Is Willow Bark Safe for Pregnancy?

Here at Cha Cha Mamma, we are always on the hunt for natural, research-based beauty ingredients that are safe for pregnancy and beyond. While some ingredients, such as alcohol or salicylic acid, are easier to decipher whether or not they are safe for pregnancy, there are also a few very natural-sounding ingredients that are in fact not supported by research to be safe for pregnancy. We must remember that although they seem harmless, plants are powerful, and have powerful effects on our bodies and our babies.  

At first glance, willow bark seems like a luxurious and soothing ingredient that would be super safe for pregnancy. Many mammas (totally understandably) wouldn’t even think to look it up. Willow bark, when ingested actually turns into salicylic acid, which is not recommended for pregnancy (Gautam J. Desai DO et al., 2018). In terms of applying it topically, as it is in so many skincare products, there is simply not enough research to support whether or not it is safe, so we vote that pregnant mammas try to avoid it! Make sure to check your products for willow bark because it may be hidden amongst other ingredients! Always remember to consult your health care provider before consuming anything during pregnancy.