Pregnancy safe skincare can be super difficult and confusing. I have an entire guide devoted to what products are safe to use while pregnant including information on what ingredients to avoid while pregnant and a huge list of pregnancy safe skincare products.
Here you’ll find every pregnancy safe skincare product from iS Clinical as of 4/2/2023. If it is not safe, I’ll tell you why. All of the products meet my pregnancy safe criteria. Note I will link to every product directly to avoid confusion. You’ll know exactly which product I mean.
Pregnancy and Nursing Safe Products from iS Clinical
• C EYE SERUM ADVANCE+ (at DermStore)
• COPPER FIRMING MIST (at DermStore)
• CREAM CLEANSER (at DermStore)
• ECLIPSE SPF 50+
• EXTREME PROTECT SPF 40
• Extreme Protect SPF 40 PerfecTint (at DermStore)
• GENEXC SERUM (at DermStore)
• Hand Sanitizer Spray (at DermStore)
• HYDRA-COOL SERUM (at DermStore)
• LIP POLISH (at DermStore)
• LIPROTECT SPF 35 (at DermStore)
• WARMING HONEY CLEANSER (at DermStore)
• YOUTH LIP ELIXIR (at DermStore)
Not Safe for Pregnancy, Ok for Nursing
• EXTREME PROTECT SPF 30 (at DermStore): Chemical Sunscreen
• FIRMING COMPLEX (at DermStore): Willow Bark, Licorice Root, Salicylic Acid
• HYDRA-INTENSIVE COOLING MASQUE (at DermStore): Licorice Root
• NECKPERFECT COMPLEX (at DermStore): Willow Bark, Licorice Root, Salicylic Acid
• Tri-Active Exfoliating Masque (at DermStore): Salicylic Acid
• YOUTH BODY SERUM (at DermStore): Licorice Root, Chemical Sunscreen, Salicylate
Not Safe for Pregnancy or Nursing
• ACTIVE SERUM (at DermStore): Arbutin, Willow Bark
• BODY COMPLEX (at DermStore): Retinoid, Willow Bark
• BRIGHTENING COMPLEX (at DermStore): Arbutin, Willow Bark, Licorice Root
• BRIGHTENING SERUM (at DermStore): Arbutin, Willow Bark
• CLEANSING COMPLEX (at DermStore): Retinoid, Willow Bark
• CLEANSING COMPLEX POLISH (at DermStore): Retinoid, Salicylic Acid
• EYE COMPLEX (at DermStore): Retinoid, Willow Bark
• MOISTURIZING COMPLEX (at DermStore): Retinoid
• POLY-VITAMIN SERUM (at DermStore): Retinoid
• PRO-HEAL SERUM ADVANCE+ (at DermStore): Arbutin, Retinoid
• REPARATIVE MOISTURE EMULSION (at DermStore): Retinoid
• SHEALD RECOVERY BALM (at DermStore): Retinoid
• SUPER SERUM ADVANCE+ (at DermStore): Arbutin
• YOUTH COMPLEX (at DermStore): Retinoid, Willow Bark, Licorice Root
• YOUTH EYE COMPLEX (at DermStore): Retinoid, Licorice Root
• YOUTH INTENSIVE CRÈME (at DermStore): Retinoid, Willow Bark, Licorice Root
• YOUTH SERUM (at DermStore): Retinoid
I’m a doctor, a mommy and a bit of a beauty addict. If you let me, I can take 2 hours to get ready in the morning. Really. I'm on a quest for faster beauty that works!
Hi!
I use iS Clinical’s Reparative Moisture Emulsion see that it’s listed in your not pregnancy safe list. I ran all of my skincare products by my esthetician and she said all iS Clinical products are pregnancy safe and sent me this article to reference – https://www.isclinical.com/media/WhitePapers/pdf/WhitePapers_ProductsDurringPregnancy_and_Nursing.pdf
Thought I’d send to you for review and see what your thoughts are. I’d rather be safe than sorry, so if you still think it isn’t safe to use, I will discontinue.
Here are the ingredients again – you mentioned it has Retinoid so that’s why it’s unsafe.
Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract [Extrait De Racine De Betterave], Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Faex (Yeast) Extract [Extrait De Levure], Tocopherol, Panthenyl Triacetate, Ethyl Linoleate, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Tyrosine, Proline, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Tripeptide-1, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Glycosaminoglycans, Urea, Glucose, Guanidine HCl, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Cyclomethicone, Polysorbate 40, Superoxide Dismutase, PVP, Panthenol, Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pantothenic Acid, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA.
Thanks!
Yes, this has a retinoid, which is actually the #1 ingredient to avoid during pregnancy and I know quite a few OB and Derms who recommend even avoiding during nursing. I have info here about why brands sometimes differ from my recs: Pregnancy beauty FAQ.
I hope I didn’t miss this on your list…have you had a chance to look over iS Clinical’s Phyto Corrective Gel?
AQUA / WATER / EAU, GLYCERIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, POLYSORBATE 80, PHENOXYETHANOL, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, DISODIUM EDTA, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) LEAF EXTRACT, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE, BENZOPHENONE-4, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CITRUS GRANDIS EXTRACT / GRAPEFRUIT FRUIT EXTRACT, CUCUMIS SATIVUS FRUIT EXTRACT / CUCUMBER FRUIT EXTRACT, BENZYL BENZOATE, CI 19140 / YELLOW 5,THYMUS VULGARIS FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT – THYME FLOWER/LEAF EXTRACT, EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF OIL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, CI 42090 / BLUE 1, LINALOOL, CITRONELLOL, MORUS ALBA ROOT EXTRACT
Thank you for your thorough efforts.
This has a chemical sunscreen to avoid during pregnancy (Benzophenone-4), but is ok for nursing
Hi,
First of all thank you for all this information – so helpful
I just found out that I’m pregnant and I was using the reparative emulsion moisturizer around the time that I got pregnant. I fortunately ran out around that time also. Should I be concerned?
Thanks again
Sorry I forgot to add the ingredient list to my previous comment (kind of freaking out that I was using it unknowingly)
Water/Aqua/Eau, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract [Extrait De Racine De Betterave], Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Faex (Yeast) Extract [Extrait De Levure], Tocopherol, Panthenyl Triacetate, Ethyl Linoleate, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Tyrosine, Proline, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Tripeptide-1, Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Glycosaminoglycans, Urea, Glucose, Guanidine HCl, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Dimethicone, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Cyclomethicone, Polysorbate 40, Superoxide Dismutase, PVP, Panthenol, Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pantothenic Acid, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA.
This does have a retinoid, so I would not recommend restarting it. The evidence for issues is all in oral, prescription strength retinoids and birth defects. The chances of an issue from an over the counter, topical version are much lower, though not a 0% possibility so we still recommend avoidance. I have more info on this kind of situation in this post: pregnancy beauty FAQ
Thank you so, so much
I have been using the IS clinical reparative moisture emulsion + clinical cleansing complex. I am 20 weeks pregnant and freaking out now!!? My esthetician told me it was safe but this article is interesting. Is it not safe? Did I totally mess up!?
Discussion here: You’ve been using a product with a “bad” ingredient
how do we know it is retinoid if not listed as an ingredient?
It’s in the ingredient list though. It’s the Retinyl Palmitate.
So I am freaking out. I am first trimester and I’ve been using the Active Serum Bc their website says it is safe. How can they say that with the salicylic acid?!?! I am so worried
I have information about this situation in my pregnancy beauty FAQ. Don’t freak out! The info there will hopefully be reassuring.
Wow this is such an incredible and useful post!! I was literally using 3 of these IS products that are on the no go list and I just found out I’m 5 weeks pregnant!! I’ll be heading to your safe pregnancy recommendations right after this to find new options.
Thank you!!
Hello, thank you for your incredibly informative website and posts. I followed your guidance when I was pregnant and I am now breastfeeding. Can you provide more explanation as to why you include active serum on the BF safe list? Looking at the ingredients, it contains arbutin which you deem unsafe. Just want to make sure I am in the clear or whether I should stop the active serum. Thank you!
Ack! They must have reformulated, or had wrong ingredients up! I’ll move it.
The FDA states that all IS clinical products are both pregnancy and breastfeeding safe because they do not penetrate through the skin to the bloodstream. What is your take on this?
The FDA isn’t in the habit of making proclamations like that about specific brands, I’ve never seen statements like that from the FDA, so I’m giving that some side eye…. And also, that isn’t the case for most topical skincare.
