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Take care of your skin during pregnancy with our list of the best skin care products to use during pregnancy. When you are pregnant, your body goes through hormonal changes that can affect your skin. While some soon-to-be moms experience a healthy glow and smooth skin, others may deal with pigmentation, heightened skin sensitivity, or excess acne breakouts.
Our list includes gentle, safe products that won’t irritate your skin. They are free of harmful chemicals and other substances you should avoid during pregnancy. So, explore some tried-and-tested, pregnancy-safe skincare products for pregnant women to choose one that suits your needs.
Top Picks
Safe Skincare Products For Pregnant Women
Choose the products that are specially formulated to meet the needs of pregnant women. Here is a list of such products you may consider buying.
1. Best Anti-Aging Skin Care Product: Teddie Organics Rosehip Seed Oil
This oil-based pregnancy-safe moisturizer helps soothe dry skin, slows down aging, and reduces fine lines. It also works effectively in protecting your skin from scars, burns, and stretch marks. The purity of this body care product can be gauged by the fact that it contains only one ingredient — 100% organic and unrefined rosehip oil.
Pros
- Effective for dry and itchy skin
- Can be used as a carrier oil
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum
- Does not leave any residue
Cons
- Some may not like the slightly intense smell
- Does not absorb quickly
Caution2. Best Mineral Sunscreen For Melasma: Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 32,100 positive reviews on Amazon.
Everyday use of this mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide helps treat melasma that appears on the forehead, upper lip, and cheeks. It includes a safe component, niacinamide that works on redness and discoloration. Watch this review from a board-certified dermatologist to better understand this sunscreen.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Lightweight and silky
- Calms and protects acne-prone skin
- Offers UVA/UVB protection
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
- Free of parabens and fragrances
Cons
- May cause an allergic reaction in some
- Not ideal for super-sensitive skin
3. Best Anti-Fungal And Vegan Body Wash: ArtNaturals Essential Bath and Body Wash
The naturally refreshing tea tree body wash is specially formulated for deep-cleansing, renewing and refreshing the skin. It combines the scents of tea tree oil, peppermint, eucalyptus, and other essential oils.
Pros
- Antifungal and antiseptic
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum components
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
- Aromatic, invigorating body wash
Cons
- Not ideal for extremely sensitive and dry skin
Teddie Organics Rosehip Seed Oil Best Anti-Aging Skin Care Product | Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 Best Mineral Sunscreen For Melasma | ArtNaturals Essential Bath and Body Wash Best Anti-Fungal And Vegan Body Wash | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 6.22 x 3.7 x 3.43 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 1 Ounces | - | 14.08 Ounces |
| Number of Items | - | 1 | - |
| Weight | - | 1.58 Ounces | - |
| Dimensions | - | 1.63 x 1.63 x 1.5 inches | 2.5 x 2.5 x 6.5 inches |
| Skin Type | - | - | Dry |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 6,599 | 32,100 | 3,065 |
| Price | $12.95 | $39.0 | $12.95 |
Remember4. Best For Even Skin Tone: Bliss of Greece 100% Pure Nature’s Moisturizer
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 31,735 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
Ancient Greek remedy oil is a blend of olive, sweet almond, grapeseed and lavender Oils along with gluten and vitamin E. You may use it for your skin, hair and nails. Before buying, watch this review video to explore a tester’s experience with using the product.
Pros
- 100% organic moisturizer
- Targets uneven skin tone and lessens pigmentation
- Offers lasting moisturizing effect for rough and dry skin
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
- Some might find the scent strong
5. Best Natural Lightweight Body Oil: Burts Bees 100% Natural Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 14,208 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
The pregnancy-safe body oil is a blend of vitamin E, lemon, and sweet almond oils that help recondition the skin throughout pregnancy. This pediatrician-tested pregnancy skin care product keeps your skin soft and supple making you feel refreshed.
Pros
- 100% natural ingredients
- Can be applied all over the body
- Free from parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum
- Lightweight texture
Cons
- May be slightly greasy
- Has a strong lemony scent
- Not effective on the appearance of stretch marks
6. Best Perfume- And Dye-Free Classic Soap: Ivory Clean Bath Bars
This classic and original bar is free of heavy perfumes and dyes and is, therefore, gentle over the skin. It cleanses your skin and yields a hydrated and smooth skin texture.
