Is The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Serum Safe During Pregnancy? (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 12, 2026
The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Serum
The Ordinary
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% receives a C+ grade for pregnancy safety. While niacinamide and zinc are both considered safe during pregnancy, this Serum contains phenoxyethanol, a preservative with FDA warnings for nursing products that warrants caution.
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.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
What Ingredients Are in The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Serum?
The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Serum has 10 ingredients. We flagged 1 ingredient to use with caution.
phenoxyethanol
CAUTION
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. A preservative with FDA warnings for nursing products; use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
aqua
SAFE
Aqua is the scientific term for water, commonly used as a solvent and base ingredient in various cosmetic and skincare products. Purified water used as a base in skincare formulations; completely safe during pregnancy.
chlorphenesin
SAFE
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative and muscle relaxant commonly used in cosmetics and topical products to inhibit microbial growth. A synthetic preservative and muscle relaxant; safe in cosmetic concentrations during pregnancy.
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. A penetration enhancer that helps active ingredients absorb into skin; considered safe for topical use during pregnancy.
isoceteth 20 ethoxydiglycol
SAFE
An emulsifier and solubilizer used to blend ingredients; safe for topical cosmetic use during pregnancy.
niacinamide
SAFE
Niacinamide is a versatile skincare ingredient known for its ability to improve skin elasticity, enhance the barrier function, and reduce the appearance of blemishes and uneven skin tone. A form of vitamin B3 that supports energy metabolism; safe and beneficial during pregnancy.
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. A humectant and solvent that hydrates skin; safe for topical use during pregnancy.
tamarindus indica seed gum
SAFE
A natural plant derived thickener from tamarind seeds; completely safe for topical use during pregnancy.
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. A natural thickener derived from fermented sugars; completely safe for topical use during pregnancy.
zinc pca
SAFE
Zinc PCA is a skin friendly ingredient that helps regulate oil production and has antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for acne prone and oily skin. A zinc salt that regulates sebum and has antimicrobial benefits; safe and beneficial for topical use during pregnancy.
Answering Your Questions
How much The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Serum is safe during pregnancy?
Apply 2-3 drops to clean, dry skin. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula using too much can cause pilling under other products.
Can you use The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Serum daily while pregnant?
Can be used twice daily, morning and evening, before heavier creams or oils. If you experience any sensitivity during pregnancy, reduce to once daily or every other day.
Is The Ordinary Niacinamide safe while breastfeeding?
Use with caution while breastfeeding. This Serum contains phenoxyethanol, which has FDA warnings specifically related to nursing products due to potential central nervous system effects. Consider switching to a phenoxyethanol free niacinamide serum during breastfeeding.
What are pregnancy safe alternatives to The Ordinary Niacinamide?
Look for niacinamide serums that use alternative preservative systems without phenoxyethanol. Many brands offer pregnancy safe niacinamide options check our database for A or B graded niacinamide serums that provide the same skin benefits without the caution ingredients.
Why does The Ordinary Niacinamide get a C+ grade?
The C+ grade reflects the presence of phenoxyethanol, a preservative with FDA warnings for nursing products. The active ingredients niacinamide and zinc PCA are both considered safe during pregnancy. The grade indicates the product is usable but has ingredients that warrant awareness.
Can I use The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% everyday during pregnancy?
Yes, daily use is generally fine if you tolerate it well. The niacinamide and zinc are pregnancy safe actives. However, due to the phenoxyethanol content, some pregnant women prefer to use it once daily rather than twice, or alternate with a preservative free option.
Is niacinamide good to use when pregnant?
Yes, niacinamide (vitamin B3) is considered safe and beneficial during pregnancy. It helps soothe skin, reduce acne and enlarged pores, and strengthen the skin barrier all helpful for pregnancy skin changes. The concern with this specific product is the preservative, not the niacinamide itself.
What ingredients should I avoid in skincare while pregnant?
Avoid retinoids (retinol, tretinoin), high dose salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and certain chemical Sunscreen filters. Niacinamide and zinc are safe choices. Always check individual product ingredients rather than assuming a brand is entirely safe or unsafe.
Is Zinc safe during pregnancy skincare?
Yes, topical zinc in skincare is safe during pregnancy. Zinc PCA, the form used in this Serum, helps regulate oil production and has antimicrobial properties beneficial for pregnancy acne. It's the preservative phenoxyethanol in this formula that earns the caution rating, not the zinc.
What Are Pregnancy Safe Alternatives to The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 | The Ordinary | serum |
| A | Cosmedica Skincare Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum | Cosmedica Skincare | serum |
| A | Skinceuticals Phloretin Cf 30Ml | Skinceuticals | serum |
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 Natural Moisturizing Factors + Hyaluronic Acid Daily Moisturizer | moisturizer |
| 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 Niacinamide + Zinc Serum Compare to Other Serums?
We graded 161 Serums for pregnancy safety. Here's how they stack up:
The Ordinary Niacinamide + Zinc Serum earns a C+ grade, placing it among the majority of Serums. 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.
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References
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