Pregnancy-safe skincare products are all about protecting you and your unborn baby during this delicate time. Your body and skin are undergoing many changes and expecting moms are often advised to follow certain precautions to ensure a healthy pregnancy. It’s why doctors tell you which foods and activities to avoid. Along with these, there may also be certain skincare products you may have to temporarily shelve. This is because some ingredients can affect you or your baby as they absorb into the skin.
On the bright side, most over-the-counter skin care products from trusted stores are safe, but checking the ingredients label is wise. Our community members shed light on the safest pregnancy skincare products to help keep existing and new skin woes at bay.
Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Like your body, your skin will change with time. Expecting moms who’ve enjoyed clear and glowy skin can run into acne flare-ups, melasma (skin darkening), spider veins, stretch marks, or even dry skin. But there’s good news: Most of these skin troubles can be controlled or eliminated over time with the right pregnancy-safe skincare products.
Expecting moms with preexisting skin issues such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis may experience exacerbated symptoms. It’s good practice to speak to a doctor about the skincare products you’re using or plan to use.
Highly Rated Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products
1. Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil
Palmer’s Skin Therapy Oil is a soothing, advanced formula that is quickly absorbed into the skin. It helps improve the appearance of scars, eliminate hyperpigmentation, and soothe dry skin. The oil contains a luxurious botanical blend of rosehip, sesame, and canola oils. Cocoa butter and vitamin E are the hero ingredients of this rich skincare product.
Your skin will feel soft, smooth, non-greasy, and nourished all day long, thanks to the oil’s Rapidermal Absorption Système that ensures rapid penetration.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
“Skin therapy oil cocoa”
“I used it when i was pregnant to help improve my stretchmark. I love the smell of cocoa and how it makes my skin supple” – @Minaso
“Bye itchiness”
“It is just me or this oil helps my pregnancy very well. I felt some itch on my tummy as my skin is getting dry because of pregnancy. Luckily, my sister owns one of this oil. It gives me relief, after I take a bath I always use this. And i can say that i have less stretch marks, I mean its not that many. For the price, its a bit pricey but its worth it because it is really effective for me.” – @Riyena
Read more reviews here.
Have you tried it before? Leave a review if you have!
2. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Lightweight and super hydrating, the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is an effective moisturizing formula. It contains a high concentration of snail mucin, a substance that prevents water loss and gives the skin an envious bounce and radiance. This best-selling product aims to soothe and revitalize damaged skin.
As an essence, the COSRX formula delivers a rich dose of nourishing ingredients. It’s perfect for expecting moms as it hydrates, improves skin texture, and fades out dark spots. The brand highlights its products as being pregnancy-safe and formulated with gentle, safe ingredients.
Overall Rating: 4.6/5
“Snail magic!”
“This was one of the first K-Beauty Skin Care products I got intrigued with and eventually found myself using one! It’s very gentle on the skin. At first, it may feel a little sticky upon application, but once your skin has fully absorbed it, everything feels light and fresh.” – @Greysh
“Another one of my holy grails!”
“I’ve been using this together with the Cosrx Snail Mucin cream, and the combination of the two gives me twice the power of snail and twice its regenerative and healing properties! I use this every night to make my face feel soft and refreshed every morning! I will definitely purchase this product again :)” – @millennialentrepreneur_ph
Read more reviews here.
Have you tried it before? Leave a review if you have!
3. COSRX Oil-free Ultra-moisturizing Lotion
The COSRX oil-free ultra-moisturizing lotion contains 70.8% of birch sap. This nature-derived ingredient carries 17 vitamins, proteins, enzymes, antioxidants, and amino acids that aim to purify, hydrate, and calm irritated skin. The lotion can be applied regularly to the skin after it’s cleansed and toned.
It carries a lightweight, non-greasy consistency that is quickly absorbed into the skin. This COSRX lotion is ideal for those with oily, dry, and combination skin.
