The Best Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products, According to Dermatologists

Pregnancy Safe Skincare Featuring Bio-Oil, La Roche-Posay and EltaMD Skincare Products On Yellow Gradient Background — Photo:
Parents

I had to simplify my exhaustive skincare routine as soon as I learned I was expecting a baby—those days of doing 10 separate steps are long behind me. However, I was unprepared when the “pregnancy glow” that had made my deep complexion look brighter and healthier suddenly changed to a darker, patchier appearance, or what my OB-GYN referred to as a “pregnancy mask.”

“During pregnancy, the skin is affected by hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and a shifted immune response,” says OB-GYN Gunvor Ekman-Ordeberg, MD, PhD. “These factors can lead to hyperpigmentation like dark spots and melasma, acne breakouts and congestion, dryness and sensitivity, and stretch marks.”

Building a new skincare routine is probably not high on your list of priorities when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. However, Dr. Ekman-Ordenberg emphasizes the importance of using products tailored to your individual needs and conditions. To help you choose pregnancy-safe skincare that won’t compromise your or your baby’s health, we interviewed four dermatology and gynecology specialists, spoke to parents, studied ingredient labels, and tested many of the recommended products ourselves.

Our Top Picks

Best Facial Cleanser:

SALE

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser at Amazon ~~$13~~ $10

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Best Body Wash:

CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash at Amazon $12

Jump to Review

Best for Stretch Marks:

SALE

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil at Amazon ~~$14~~ $11

Jump to Review

Best for Melasma:

SALE

RoC Daily Serum at Amazon ~~$35~~ $27

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Best Sunscreen:

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 at Amazon $44

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Best Face Moisturizer:

TULA Night Cream at Amazon $20

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Best Lip Balm:

Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm at Amazon $24

Jump to Review

Best Body Lotion:

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Cream at Amazon $20

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Best Serum:

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid at Amazon $10

Jump to Review

Best for Acne:

Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% at Amazon $36

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What Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy?

There are certain skincare ingredients medical experts warn to steer clear of because of the potentially serious risks they pose to your unborn baby. These include:
- Retinol. This cult-favorite skincare ingredient and its prescription byproducts, such as tretinoin, isotretinoin, and adapalene, should be avoided during pregnancy. “Retinoids are classified by the FDA as ‘Category X,’ meaning they have a known risk of causing congenital malformations, so there are no benefits that outweigh the risks of retinoid use during pregnancy,” says Anate Brauer, MD, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist.
- Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid doesn’t have clearly defined FDA pregnancy safety ratings. However, dermatologists often recommend using a gentle facial cleanser with low percentages of the ingredient to manage oily, acne-prone skin in pregnant people. The absorption of salicylic acid has been found to be insignificant when topically applied to smaller areas for limited spans of time.
- Fragrance. Most pregnant people avoid this altogether, as there are fragrances and odors that can trigger or worsen morning sickness symptoms and allergic reactions. It’s also very common to find fragrances listed as an ingredient in cosmetics. Researchers have linked phthalates—a chemical formula found in scented products—to an increased risk of preterm birth or harmful impact on fetal development.
- Parabens. This skincare ingredient is commonly used as a preservative in skincare products and medications. Yet, many medical professionals, including Dr. Brauer, tell patients to avoid it as “they disrupt the endocrine system and can lead to unwanted pregnancy outcomes.”
- Hydroquinone. Creams containing hydroquinone have become the standard for treating hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and melasma. Recent studies do not illustrate any adverse effects in pregnant people; however, limiting or eliminating the use of hydroquinone is recommended based on the significant absorption.
Can You Use Retinol While Pregnant?

This vitamin A derivative is available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms and is often recommended for treating acne, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting collagen production, and improving skin discoloration and elasticity. However, the dermatologists we interviewed were all in agreement that retinol or retinoids (tretinoin, tazarotene, and isotretinoin) should not be used during pregnancy. The American Academy of Dermatology Association outright lists this as a treatment to stop taking during pregnancy.