Pros
- 99.44% pure and clean
- Forms good lather
- Free from parabens, phthalates, and artificial colorants
- Available in a pack of ten
Cons
- Smells musty
- Dries out sensitive skin
Quick tip7. Best Natural Spray: Briotech Topical Skin Spray
The electrically-charged and versatile misting spray is made of three simple ingredients–salt, water and hypochlorous (HOCl). HOCl is an oxidizing agent that boosts the skin’s natural healing responses.
Pros
- Contains no additives, preservatives, or buffers
- Free of parabens, sulfates, oils, alcohol, and fragrances
- Hypoallergenic and non-irritating
- Suitable for scars and blemishes
Cons
- Could cause dryness of skin
- Has a slight chlorine smell
8. Best Collagen-Boosting Serum: Image Skincare Vital C-Hydrating Serum
This is a comforting serum with primary ingredient vitamin C that boosts collagen production. It thus gives skin a plump effect and makes it firmer. It also protects the skin from harmful UV radiations. Another key ingredient is vitamin E that optimizes the moisture balance in the skin.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Pleasant fragrance
- Brightens and tightens the skin
- Rejuvenates tired and dull skin
Cons
- May not be ideal for oily skin
- Pump mechanism may not be great
9. Best Skin-Safe Makeup Remover: Beauty by Earth Organic Makeup Remover
This natural makeup remover removes the stubborn makeup on your skin. Formulated with organic aloe vera, witch hazel, cucumber extract, green tea extract, and sweet orange essential oil, it can even remove waterproof makeup.
Pros
- Ideal for any skin type
- Free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, artificial fragrances, and mineral oils
- Moisturizing and hydrating
- Gluten-free and cruelty-free
Cons
- Not for those with sensitive eyes
- Not suitable for removing mascara
10. Best Skin-Detox Natural Body Scrub: Majestic Pure Arabica Coffee Scrub – All Natural Body Scrub
The Arabica coffee scrub is a pregnancy-safe exfoliator that is specially formulated with coffee beans to work on the appearance of stretch marks, cellulite, acne, and eczema. Its key ingredients include exfoliating oils, salts, and brown sugars that moisturize and regenerate the skin. The purity of this skincare product lies in the fact that it is primarily made of organic ingredients.
Pros
- 100% natural ingredients
- Excellent for skin detox and dead skin removal
- Hydrates, nourishes, and protects the skin
- Coffee aroma smells amazing
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
- Could cause dryness
11. Best Antioxidant-Rich Facial Cleanser: OZ Naturals Vitamin C Facial Cleanser
The antioxidant-rich facial cleanser is formulated with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, rosehip oil, goji berry, and vitamin C. This pregnancy-safe skincare product stimulates the skin’s rate of exfoliation and leaves the skin brighter, clearer, and smoother.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Deeply moisturizes the skin
- Contains no alcohol, parabens and preservatives
- Cold-pressed and cruelty-free
Cons
- Some may find the scent intense
- May not work for extremely sensitive skin
12. Best Quick-Absorbing Cold-Pressed Oil: Life-Flo Pure Grapeseed Oil
It is rich in essential fatty acids including oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic and palmitoleic, all of which offer emollient properties to the skin and hair. It nourishes, tones and tightens the skin without causing any breakouts and clogging pores.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Quickly absorbed into the skin
- Can be applied directly to the skin, or used as a base for creams, lotions and massage oils
- Cold-pressed and food-grade oil
- Great base for aromatherapy
Cons
- Not 100% organic
- Some may not like the smell
13. Best UV-Safe Hydrating Body Scrub: Eminence Organics Monoi Age Corrective Night Cream for Face & Neck
The corrective cream-cum-moisturizer prevents sagging skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles that develop with age. This pregnancy face cream, therefore, gives the skin a smoother, younger and plumper look.
Pros
- Suitable for dry and normal skin types
- Has antioxidant properties
- Hydrates the skin
- Suitable for day and night use
Cons
- Not ideal for super sensitive skin
- Thick consistency
14. Best For Collagen Production: TriLastin Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream
This maternity skincare product is a richly formulated scrub made of sweet coconut milk, vitamin E, and six essential oils. It gently exfoliates and moisturizes the skin, giving it a radiant glow. This pregnancy skin care product for stretch marks offers deep hydration and leaves your skin smooth and supple.