Overall Rating: 5/5
“Oil-free, light moisturizer for oily skin”
“I have an oily skin and sometimes overexfoliate. I love that this moisturizer is light, not oily and almost fragrance free. Keeps my skin moisturized without that heavy feeling. Silky when applies, slides perfectly on your skin. Perfect for sensitive skin too. Did not have any breakouts while using this. I use this after applying AHA/BHA essence. However if you do have very very dry skin, would be better if you use other moisturizer.” – @Hazelleastorga
“My go-to moisturizer”
“It’s hard having combination skin. Some moisturizers leave my face feeling oily, while some don’t give my the hydration I need. This one gives the perfect balance; it’s hydrating but oil-free, so it won’t leave you with a sticky feeling that sits on your skin. But it leaves my skin with no dry patches, is easy to layer on, and makes it so much easier to apply makeup!” – @Abatara
Read more reviews here.
Have you tried it before? Leave a review if you have!
4. Bio-Oil
Bio-Oil is touted as one of the best pregnancy-safe skincare products on the market. It contains a natural concoction of chamomile, sunflower, lavender, and sunflower oils, which soothe, protect, and heal. The oil is enriched with vitamin E and A (retinyl palmitate is present in a small dose that the brand says is safe for expecting moms). Experience the goodness of vitamin A without its side effects, with Bio-oil.
The formula targets scars, stretch marks, dehydrated skin, and uneven skin tone. PurCellin Oil™ gives the blend its silky, lightweight consistency that the skin soaks up in seconds. Bio-Oil doubles as an effective skincare product for chapped lips and dry hands.
Have you tried it before? Leave a review if you have!
5. L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Lip Balm
Formulated with Ecocert Greenlife certified ingredients, the L’Occitane shea butter ultra rich lip balm is a must-have skincare product. It helps nourish, heal, and protect the lips. The lip balm contains a rich blend of ingredients that work together to leave lips smooth, soft, and plump.
Organic beeswax and sunflower oil contain fatty acids that nourish and soften dry, dehydrated skin. Vitamin E amplifies the lip balm’s nourishing benefits by retaining moisture and keeping external aggressors at bay.
Have you tried it before? Leave a review if you have!
Top Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
Avoiding certain skincare ingredients will safeguard your body and growing baby from harm. Remember that it’s always best to speak to your doctor about what skincare products you can safely use during pregnancy.
Isotretinoin, Retinol, and Retinoids
Topical and oral retinoids such as adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin target acne. A high dose of vitamin A can lead to birth defects and is safer to use after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Most anti-aging products contain retinol, so it’s best to avoid buying OTC products that contain it or opt for those with lower concentrations.
Look for skincare products with bakuchiol or Korean ginseng that are gentler and nature-derived alternatives to retinol.
Hydroquinone
This ingredient is used in several bleaching products to lighten the skin from conditions such as melasma, freckles, and solar lentigines (skin darkening from prolonged UV exposure). Hydroquinone is not recommended during pregnancy since it absorbs more readily into the skin than other ingredients.
While there aren’t enough studies to support if hydroquinone causes malformations in the womb, doctors recommend that women steer clear of the ingredient. If you’re already a user of such products, speak to your doctor about attempting to use hydroquinone during your pregnancy,
Salicylic Acid
Pregnant women should avoid peels or oral medication with high doses of salicylic acid. This beta-hydroxy acid can harm a growing baby if continuously supplied to the body. Lotions, face cleansers, serums, and prescription-only products often feature this as a star ingredient in treating acne. Low doses of salicylic acid are considered safe but check with your doctor first.
Other skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy include:
- Phthalates (present in beauty and certain skincare products)
- Parabens (present in body lotion, shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers)
- Oxybenzone and avobenzone (usually present in chemical sunscreens)
- Benzoyl peroxide (present in acne-fighting products)
- Aluminum chloride (present in antiperspirants)
- Undiluted essential oils such as clary sage and jasmine
Our list carries pregnancy-safe skincare products that our community members swear by for their efficacy and quality. If you feel unsure about any of the products you’re using, we suggest speaking to a doctor and making the switch.
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