Skincare ingredient checker
Pregnancy-safe skincare, explained.
Check what's really inside your skincare, from K-beauty to brands around the world: what each ingredient does, whether it's one to avoid or use with caution during pregnancy, and which common allergens it contains, with the evidence behind every rating.
- products
- 56,381
- products
- brands
- 1,139
- brands
- ingredients
- 25,221
- ingredients
- countries
- 22
- countries
How it works
Step 1
Search a product
Look up a product, a brand, or a single ingredient you're curious about.
Step 2
See every ingredient
Read the full ingredient list, with the ones worth knowing about called out.
Step 3
Understand the flags
See why an ingredient is flagged for pregnancy or allergies, and where that guidance comes from.
Browse by category
Find the type of product you're looking for.
Browse by brand
Some of the biggest brands in the catalog, from Korea and beyond.
What the ratings mean
Every product gets a pregnancy rating from its ingredient list, with the reason shown on the product. It's general guidance, not medical advice.
- Pregnancy-safe
None of the ingredients we flag for pregnancy or trying to conceive.
- Use caution
Has an ingredient that's commonly limited or used carefully, like salicylic acid or some chemical sunscreen filters.
- Avoid
Has an ingredient that's generally advised against in pregnancy, like retinol or other retinoids.
See what's inside
Every product's full ingredient list, searchable by brand, product, or ingredient.
Know what to watch for
Flags for ingredients commonly avoided or used with caution while trying to conceive or pregnant, plus fragrance, essential oils, and other common allergens.
Check the evidence
Every safety note comes from published ingredient data and medical guidance, with the sources shown.
Why Jouaxia?
Jouaxia is inspired by ntsuab xiab, the Hmong word for greenery. I started it because I love K-beauty, and because trying to conceive made me stop and ask what's actually in the products I use every day. It's a place to look up ingredients, pregnancy-safety flags, and common allergens, so you can choose with your eyes open.
Read why I started Jouaxia →Latest from the blog
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Common questions
See all questions →What is Jouaxia?
Jouaxia is a skincare catalog that shows each product's full ingredient list, a pregnancy-safety rating, and common allergens, so you can check what's inside a product before you use or buy it. It started with K-beauty and is growing to include brands from around the world.
How does Jouaxia rate pregnancy safety?
Each product is rated from its ingredient list. It's rated Avoid if it contains a retinoid (such as retinol or retinyl palmitate) or hydroquinone; Use caution if it contains salicylic acid or betaine salicylate, arbutin, the sunscreen filters oxybenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, or avobenzone, or clary sage or rosemary oil; and Pregnancy-safe otherwise. The rules follow ACOG guidance (via MotherToBaby), Mayo Clinic, and Bozzo et al. 2011.
Where does the ingredient information come from?
Ingredient lists come from published product data, and each product page links to its source. Formulas change over time, so check the packaging of the product you buy.
Which skincare ingredients should I avoid while pregnant or trying to conceive?
Retinoids and hydroquinone are the ingredients most commonly advised against in pregnancy. Salicylic acid, arbutin, and some chemical sunscreen filters are often limited or used with caution. Check your own routine with your OB-GYN, fertility specialist, or dermatologist.
Is Jouaxia medical advice?
No. Jouaxia's ratings are general, precautionary information based on ingredient lists and published guidance. They don't account for concentration or your personal health, so talk to your doctor about what's right for you.
How should I care for my vagina?
Your vagina cleans itself, so it doesn't need soap, washes, or douches, which doctors advise against. Wash your vulva (the outside) with warm water or a mild, unscented soap, wipe front to back, and see a doctor if discharge changes or you have itching or burning. See the vaginal care routine.
Know what you're putting on your skin.
Look up the products you already own, or check one before you buy it.
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