Risks of mental and physical birth defects linked to a condition known as fetal retinoid syndrome have been associated with retinol or retinoid use. Symptoms can vary in severity, but Dr. Boakye highlights microphthalmia (abnormally small eyes), anophthalmia (absence of one or both eyes), and craniofacial abnormalities associated with holoprosencephaly-aprosencephaly spectrum disorders.
Is Hyaluronic Acid Safe in Pregnancy?

“For pregnant women experiencing dry skin, hyaluronic acid is a great choice to maintain hydration and strengthen the skin barrier,” says Dr. Brauer. The naturally occurring substance in the body acts like a humectant by attracting and retaining water molecules. This helps keep the skin plump and healthy from the inside out.

When hyaluronic acid is applied topically via products such as cleansers, serums, creams, essences, or masks, Dr. Brauer notes that it does not penetrate the skin deeply enough to pose any risk to a developing fetus. Other benefits include: its lightweight nature, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, and ability to layer well with most skincare ingredients.
Is Vitamin C Skincare Safe During Pregnancy?

If you are unhappy about giving up or being unable to use retinol, consider discussing with a dermatologist the option of replacing it with vitamin C. The ingredient is considered pregnancy safe and has no known risks. Still, Dr. Ekman-Ordenberg cautions that the effectiveness of vitamin C in improving hyperpigmentation and melasma depends on the specific formulation and concentration used. Dr. Boakye adds that high concentrations or certain forms of vitamin C, such as ascorbic acid, may cause irritation, especially for pregnant people with sensitive skin.

Best Facial Cleanser

Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

Photo: Amazon

$13 $10 at Amazon $16 $9 at Walmart $12 at Walgreens

Why We Like It

Vanicream is in a category of its own when it comes to cleansers. This soap-free facial wash contains no dyes, fragrances, lanolin, parabens, or formaldehyde releasers. Instead, it breaks down dirt, sweat, oil, and makeup with its gentle blend of water, glycerin, and coco-glucoside, a plant-derived surfactant sourced from coconut oil and glucose.

Naana Boakye, MD, MPH, a board-certified dermatologist in Hackensack, New Jersey, recommends Vanicream’s Gentle Facial Cleanser for pregnant people and anyone with sensitive skin.

But Take Note

You don’t need much product to wash your face effectively. You can create a decent lather with just a small amount. If you are allergic to coconut oil, consult with a physician before trying this skincare product.

The Details:

Fragrance: No
Paraben-free: Yes
Key ingredients: Water, glycerin, coco-glucoside, sodium cocoyl
Type: Liquid cleanser

Best Body Wash

CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash

Photo: Amazon

$12 at Amazon View on Dermstore

Why We Like It

CeraVe is another drugstore favorite brand that shoppers continue to reach for due to its reasonable price tag and reputation for being mostly fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free, and sulfate-free. So it came as no surprise that the Hydrating Body Wash landed on our list of pregnancy-safe skincare. Dr. Brauer ranks it high among her expert-approved picks because of its gentle, non-drying, and fragrance-free formulation.

We love how our skin feels after showering—very clean and hydrated. And that’s largely thanks to the urea and essential ceramides 1, 3, and 6-11 (lipids that help to minimize transepidermal water loss).

But Take Note

Be sure to rinse this body wash completely off to avoid any skin irritation from ingredients like cocamidopropyl betaine or petrolatum.

The Details:

Fragrance: No
Paraben-free: No
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, urea, ceramides 1, 3, and 6-11
Type: Foam cleanser

Best for Stretch Marks

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

Photo: Ulta

$14 $11 at Amazon $14 at Target $12 at Walmart

Why We Like It

Genetics and hormonal activity influence whether you develop stretch marks during pregnancy. It’s quite challenging to avoid changes as the breasts, belly, and hips grow, especially when the skin rapidly stretches. Although there is no fix-it-all treatment for stretch marks, Bio-Oil may help when massaged onto the affected areas of your body.

