Skincare During Pregnancy | Best Safe Beauty Products Guide

Safe skincare during pregnancy is crucial for both you and your baby, which means avoiding harsh chemicals and harmful ingredients found in many daily cosmetics.

Pregnancy is an exciting yet challenging time, especially when dealing with skin changes. Every woman is different—I had terrible dark spots around my eyes that didn’t disappear until long after I gave birth.

Before we dive in, congratulations on your pregnancy! Being a mum is amazing, though those first few weeks can be tough. Hang in there—you’re stronger than you think!

What skincare to avoid during pregnancy?

When it comes to maintaining that pregnancy glow, it’s crucial to know what to avoid during these special months. 

After reading many articles and talking to board-certified dermatologists, I’ve learned that while pregnancy hormones do a lot of work, not all skincare ingredients are safe. 

🎁 Bonus! This safe skincare guide is available as a FREE printable in my Pregnancy, Baby & Postpartum Vault, along with other essential resources to help you prepare for your new arrival. Grab your free access here!

Knowing which ingredients to steer clear of is key to taking care of your skin and your baby. Therefore, I put together a list of 17 skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy:

1. Retinoids: these Vitamin A derivatives, found in many anti-ageing and acne products, are linked to birth defects. This category includes retinol, retinoic acid, and isotretinoin (found in oral medications like Accutane).
2. Hydroquinone: Used for skin lightening, hydroquinone has high systemic absorption, and while there are no conclusive studies showing harm during pregnancy, it’s better to avoid it due to the lack of definitive safety data.
3. Salicylic Acid: Commonly used for acne, high doses, especially in oral form, are linked to risks. Topical salicylic acid in small amounts might be safe, but it’s generally recommended to avoid high-concentration products like peels.
4. Benzoyl Peroxide: Though less studied, benzoyl peroxide is often recommended to be used with caution during pregnancy. Low concentrations might be permissible, but it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider.
5. Formaldehyde: Found in some nail polishes and hair treatments, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause respiratory issues.
6. Chemical Sunscreens: Ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone are linked to hormonal disruption. Opt for physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead.
7. Essential Oils: Some essential oils can be harmful. For example, rosemary and clary sage oils may trigger contractions, while others, like tea tree oil, lack sufficient data on their safety during pregnancy.
8. High-dose vitamin C: While low concentrations are typically safe, high doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in skincare can be irritating and should be used with caution.
9. Botox and Fillers: Cosmetic treatments like Botox and dermal fillers are not recommended during pregnancy due to a lack of safety data.
10. Hydroxy Acids: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) should be used with caution. Glycolic acid and lactic acid in low concentrations may be safe, but it’s best to avoid stronger peels.

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11. Phthalates: Often found in fragrances and various skincare products, phthalates are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to developmental issues in fetuses.
12. Tazorac (Tazarotene): This is a topical retinoid used for acne and psoriasis. It is classified as Category X by the FDA, indicating a high risk of birth defects and should be avoided.
13. Aluminum Chloride: Found in some antiperspirants, aluminium chloride can be absorbed through the skin. Although research is limited, it is generally advised to avoid high-concentration products during pregnancy.
14. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): The active ingredient in many self-tanners, DHA has not been extensively studied for use during pregnancy. Although topical use is likely safe, inhalation during spray tanning is a concern, so it’s best to avoid these products.
15. Sodium Benzoate: Commonly used as a preservative in cosmetics and skincare products, high concentrations of sodium benzoate can be irritating and potentially harmful. While small amounts are generally considered safe, it’s best to use products with lower concentrations or avoid it altogether during pregnancy.
16. Linalool: A common fragrance ingredient that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. While not directly linked to pregnancy complications, it is best to avoid products with high concentrations of linalool.
17. Limonene: Another fragrance ingredient that can cause skin sensitivity and irritation. It can also oxidize to form potentially harmful by-products. Avoiding products with limonene is advisable during pregnancy.

At first, it felt overwhelming, but as I learned more, I felt empowered to make safe choices for myself and my baby. 

The key takeaway? Always patch-test pregnancy-safe alternatives and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about specific products or ingredients.

Which skincare brand is safe for pregnancy?

Choosing beauty products during pregnancy can be tricky. With all the hormonal changes, it’s important to be mindful of what we apply to our skin for both our own health and our baby’s. 

Thankfully, some ingredients, like azelaic acid and shea butter, are safe and effective. Azelaic acid helps with acne and pigmentation, while shea butter provides deep hydration for stretching, itchy skin. 

These ingredients can help create a pregnancy-safe skincare routine that is both effective and luxurious.

Having all these in mind, if you’re looking for what skincare brand is best for pregnancy, here’s a small list of brands to check out.

• Belli Skincare – vegan, cruelty-free & pregnancy-safe skincare.
• EarthMama Organics – has products for both mom and baby. If you’re looking for pregnancy deodorant, body wash, nipple butter, post-partum care products, lactation teas, and more.
• Erbavia Organic Skincare – from farm to bottle – Erbavia has organic products, chemical-free pregnancy and maternity skincare products.
• The Spoiled Mama – OBGYN approved, safe, non-toxic and vegan products. Besides beauty products, you’ll find teas for nausea, lactation, labour prep and more. 
• The Body Shop – has pregnancy safe products, but please double-check ingredients first.
• CeraVe – not all products are pregnancy safe, please check ingredients first.
• check out Cristine from 15 Minute Beauty, who has come up with a huge list of pregnancy-safe skincare products.

