredients. We flagged 2 ingredients to use with caution.
phenoxyethanol
CAUTION
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. Phenoxyethanol is rated caution 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 rated caution because human pregnancy studies are unavailable, although animal effects occurred only at very high doses.
tocopherol
LIKELY SAFE
Tocopherol is a fat soluble antioxidant Vitamin commonly found in prenatal supplements and vegetable oils. Tocopherol is rated likely safe; the supplied concern relates to excessive intake rather than ordinary topical 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 a water based solvent listed as safe for use in this pregnancy analysis.
azelaic acid
SAFE
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid known for its anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin brightening properties, commonly used in treating acne and rosacea. Azelaic acid is listed as safe and may help address pregnancy related acne, inflammation, and uneven pigmentation.
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 pregnancy analysis.
dimethicone
SAFE
Dimethicone is a silicone based polymer commonly used in skincare and cosmetic products to provide a smooth, silky feel and create a protective barrier on the skin. Dimethicone is a skin smoothing barrier ingredient listed as safe in this pregnancy analysis.
dimethicone bis isobutyl ppg 20 crosspolymer
SAFE
Dimethicone bis isobutyl ppg 20 crosspolymer is listed as safe in this pregnancy analysis.
dimethyl isosorbide
SAFE
Dimethyl isosorbide is a colorless, water miscible solvent commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to enhance the delivery and absorption of active ingredients. Dimethyl isosorbide is an ingredient delivery solvent listed as safe in this pregnancy analysis.
ethoxydiglycol
SAFE
Ethoxydiglycol is a clear, colorless, and odorless solvent commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products to enhance ingredient delivery and improve texture. Ethoxydiglycol is a cosmetic solvent listed as safe in this pregnancy analysis.
hydroxyethyl acrylate sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer
SAFE
Hydroxyethyl acrylate sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer is listed as safe in this pregnancy analysis.
isoceteth 20
SAFE
Isoceteth 20 is listed as safe in this pregnancy analysis.
isodecyl neopentanoate
SAFE
Isodecyl neopentanoate is a lightweight, skin conditioning ester commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products for its emollient and smoothing properties. Isodecyl neopentanoate is a skin conditioning emollient listed as safe in this pregnancy analysis.
isohexadecane
SAFE
Isohexadecane is a lightweight, non greasy, and highly emollient hydrocarbon used in cosmetics and skincare products to provide a silky feel and improve product spreadability. Isohexadecane is a lightweight emollient listed as safe in this pregnancy analysis.
polysilicone 11
SAFE
Polysilicone 11 is listed as safe in this pregnancy analysis.
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 pregnancy analysis.
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 formula stabilizing chelator listed as safe in this pregnancy analysis.
Answering Your Questions
How much The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is safe during pregnancy?
Apply only the small amount needed to cover the intended area, following the product label. Start conservatively and patch test first, especially if pregnancy has made your skin more sensitive.
Can you use The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% daily while pregnant?
Follow the label and introduce the product gradually rather than increasing use quickly. Reduce or stop use if you develop persistent irritation, and ask your healthcare professional whether it fits your pregnancy skincare routine.
Why did The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% receive a C grade?
The ingredient based score reflects caution rated phenoxyethanol and triethanolamine, while tocopherol is rated likely safe. Azelaic acid and the other listed ingredients were classified as safe, but the formula as a whole does not qualify for a stronger grade.
Can I use azelaic acid on my face during pregnancy?
Azelaic acid is listed as safe here and is commonly used for concerns such as acne, redness, and uneven tone. However, a product's overall grade depends on its complete formula, not only its main active ingredient.
Can I use this product while breastfeeding?
Ask your healthcare professional before using it while breastfeeding because phenoxyethanol carries FDA warnings involving nursing products and central nervous system effects. Avoid applying skincare products where an infant could ingest them or have direct skin contact.
What are pregnancy conscious alternatives to this product?
Consider a simpler azelaic acid product without caution rated phenoxyethanol or triethanolamine. Compare the entire ingredient list and choose a formula with a stronger pregnancy safety grade rather than relying only on the featured active.
What skin concerns can this azelaic acid product address?
Azelaic acid has anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, and skin brightening properties and is commonly used for acne, rosacea, dark spots, and uneven tone. Results and tolerability vary, so introduce it gradually.
Which The Ordinary ingredients are commonly avoided during pregnancy?
Retinoid ingredients such as retinol and Granactive Retinoid are commonly avoided during pregnancy. Always review the exact formula because products from the same brand can receive different pregnancy safety grades.
When should I stop using this product?
Stop if you experience persistent burning, swelling, rash, or worsening irritation. Seek individualized advice from your healthcare professional if you have a high risk pregnancy, a skin condition, or concerns about combining it with other active products.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%?
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 | Prequel Skin Universal Skin Solution Dermal Spray 2 Fl Oz | Prequel | skin care |
| A | Shark Cryoglow Under Eye Cooling + Led Anti-Aging & Skin | Shark | skin care |
| A | Pure Skin Renew Liquid | Shape By Hit Nutrition | skin care |
| A | Pure Unscented Whipped Tallow | Purely Wild Skin Co. | skin care |
Are Other The Ordinary Products Safe During Pregnancy?
We looked at 12 other The Ordinary products. 2 are pregnancy safe (A or B grade), while 10 need a closer look.
| Grade | Product | Type |
|---|---|---|
| C- | The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Daily Moisturizer | moisturizer |
| C+ | Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydrating Serum With Ceramides | serum |
| C+ | The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% | serum |
| A | 100% Plant-Derived Squalane | — |
How Does The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Compare to Other Skin Cares?
We graded 113 Skin Cares for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% earns a C grade, placing it among the top of Skin Cares. Only 17% 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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