Pros
- Boosts collagen production
- Improves skin elasticity
- Has a subtle refreshing fragrance
- Prevents scarring
- Moisturizes and hydrates
Cons
- Not ideal for sensitive skin
- May feel slightly rough on application
15. Best Hypoallergenic Makeup Remover Wipe: Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Removing Wipes
Made of aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile, these are ultra-soft makeup remover wipes. They remove the dirt and impurities from your face and provide a soothing cleansing experience. They are recommended by board-certified dermatologists and clinically tested to be safe for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
- Free of parabens and fragrances
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
- Leaves skin fresh and smooth
Cons
- Not suitable for dry skin and sensitive eyes
- Slightly thin
[ Read : Cetaphil Baby Soap ]
How To Choose The Right Skincare Products For Pregnant Women?
Here are some significant factors to consider when buying the right products suitable for your pregnancy skincare routine.
- Formula: Choose products free of parabens, phthalates, artificial colorants, and other harmful chemicals. It’s better to choose organic moisturizers during pregnancy. Skincare products with vitamin E and collagen might be suitable. Always check the key ingredient list as well as filler ingredients before finalizing your purchase.
- Fragrance: Consider skincare products with mild or no odor, as strong fragrances may cause discomfort and nausea during pregnancy. Avoid products with artificial fragrances to prevent allergies and sensitivity.
- Skin type: Choose the products based on your skin type. While many products cater to all skin types, finding those that specifically target your skin condition and concerns might yield better results.
- Approved by dermatologists: Select skin products recommended by certified dermatologists for the well-being of moms-to-be and their children, as they ensure the formula is suitable for pregnant women before approving the product.
Easy Skin Care Tips During Pregnancy
Here are a few pregnancy-safe skincare routine tips to manage your maternity-related skin changes and feel better.
- Follow skincare regimen twice a day: Begin with a basic regimen of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing the skin twice a day. This helps prevent acne, accumulation of dirt, aging spots, and fine lines and removes traces of makeup. It also clears the pores and adds glow to the skin (1).
- Protect your skin from the sun: You need broad-spectrum protection (which effectively works against UVA and UVB radiations). Stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day and apply sunscreen every day, rain or shine.
- Avoid products with toxic ingredients: Ingredients such as parabens, toluene, phthalates, formaldehyde, salicylic acid, beta-hydroxy acids, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), and aluminum chloride, could harm your skin. Before you use any skin products, check for the ingredients and avoid products with harmful ingredients (2).
- Stop using acne medication: If you are on topical or oral acne medicine, stop them once you get pregnant. Drugs containing Retin-A, Accutane, and other retinoids are absorbed through the skin and can seep into the fetal bloodstream. They are not pregnancy-safe ingredients as they are known to cause birth defects (3) related to the brain, face, and heart.
- Address the stretch marks: Stretch marks are inevitable and can’t be completely prevented or erased. However, with care you can reduce their intensity and spread. Massage your belly, breasts, and hips every day using body butter such as shea butter, or natural body oil such as olive oil or almond oil (4).
- Take up gentle exercises: Moderate exercises such as brisk walking, low impact aerobics, and yoga improve blood circulation and flush out the toxins through sweat. Thus, nutrients are supplied to the skin, making it supple and healthier.
- Increase fluid intake: One of the beauty rules is to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. It boosts blood circulation and eliminates toxins.
- Limit your makeup: Your skin undergoes changes due to hormonal fluctuations. Therefore, try not to put an extra burden on the skin by using heavy make-up, especially those products which have synthetic ingredients. If necessary, wear a water-based and light makeup, which you can wash easily. Do not apply heavy products as it clogs the pores and causes breakouts.
- Avoid over-exfoliation: You may want to exfoliate your skin to avoid breakouts. But avoid it during pregnancy when the skin is sensitive and there is an increased risk of scars. Also, do not pick or pop a pimple.
- Relax well: Not just the external measures, you need to take care of your skin internally too. Relax and take enough rest and sleep. Get mild facials and prenatal massage to reduce your stress levels.
- Eat well: A healthy diet is necessary for your overall health, including skincare, during pregnancy. Have a balanced diet. Eat raw salads containing tomato, cabbage, lettuce, lemon, dates, apple and walnuts, omega oils such as eggs, fish and nuts, predominantly essential vitamins and minerals. These foods clear the toxins and keep the skin hydrated and glowing.
