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 the multiple options available to choose one that suits your needs.
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 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. 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
2. Best Mineral Sunscreen For Melasma: Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46
Everyday use of this mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide helps treat melasma that appears on the forehead, upper lip, and cheeks. It includes a pregnancy-safe component, niacinamide that works on redness and discoloration. Watch this review to understand the product better Pros
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
4. Best For Even Skin Tone: Bliss of Greece 100% Pure Nature’s Moisturizer
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 video for more details Pros
100% organic moisturizer Evens the 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
This lightweight oil is a blend of vitamin E, lemon, and sweet almond oils that help recondition the skin throughout pregnancy. It keeps your skin soft and supple making you feel refreshed. Watch this video for more details Pros
100% natural nourishing body oil Can be applied all over the body Free from parabens, phthalates, and petrolatum
Cons
May be slightly greasy Has a strong lemony scent Not effective for 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 leaves it hydrated and smooth. 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
7. 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 vital ingredient vitamin E optimizes the moisture balance in the skin. Pros
Suitable for all skin types Pleasant fragrance Brightens and tightens the skin Rejuvenates dull and tired 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 makes 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 specially formulated with coffee beans to work on stretch marks, cellulite, acne and eczema. It is blended with exfoliating oils, salts and brown sugars that moisturize and regenerate the skin. Pros
100% natural Excellent for skin detox 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, rose hip oil, goji berry, and vitamin C. It 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. It, therefore, gives the skin a smoother, younger and plumper look. Pros
Suitable for normal to dry 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 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. It 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. 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.
Easy Skincare Tips During Pregnancy
Here are a few tips to manage your pregnancy-related skin changes and feel better. [ 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).
Shawnda Dorantes APRN, MSN, FNP-C, a California-based beauty 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.”
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.
References:
Recommended Articles:
Best Exfoliating Body Wash Best Exfoliators For Oily Skin Best Blackhead Scrubs Best Exfoliating Foot Scrubs
