Topical salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, is okay to use in pregnancy at low concentrations of 2% or less1 , but it should be avoided at higher concentrations.
Low concentrations of salicylic acid may be used in pregnancy for a limited duration for the treatment of acne, and it may be available in formulations such as topical creams, gels, cleansers, or toners.
Higher concentrations of salicylic acid, which are generally used for wart treatments, should be avoided during pregnancy. That said, it’s always best to first speak with your doctor and determine the best treatment options for your skin while you’re pregnant.