[ Read : Cetaphil Moisturising Cream Uses ]
Skincare Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy
Although most of the commonly used skin products are safe, certain ingredients are good to avoid. They are:
- Retinoids: Studies have observed a possible link between retinoids, such as Retin-A, renova, differin, avage, retinols, retinylpalmitate, and tazorac, to birth defects as the ingredients get absorbed into the skin. Also, they aggravate cell turnover making the skin susceptible to sun damage and pigmentation (5).
- Hydroquinone: The skin whitening agent gets absorbed into the body on topical application. Avoid idrochinone, and quinol/1-4 dihydroxy benzene/1-4 hydroxy benzene (6).
- Aluminum salts: These are used in antiperspirants. Avoid aluminum chloride hexahydrate and aluminiumcholorohydrate.
- Chemical sunscreens: Avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, octocrylene, oxtinoxate, oxybenzone, oxtocrylene and menthylanthranilate are the ingredients that you might want to avoid during pregnancy.
- Beta hydroxyl acids: Salicylic acid, tropic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid and trethocanic acid are some of them.
- Diethanolamine (DEA): Oleamide DEA, cocomide DEA and lauramide DEA are found in body and hair products.
- Formaldehyde: Found in nail polishes, eyelash glue and hair straightening treatments. Check for hydantoin, quaternium-15, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM), diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, bromopol and sodium hydroxymethylglycinate.
- Toluene: Methylbenzene and toluol are present in nail enamels.
- Thioglycolic acid: Acetyl mercaptan, thiovanic acid and mercaptoacetic acid are found in hair removers (7).
APRN, MSN, FNP-C, a California-based certified nurse practitioner, says, “Hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation are common during pregnancy. And it’s only natural to want to do all one can to get rid of these and feel more confident. However, one should know that not all skincare products are safe for use during pregnancy. For example, although essential oils, clary sage, and jasmine have been known to induce labor, the strong scent of these oils could add to nausea.” Shawnda adds, “Avoid using products that have retinol (Retin-A and retinyl palmitate) as an active ingredient in skincare at all costs as studies have linked excessive intake of retinol to birth defects, such as malformation of vital organs.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to use skin care products while pregnant?
Skincare products free from harmful chemicals, hydroquinone, and retinoids are safe during pregnancy (8). However, consult a certified physician or healthcare professionals before using skin care products if you’re concerned about the safety of a specific product.
2. Can I use vitamin C serum while pregnant?
Experts say that vitamin C helps treat dark circles and spots. It is okay to use a pregnancy-safe serum when used within limits. However, for a personalized assessment, it’s better to get an opinion from a certified gynecologist or dermatologist.
3. Is makeup safe during pregnancy?
Makeup that is free of toxic chemicals is safe to wear during pregnancy. However, avoid mineral makeup as it may contain heavy metals.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag, our inhouse writer of skincare products, has compiled this list of the best skin care products that are safe and gentle on the skin, preventing rashes and discomfort. These options have been picked based on in-depth research into each product’s features, benefits, and drawbacks, so you can find the right fit for your needs. Poulami has also added some tips and ingredients to avoid, so you know which product is the right one for you.
The Bottom Line
A woman undergoes various physical and hormonal changes during pregnancy. Such changes can affect one’s skin as well. Stretch marks and dry skin are pretty common during this phase. Hence, investing in the best skincare products to use during pregnancy would be helpful. Our top picks include the zinc-oxide-based Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 sunscreen for adequate protection and the pediatrician-tested Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil. You may also choose the Briotech Topical Skin Spray for combating irritations. Ensure to check the labels of the products to avoid harmful chemicals or artificial ingredients. It is time to pamper your changing skin and give it all the care and nourishment it requires.
Infographic: Which Skincare Products Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, it is crucial to exercise caution when selecting skincare products, as certain ingredients may potentially affect both the mother and the developing baby. Explore the infographic below to learn about the common skincare products to avoid during pregnancy.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
1. Dominic Hernandez; Face washing: Dos & don’ts; Texas A&M Health Science Center
2. Protect yourself: Avoiding harmful chemicals in personal care products; NIH
3. ChanapaTantibanchachai; Retinoids as teratogens; The Embryo Project at Arizona State University
4. K. Korgavkar and F. Wang; Stretch marks during pregnancy: a review of topical prevention; British Journal of Dermatology (2014)
5. All about retinols and retinoids part 2: retinoids; Estelle Skin Care and Spa Institute (2024)
6. Hydroquinone; National Center for Biotechnology Information
7. Beauty ingredients to avoid during pregnancy; A:care; Abbott
8. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy
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