Topical vitamin C serum is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Dermatology and antenatal skincare guidance commonly list vitamin C among the actives that are fine to keep using, because very little is absorbed through the skin. As always, this is general information drawn from authorities like the AAD and NHS, not a personal medical opinion.
Vitamin C (often listed as L-ascorbic acid, or gentler forms like sodium ascorbyl phosphate) is an antioxidant applied to the skin to brighten tone, soften dark spots, and support collagen. It is one of the most common ingredients in over-the-counter serums. Applied topically, only a small amount is absorbed into the body.
Vitamin C is a normal part of the diet and is not linked to pregnancy risk when used on the skin. Dermatology guidance, including from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), frequently groups vitamin C with antioxidants that are reasonable to continue during pregnancy. Unlike retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), which the AAD and NHS advise avoiding in pregnancy, vitamin C is not in the caution category. No authority has flagged topical vitamin C as a pregnancy concern.
Vitamin C can be irritating, and skin is often more sensitive in pregnancy, so patch-test a new product and start with a lower strength. Check the full ingredient list, since serums sometimes combine vitamin C with retinol or salicylic acid, ingredients that carry their own pregnancy cautions. If you have melasma or unusual skin changes, mention them to your midwife or provider. When in doubt, a fragrance-free vitamin C serum used once daily is a sensible choice.