Info here on why iS Clinical and I might disagree on what is safe (and it’s because we don’t have real data)
Why does X Brand say this product is safe but you don’t think it is safe? (or Vice Versa)
I’m a bit confused because the Active Serum contains Salix Alba (willow bark) and not salicylic acid. From what I’ve ready, sale alba is safe during pregnancy but the latter isn’t because its in the synthetic form. So shouldn’t the Active Serum be safe during pregnancy?
Im partially freaking out because I’ve been using the Active serum this whole pregnancy and I’m already 25 weeks 🙁
These are the ingredients I have for Active Serum:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol Denat., Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract [Extrait De Canne à Sucre], Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Triethanolamine, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Arbutin, Polyporus Umbellatus (Mushroom) Extract, Menthol, Phenoxyethanol
Note, I called out the willow bark as a salicylate (not salicylic acid, which is something different though is also a salicylate), which it is considered, and that’s something to avoid in pregnancy. As well, more concerning is the arbutin, which is something to avoid in pregnancy and nursing.
Discussion here: skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy
And here: You’ve been using a product with a “bad” ingredient
Hi! Thank you a lot for your help!
Could you please look at this product – Is Clinical Eclipse SPF Tint Beige? Is it safe during pregnancy?
Titanium Dioxide (5.20%), Zinc Oxide (1.10%) and Vitamin E (1%), 1.2-Hexanediol, Acrylates / C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Alumina, Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl, Benzoate, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Disodium EDTA, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Methicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, PEG-100 Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sorbitan Laurate, Styrene / Acrylates Copolymer, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, VP / Eicosene Copolymer, Water / Aqua / Eau, Xanthan Gum +/- Iron Oxides.
Safe for pregnancy and nursing
Hi! Can you please take a look at iS Clinical’s warming honey cleanser?
Glycerin, Honey/Mel/Miel, Myristic Acid, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Papain, Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate, Royal Jelly, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 80, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Propolis Extract [Extrait De Propolis], Triethanolamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.
Thank you!
Safe for pregnancy and nursing
Hi!
The Hydra-Cool Serum contains menthol. Is that pregnancy safe?
Thank you!
Yes, menthol is fine
Hello! Thanks for all the info on your website, finding it very helpful. One question on the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex – when I had asked my OB about skincare last pregnancy, they said face washes were generally fine because they don’t stay on your skin and are rinsed off. Do you agree with that approach as it relates to this product, or still no because of the ingredients?
Thanks!
Laura
Most face washes actually leave a film of active ingredients behind, particularly the ones that promise a lot of benefits.
Hi! What about the iS Clinical Active Peel Treatment System?
As mentioned in the post, I need a full ingredient list to review your product as I’ve reviewed all of the ones I have access to. More info here: why I need an ingredient list to comment on product safety. Note, I do not follow links from readers, I need the actual list. Thanks!
Aplogies!
Ingredients
Step 1
Water/Aqua/Eau, Alcohol, Propanediol, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract [Extrait de canne à sucre], Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Pentylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Aminomethyl Propanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Menthol, Fragrance[Parfum], Disodium EDTA.
Step 2
Water/Aqua/Eau, Propanediol, Scenedesmus Rubescens Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Lentinus Edodes Mycelium Extract, Glycerin, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Maltodextrin, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract, Leucojum Aestivum Bulb Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Glycogen, Sodium PCA, Succinic Acid, Glutathione, Tripeptide-1, Colloidal Gold, Fragrance[Parfum], Sorbitol, PEG-8, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, Sodium Lactate, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Dextran.
Ok for nursing but not pregnancy due to step 1 has willow bark and salicylic acid
Step 2 is ok for pregnancy and nursing, for what it’s worth.
Why is arbutin not breastfeeding safe?
It gets into breast milk and there are concerns that it’s harmful to the baby. It’s the same class as hydroquinone, which we also recommend avoiding.
Hello, wondering if the iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 40 PerfecTint is safe?
Active: Zinc Oxide 15.3%, Titanium Dioxide 1.3%.
Inactive: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Tribehenin, Polyurethane-62, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Aluminum Stearate, Panthenyl Triacetate, Propylene Glycol, Ethyl Linoleate, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Alumina, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Sorbitol/Sebacic Acid Copolymer Behenate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Trideceth-6, Phenoxyethanol, Oleyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Isostearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Polyquaternium-7, Iron Oxides (CI 77491*, CI 77492*, CI77499*). *May contain one or more of these ingredients.
