How safe is kojic soap during pregnancy? Does it affect the baby in any way? Many pregnant women worry about the effect of kojic soap on their unborn children and are reluctant to use it.
As with most products, there’s no evidence that proves that kojic soap can be harmful to your baby when you use it during pregnancy, but you should always consult your doctor first before using any product, just to be on the safe side.
About Kojic Soap
Studies have shown that kojic acid can safely lighten your skin when used in moderation.
That being said, there is one case of irritation reported in association with kojic soap use during pregnancy.
It’s always a good idea to avoid the use of any chemical or product you haven’t tried before, especially during pregnancy.
Do not use kojic soap if you are allergic to hydroquinone or arbutin, as these may be listed among its ingredients on labels.
And if you are concerned about any side effects, such as abnormal hair growth, discolouration or an unusual scent, discontinue use and contact your doctor right away.
Ingredients of Kojic Soap
Following is a list of ingredients found in kojic soap: Potassium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Aqua, Palm Oil, Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Triethanolamine.
Potassium hydroxide is a strong base that is also used as an ingredient in detergents and liquid soaps.
Glycerin helps make the soap more lubricating and moisturizing when used together with a fatty acid such as palm oil.
In its pure form, glycerin can irritate the skin because it draws moisture from tissues into itself.
The lactic acid in kojic soap helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote healthy skin growth.
Sodium hydroxide (also known as caustic soda) is a strong alkali that can irritate skin and mucous membranes if not diluted sufficiently before use.
Side effects of each ingredient
Over-the-counter cleaners can contain many chemicals, so it’s smart to review their ingredient lists before using them.
Look out for these ingredients in kojic soap and ask your doctor if you are concerned about possible side effects:
Glycerin: Don’t use glycerin if you have a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea; in some cases, it can make these conditions worse.
It may also irritate sensitive skin.
Kojic acid: Some people may be allergic to kojic acid, although severe reactions are rare.
If you develop hives, itching or other signs of an allergic reaction after using kojic soap, stop using it immediately and talk with your doctor.
Menthol: In high doses (more than 6 grams per day), menthol may cause headache, nausea and vomiting in some people—although these reactions are rare when menthol is used topically on the skin.
Which ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether or not certain ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy.
A common ingredient that is often confusing is kojic acid, a substance used in many soaps, shampoos and skin products to lighten dark areas on your skin like freckles or age spots.
Experts advise on the effect of Kojic Soap on Fetus
Although it’s considered a cosmetic ingredient, kojic acid can be found in toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner.
According to MedlinePlus, when taken by mouth or applied to the skin, kojic acid is not expected to cause adverse side effects.
However, there is limited information about how long-term exposure could affect your baby during pregnancy.
It’s generally safe to use kojic soap during pregnancy as long as you follow all package instructions and do not exceed recommended dosages.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor if using kojic soap is right for you.
Read Also: 15 Best Medicated Soap in Nigeria (Tura, Crusader, Tetmosol and More)
How Much Time Is Safe Between Skin Exposure And Conception?
There is no scientific evidence or research to show how much time needs to pass between skin exposure and conception.
In fact, very little research has been done to that effect. The best thing you can do is discuss using kojic soap with your doctor and ask about any potential risks.
If your doctor doesn't seem concerned, it's safe to assume it's safe for use during pregnancy.
However, kojic acid could have adverse side effects that are unknown. It's always better to be safe than sorry when pregnant.
Is Kojic Soap Safe For Pregnancy? The truth.
If you’re pregnant and have questions about whether or not you can use kojic soap during your pregnancy, then relax.
There are many reasons why kojic soap may be a good idea when pregnant. However, there are also some reasons to avoid it.
A discussion of both will follow. First, let’s look at what kojic soap is.
Kojic acid is an organic compound that occurs naturally in various foods like soy sauce and rice wine vinegar.
It is used as a food additive because of its ability to prevent discolouration in products like meats and cheeses.
In addition to being used as an additive in food products, kojic acid has been used for years as an ingredient in skin care products including soaps because of its ability to lighten age spots on the skin while removing dead skin cells that cause dullness on skin surfaces.
Because of these properties, kojic soap is often marketed to people who want to treat hyperpigmentation issues on their skin.
But does it work? Does kojic soap really help with hyperpigmentation issues? Let’s take a closer look.
The truth is that there hasn’t been much research done regarding how effective kojic soap is in treating hyperpigmentation issues.
Most studies have focused on other aspects of kojic acids, such as their antioxidant properties and potential effects on cancer cells.
Although more research needs to be done regarding kojic soap's effectiveness in treating hyperpigmentation issues, current evidence suggests that it might help remove dead skin cells from our surface layers.
Dead skin cell removal could definitely benefit someone suffering from hyperpigmentation by helping reduce dark patches on their skin caused by uneven melanin production.
However, just because a product seems safe doesn't mean it actually is safe.
Read Also: K Brothers Soap: Reviews, benefits and precaution
Conclusion
When it comes to soap, our bodies are like sponges—they absorb many things we come into contact with.
For pregnant women, what they put on their skin can have an effect on their unborn child in so many ways.
Some products may interfere with nutrients like folic acid that are vital to fetal development.
Others may contain harmful ingredients such as steroids and parabens.
When it comes to kojic soap, there’s not enough information available to determine its safety during pregnancy—but you should be aware of potential dangers.
While using kojic soap will likely have little effect on your baby if you’re only a few weeks pregnant, there is always a chance that your baby could develop issues later in pregnancy or at birth.
My name is Wisdom Bassey, I’m a blog content writer and graphic designer who provides support and services for brands and different companies. I’m young and versatile, A tech enthusiast. I carry out deep research on every topic I choose to write about. You can reach me through my social media handles, I’m always available and ready to connect.
The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you to interpret any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.