Stretch marks are essentially damage to the collagen, explains Dustin Portela, DO, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon in Boise, Idaho. Vitamins A and E found in Bio-Oil work to stimulate collagen production, moisturize skin, and improve elasticity to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

What Pregnant People Say

“I absolutely loved using Bio-Oil during pregnancy. It was lightweight, super moisturizing, and made daily belly massages feel like a treat. I used it religiously on my belly and chest. Even postpartum, I kept using it because my skin felt so nourished."—Jacqueline, mom of a 1-year-old

But Take Note

Beware that this oil is on the greasier side, and it possesses a light, earthy-floral fragrance that can irritate sensitive noses. The main ingredient is mineral oil, so that may be a no-no for some pregnant people.

The Details:

Fragrance: Yes, patchouli oil
Paraben-free: Yes
Key ingredients: Sunflower oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil, soybean oil, calendula extract
Type: Oil

Best for Melasma

RoC Daily Serum

Photo: Ulta

$35 $27 at Amazon $27 at Target $28 $27 at Walmart

Why We Like It

RoC is a brand we often hear dermatologists, beauty editors, and influencers name-drop. Why? Their range of drugstore products is affordable and just as effective as premium cosmetics.

This paraben-free serum comes highly recommended by Dr. Portela for its vitamin C blend, which helps mitigate the intensity of melasma during pregnancy and is a safer option than retinol.

But Take Note

Vitamin C is one of the main ingredients in this serum. Make sure to use it in tandem with sunscreen to protect against sun exposure that can exacerbate hyperpigmentation and fine lines.

The Details:

Fragrance: No added fragrance. Montpellier rockrose extract does add a scent.
Paraben-free: Yes
Key ingredients: Vitamin C
Type: Serum

Best Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Photo: EltaMD

$44 at Amazon View on Target $44 at Bluemercury.com

Why We Like It

We were immediately sold on EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 when we noticed how well it worked on various skin types. The sunscreen is free of oil, parabens, and fragrances. If your skin is prone to acne or tends to be oily, you’ll be pleased to know that it won’t clog your pores or cause further irritation.

The dermatologists we interviewed also favor this sunscreen because it contains zinc oxide, which is beneficial for blocking harmful UV rays that can worsen melasma. The clear formula makes it undetectable on deeper complexions and sheer enough to wear as a makeup base.

What Pregnant People Say

“EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 was a staple during my pregnancy because it protected my skin without clogging my pores or causing breakouts. I appreciated how lightweight and calming it felt, especially on days when my skin was extra reactive.”—Sara, mom of a 4-year-old and 2-year-old

But Take Note

This sunscreen is packaged in a small bottle that fits in the palm of your hand. It’s also on the pricier side compared to other skincare products on our list, but it's well worth the investment.

The Details:

Fragrance: No
Paraben-free: Yes
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, lactic acid, zinc oxide
Type: Mineral-based cream sunscreen

Best Face Moisturizer

TULA Night Cream

Ulta TULA Mini 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream

Photo: Ulta

$20 at Amazon $20 at Target $20 at Target

Why We Like It

This cream from Tula pulls double-duty, so there’s no need to have a different facial product for your evening routine. It’s made with peptides, probiotic extracts, prebiotics, and squalene, as well as rich in antioxidants of fruit extracts (blueberry, apple, and watermelon) to keep the skin hydrated, plump, and protected from environmental stressors. We love the lightweight, yet deeply nourishing formula that leaves behind a luminous glow.

What Pregnant People Say

“One of my all-time favorite moisturizers that I honestly used day and night. It's lightweight and has collagen and peptides, which help keep my skin feeling and looking soft and supple.”—Shyema, mom of a 3-year-old and 1-year-old

But Take Note

The Tula 24-7 Moisture Hydrating Day & Night Cream does contain fragrance. Though not overpowering in scent, it may not be an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin.

The Details:

Fragrance: Yes
Paraben-free: No
Key ingredients: Probiotic extracts, prebiotics, peptides, squalene
Type: Cream moisturizer

Best Lip Balm

Doctor Rogers Restore Healing Balm

Photo: Amazon

$24 at Amazon $24 at Walmart $68 at Dermstore

Why We Like It

We don’t think there’s enough discussion around dry, chapped lips being one of the most uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy. Although we’ve tested countless lip balms, many of them contain essential oils that some pregnant people may be more sensitive to. We were ecstatic to learn about this healing balm from Dr. Portela, who uses it in his own dermatology practice.