Safe for pregnancy and nursing
Hi
Checking if these are safe. Love! Your resource, amazing!!
1. Is clinical youth body serum
Ingredients Water/Aqua/Eau, Propanediol, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Panthenol, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract, Ergothioneine, Eriodictyon Californicum (Holyherb) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Phormidium Persicinum Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sea Water, Menthol, Citrulline, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PEG-8, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Fragrance.
2. Is clinical brightening serum
Ingredients Butylene Glycol, Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract [Extrait de canne à sucre], Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit/Leaf Extract, Alpha-Arbutin, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Polyporus Umbellatus (Mushroom) Extract, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Menthol, Phenoxyethanol.
#1 Ok for nursing but not pregnancy due to licorice root, salicylate, chemical sunscreen
#2 Avoid in pregnancy and nursing due to the arbutin. It also has willow bark to avoid in pregnancy.
Hello! is PERFECTINT POWDER SPF 40 safe for pregnancy?
This is a powder, which you don’t need to worry about and therefore I do not review. Please refer to this post: Pregnancy Safe Makeup Post.
Hello,
1. Is the IS Clinic Youth Lip safe to use?
Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyisobutene, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Phytosteryl Sunflowerseedate, Trehalose, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glyceride, Dilinoleic Acid/Propanediol Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glyceryl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Cera Microcristallina/Microcrystalline Wax/Cire microcristalline, Paraffin, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Unsaponifiables, Propanediol, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract [Extrait de racine de betterave], Acmella Oleracea Extract, Haberlea Rhodopensis Leaf Extract, Yeast Extract/Faex/Extrait de levure, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Asiaticoside, Flavor [Aroma], Linoleic Acid, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Phospholipids, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Trihydroxystearin, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Panthenol, Glycogen, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA.
2. How about the IS Clinic Lip Polish?
Ingredients:
Sucrose, Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, PEG-4 Olivate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Unsaponifiables, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Flavor [Aroma], Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer.
Both are Safe for pregnancy and nursing
Was wondering if the pro-pal serum advocate plus with zinc sulfate Is safe to use? during pregnancy
As mentioned in the post, I need a full ingredient list to review your product as I’ve reviewed all of the ones I have access to. More info here: why I need an ingredient list to comment on product safety. Note, I do not follow links from readers, I need the actual list. Thanks!
The Super Serum Advance+ has Albutrin in it, but it’s in your pregnancy safe section?
Oh no! It shouldn’t have been there. Thanks for spotting that.
Hi, firstly thank you for compiling these lists for us, you are so incredibly thorough. I have a question about iS clinicals. I see that on your list you’ve listed their eye serum, moisturizing complex and cleansing complex as unsafe for pregnancy or nursing. I know you’ve provided us a lot of information on various parts of your website, and I’ve tried to gather what I can but I’m still having a hard time understanding, do you mind summarizing why these 3 aren’t safe? Their website claims that all their products are pregancy safe. I just feel so confused right now. I used to use the gentle cleanser from the ZO line and the Ultra Nourishing moisturizer from the Alastin line, but at the derm office I go to, the aestheticians recommended I switch to these iS clinicals products (youth eye serum, moisturizing complex and cleaning complex) as they have been told they are guaranteed safe in pregnancy. But your research shows me that the ZO gentle cleanser and Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer is safe. I feel so confused.
Each product says which ingredient is an issue. Discussion on those is here:
skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy
This discussion will help:
Why does X Brand say this product is safe but you don’t think it is safe? (or Vice Versa)
Something to think about: did your aesthetician get training in pregnancy and fetal physiology? No. I would listen somewhat to your dermatologist (though they also don’t get that training), but OB and peds do.
Hi Christine, could you please review this product?
Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 5.20%, Zinc Oxide 1.10%
Inactive ingredients: Water, C12-15 Alkyl benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene glycol, Octyldodecyl neopentanoate, Cetearyl glucoside, Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Alumina, Methicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopherol, VP/Eicosene copolymer, Styrene/Acrylates copolymer, Soritan laurate, Tocopheryl acetate, Xanthan gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Disodium EDTA, Iron Oxides* (CI 77491*, CI 77492*, CI77499*.)
Safe for pregnancy and nursing