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Best Safe Beauty Products Guide

So with all being said, here is a list of pregnancy-safe skin care products. I’ve added some products I used while pregnant and even after pregnancy too, while breastfeeding. 

They, slowly, became some of my favourite skincare products that I probably won’t stop using, that’s how much I love them.

For your convenience, I also categorized and listed them under the main steps of a normal skincare routine.

A quick tip: before you go out and buy a bunch of products, go through the ingredients of the products you already own using the pregnancy safe ingredient checker. This could save you a small fortune!

You can also search your products ingredients using this cool tool, from which you will copy the ingredients and paste them into the pregnancy safe ingredient checker. 

Skincare During Pregnancy for Your Face

Pregnancy safe cleansers & makeup removers:

• Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser
• Micellar Cleansing Water For Dry, Sensitive Skin – I still use this one as a makeup remover!
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
• Homemade Olive Oil Makeup Remover – this is something I used to do a lot, so definitely try it out if you love to make your own homemade products. Olive oil mixed with water – all in a spray bottle. Add 1 part olive oil to 3 parts water.

Pregnancy safe scrubs & exfoliants:

• Steal my homemade scrubs recipes here
• Pixi Glow Tonic – Contains glycolic acid (an AHA) at a safe concentration for gentle exfoliation.
• Belli Skincare Pre-Treatment Scrub

Pregnancy safe toners:

• Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Alcohol-Free Toner
• Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner
• Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin Hydrating Facial Mist

Pregnancy safe moisturizers:

• Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
• All Day Moisture Body Lotion from Belli Skincare
• Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel
• Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream

Pregnancy safe sunscreens:

• EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
• Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30+

Pregnancy safe serums & treatments:

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
• Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum

Pregnancy safe makeup brands:

• RMS Beauty
• ILIA Beauty
• Burt’s Bees
• 100% Pure
• W3LL PEOPLE

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Skincare During Pregnancy for Your Hair

Pregnancy safe shampoo & conditioners:

• SHEA MOISTURE Jamaican Black Castor Oil Shampoo
• SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo
• Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Quinoa Co-Wash

Pregnancy safe hair masks:

• Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
• Remember to download my homemade hair masks

Pregnancy safe hairstyling products:

No styling products are safe for pregnancy use. So I was extremely disappointed because I couldn’t use my Batiste any more. It’s a total lifesaver if you have an oily scalp. 

• Acure Organics Dry Shampoo
• Baby powder

You should avoid dying your hair while in pregnancy. To be honest, I still dyed my hair twice in nine months. 

Skincare During Pregnancy for your Body

Pregnancy safe body washes:

• Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel
• Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash
• Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
• Plain Homemade sugar coffee body scrub 

Pregnancy safe lotions & stretch mark creams:

• Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion
• Earth Mama Belly Butter
• Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter For Stretch Marks

Pregnancy safe deodorants:

• Native Deodorant
• Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant
• Kopari Coconut Deodorant

📌 Related article: My Pregnancy Transformation – photo & video

General Tips for Choosing Pregnancy-Safe Products

• Check for harmful ingredients: Avoid products containing parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, retinoids, and certain essential oils.
• Opt for fragrance-free: Fragrances can contain hidden chemicals that may not be safe.
• Read labels carefully: Look for products labelled as free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and other harmful chemicals.
• Choose natural and organic: Products labelled as natural or organic are often safer.
• Consult your healthcare provider: If in doubt about any product or ingredient, always consult with your healthcare provider.

Understanding Skin Changes During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many people talk about the famous pregnancy glow. But with all the hormonal changes, you might notice other skin changes too. 

These can include itchy skin in the third trimester, fine lines, dry skin, and even varicose veins. 

Our bodies are constantly changing. The good news is that understanding how these skin changes are linked to hormones can help. For me, shea butter have been safe and effective choices. 

As our bellies grow and our skin stretches, it’s important to not only choose the right skincare products, but also to embrace these changes with patience and knowledge.

Conclusions

Pregnancy brings both beauty and challenges, especially in maintaining that pregnancy glow. 

Hormonal changes can lead to dry skin, fine lines, and other skin issues, making it crucial to adjust your skincare routine. It’s important for both your skin’s health and your baby’s safety. 

Following advice from a board-certified dermatologist, using pregnancy-safe ingredients like azelaic acid, shea butter, and mineral-based sunscreens can make a big difference. Hormonal changes can also increase skin sensitivity to the sun, so switching to mineral sunscreens is essential for protection. 

Avoiding certain ingredients like topical retinoids and retinyl palmitate is crucial due to their potential risks. For acne, choose products free from endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Natural moisturizers can help with dry, itchy skin and support your skin’s barrier during these months. 

As we appreciate the changes in our bodies, let’s also take care of our skin with love and attention, ensuring a safe and radiant pregnancy journey.

Now it’s your turn, please share in the comments what other product you would add to this list. I’m sure that other moms to be will highly appreciate any ideas you might have. 

Happy pregnancy!

Xx Kinga 

FAQs about Skincare During Pregnancy

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