“It’s petrolatum-free, you get the occlusive properties, and it hydrates really well,” he explains. And we have to admit that the tube is much chicer than most lip balms on the market.

But Take Note

The Doctor Rogers Healing Balm isn’t cheap, but you’ll feel better about swiping this safer product onto your lips to keep them soft and soothed while pregnant and breastfeeding.

The Details:

Fragrance: No
Paraben-free: Yes
Key ingredients: Glycerin, castor oil
Type: Balm

Best Body Lotion

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Cream

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Body Cream

Photo: Amazon

$20 at Amazon $20 at Target View on Beautifiedyou.com

Why We Like It

The La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream works from head to toe because it's made with pregnancy-safe ingredients that are super effective at locking in moisture, strengthening your skin’s barrier, and improving its appearance and texture.

Dr. Boakye especially recommends it for nighttime because of its hydrating combination of thermal water, ceramides, and niacinamide. Try smoothing on this moisturizer after bathing and then slipping into comfy maternity pajamas before bed.

But Take Note

Pregnant people may have mixed feelings about the fragrance-free formula, as the absence of a masking fragrance may intensify the natural odor.

The Details:

Fragrance: No
Paraben-free: Yes
Key ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide
Type: Lotion

Best Serum

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid

Photo: Sephora

$10 at Amazon $10 at Nordstrom $10 at Target

Why We Like It

A common theme we found when interviewing experts about pregnancy-safe skincare was the importance of updating one's routine with hydrating ingredients. The Ordinary eliminates the guesswork with an update to their original hyaluronic acid serum.

We love the fast-absorbing water-based formula, now enhanced with ceramides, because it instantly hydrates and smooths our skin. You can move on to your face moisturizer and sunscreen without having to wait a long time to avoid product piling.

But Take Note

While all of the medical experts we interviewed recommend hyaluronic serum, don’t slather it on and expect an immediate fix. It takes consistent use to see long-lasting changes to a dry and textured skin barrier.

The Details:

Fragrance: Yes
Paraben-free: Yes
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, ceramides
Type: Serum

Best for Acne

Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%

Photo: Amazon

$36 at Amazon $20 at Target View on Walmart

Why We Like It

For hormonal changes during pregnancy that can lead to hyperpigmentation, Dr. Boakye believes that azelaic acid is an efficacious ingredient. This gel serum is vegan, paraben-, gluten-, and fragrance-free.

We’ve used Naturium Azelaic Acid 10% and found it to treat our acne breakouts and blemishes much like retinol does, though it is a much safer alternative. It also layers well with other skincare products like face moisturizers and SPF.

But Take Note

Daily application isn’t required, but you’ll want to ensure that you apply sunscreen afterwards. This topical treatment also contains synthetic ingredients chlorphenesin, potassium sorbate, and sodium benzoate, which act as preservatives and can cause allergic reactions or irritations for some pregnant people.

The Details:

Fragrance: No
Paraben-free: Yes
Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, coffee seed extract
Type: Gel serum

How We Selected

To curate this guide of the best pregnancy-safe skincare products, we researched common skincare concerns among pregnant people and interviewed doctors who specialize in treating these issues. We asked dermatologists and gynecologists for their medical expertise on key ingredients to look out for and avoid. Then, we used their recommendations along with those from parents to review skincare products approved for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, poring over their ingredient labels, claims, and benefits. We also considered tried-and-true picks that we’ve tested ourselves, including award-winning body lotions, sunscreens, serums, and more.

Our list of 10 pregnancy-safe skincare products was selected based on the following criteria:

Ingredients: Products formulated with gentle yet efficacious ingredients, such as glycerin, niacinamide, and azelaic acid, took precedence because they penetrate the skin’s barrier to address dryness and discoloration.
Safety: We made it a priority to steer clear of skincare products containing ingredients such as retinol and salicylic acid, which are known to be unsafe for use during pregnancy.
Effectiveness: With knowledge of common pregnancy skincare issues, we sought out formulations that target and treat skin dryness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and other concerns.
Convenience: We focused on skincare products that require minimal effort during the application process, benefit most skin types and needs, and offer accessible price points.

Our Experts

We interviewed experts in dermatology and gynecology to gain a deeper understanding of common pregnancy skin concerns, which ingredients to look out for and avoid when buying skincare, and the top products they recommend:

Naana Boakye, MD, MPH, board-certified dermatologist at Bergen Dermatology.
Dustin Portela, DO, board-certified dermatologic surgeon and founder of Treasure Valley Dermatology.
Anate Brauer, MD, board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at RMA of New York.
Gunvor Ekman-Ordeberg, MD, PhD, obstetrician/gynecologist and co-founder of DeoDoc Intimate Skincare.

Factors to Consider When Buying Skincare Products During Pregnancy

Ingredients: Skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, and vitamin C are considered safe for use during pregnancy. The medical experts we interviewed strongly advise avoiding retinoids like tazarotene, high concentrations of salicylic acid, and skin lighteners like hydroquinone. Essential oils were also flagged, as they may be irritating and can cause allergic reactions, such as rashes, redness, or swelling.
Your skin’s needs: There are commonalities most pregnant people share when it comes to changes in their skin. This is largely due to hormonal fluctuations that can lead to a lack of moisture retention and elasticity, itchy skin, breakouts, and melasma. However, you should carefully assess your skin’s individual needs and consult a medical professional to develop a pregnancy-safe skincare routine tailored to you.
Fragrance: A heightened sense of smell is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, causing many pregnant people to become easily irritated by or nauseous from certain scents and odors. “When it comes to fragrance, it is very individual,” says Dr. Ekman Ordeberg. “Some women cannot even stand the scent of their toothpaste.” Fragrance is an ingredient commonly found in many cosmetics, but fragrance-free products are a safer choice.
Skin barrier support: “Maintaining and strengthening the skin barrier is essential during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that weaken it and allow potential irritants to penetrate the skin more easily,” explains Dr. Brauer. Stick to skincare products made with hydrating ingredients that strengthen and do not disrupt the skin barrier. “Avoid switching up the skincare routine too much, as hormonally sensitive skin reacts best to simplified, consistent routines,” she adds.

Your Pregnancy Skincare Routine

“Hormonal changes during pregnancy can alter the skin’s behavior,” says Dr. Brauer, “so choose products with safe ingredients that are tailored to your current needs, not what worked before.”

The most important takeaway when it comes to caring for your skin during pregnancy is to keep it simple. “The marketing around pregnancy-safe skincare products can be really strong to try to get you to spend more money than you might otherwise spend,” says Dr. Portela. “The last thing you need is a rash, acne, or something that will cause more stress when you’re already going through a stressful time.”

Focus on these three steps in your pregnancy skincare routine to tackle common issues:

Gentle cleansing. Ditch facial cleansers and body washes made with those unsafe ingredients that our panel of experts suggests avoiding. Instead, reach for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas that gently and effectively remove dirt, sweat, and oil. “Using a mild cleanser ensures skin remains clean without disrupting its natural barrier,” says Dr. Boakye.
Lightweight hydration. According to Dr. Brauer, absorption is an overlooked factor when choosing pregnancy-safe skincare. She explains, “It's important to keep in mind that leave-on products like lotions, creams, and serums sit on the skin longer, so any harmful or risky ingredients in them will pose a higher risk than those in rinse-off products like facial cleansers.” Opt for serums and moisturizers rich in fast-absorbing and skin-barrier-strengthening ingredients, including ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.
Consistent sun protection. If you aren’t wearing sunscreen, then you should absolutely start using it now that you are pregnant. “It is the most important part of limiting the development of melasma because there’s no cream, serum, or dark spot corrector that is really going to be more powerful than the sun if you’re not protecting yourself,” says Dr. Portela. Thankfully, there are more sunscreen options available today that are moisturizing to the skin and won’t leave behind a white or ashy cast. However, the best SPF is the one that you will commit to using daily, even when indoors.

Who We Are

Dana Oliver is a writer at Parents. Having slathered on countless products as a former beauty director for news and lifestyle brands, she doesn’t mind pausing to carefully read ingredient labels. She’s also the mom of a 6-year-old vegan son and loves recommending beauty and wellness products for the entire family.

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Sources

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