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Pregnancy often brings skin issues like stretch marks, dark spots, and melasma. I struggled with similar skin conditions after my kids were born, which is why I've researched and tested the best pregnancy-safe skincare products to address these concerns! My list of 12 best products is perfect for expecting mothers looking for safe and effective solutions for their skin care during and after pregnancy. In this guide, I'll help you find the best options for your pregnancy or postpartum skincare needs!
There are certain things you can expect from your pregnancy: milestones and memories, lots of changes to your body, and everyone talks about that "pregnancy glow"!
In my experience, along with that "glow", pregnancy is also likely to bring on stretch marks, dark spots ( source), melasma ( source) and dry nipples ( source)! 90% of women are more likely to experience hormonal skin changes during pregnancy ( source) due to the overproduction of melanin ( source).
So how can you safely tackle common skin care issues like melasma, stretch marks and dry nipples during pregnancy and into postpartum? I've tried and tested a bunch of products - so you can find the right skincare products that will actually work to address some of these issues!
In this guide I'll review in detail my 12 best pregnancy-safe skin care products, and I'll also give you an overview of what ingredients to look for and avoid when searching for pregnancy-safe skincare.
But First, A Disclaimer
As a board-certified health coach and certified nutritionist, I support products that are rooted in science and that are evidence-based. For the purpose of this pregnancy skincare guide, I'm reviewing products that I have carefully researched, and in many cases, tested personally. I've chosen them to target common skin concerns during pregnancy, like melasma, stretch marks, and dryness. I evaluated each product for effectiveness, safety for pregnancy and breastfeeding, and overall quality.
Though I may receive a commission (at no extra expense to you) if you purchase through some of the affiliate links provided, I only recommend products I've researched, evaluated, consulted experts on, and would feel comfortable using. I assure you that my product recommendations prioritize your well-being and are not influenced by potential commissions. And by purchasing any of these products from the links below, you help keep this blog running, so thanks for your support!
Please note that while these recommendations are based on thorough vetting and testing, individual results may vary. The information shared in this post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard or delay in seeking professional medical advice because of something you read here and always consult with your doctor before choosing a skincare product during pregnancy. All product prices are accurate at the time of this publication but are subject to change.
Skincare Ingredients To Avoid: What Skincare Products Aren't Pregnancy-Safe?
Finding the right products to tackle your skincare issues during your pregnancy can be a chore. What you used to love for your skin before the baby bump might not be safe for your pregnancy skincare routine anymore.
There has been quite a bit of research around what skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. In general unsafe skincare products for pregnancy include:
- Topical retinoids (also known as tretinoins), or any vitamin-A derivative, such as retinol (source)
- Hydroquinone (source)
- Beta hydroxy acid / BHA and salicylic acid (source 1, source 2)
- Acne medications (source)
- Parabens (source)
- Oxybenzone (commonly found in chemical sunscreens - source)
I recommend chatting with your medical professional or dermatologist about what skincare products are safe to use while pregnant - so you can shop with full confidence.
Skin Care Ingredients To Look For
While most skincare products don't need approval from the Food And Drug Administration before going to market ( source), manufacturers do have to make sure they're safe. And the FDA is always monitoring product safety on a reactive basis.
In general, these skin care ingredients are considered safe to use during pregnancy ( source):
- Azelaic acid
- Glycolic acid / alpha hydroxy acids
- Salicylic acid
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (commonly found in mineral sunscreen)
The 12 Best Pregnancy Safe Skincare Products In 2024
To avoid spending your time squinting at the backs of bottles in Sephora, I've made a list of my favorite pregnancy-safe skincare products to help you out.
My list of products is specially vetted. I've found the best of the best to help get rid of common skin issues, namely acne, stretch marks, melasma, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and dry nipples. And, they are all made with skincare ingredients that are completely safe for your skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding!
The Best Skincare For Melasma, Acne, Hyperpigmentation and Dark Spots
If you're suffering from melasma, hyperpigmentation or dark spots (welcome to the club!), you're going to want skincare products that are chock-full of exfoliating acids, rejuvenating antioxidants and skin-plumping hydrators that have safe and clean ingredients.
Basically, when trying skincare products during pregnancy, I wanted something that would do the job without compromising on safety!
While there are individual products you could buy to treat each of these issues separately, I've found the best all-in-one product to help brighten, hydrate, and reduce pigmentation, melasma and acne both for when you're pregnant and into postpartum too!
Skincare For Stretch Marks
Oh, stretch marks. I have a love-hate relationship with them. While they can be a beautiful reminder of how amazing our bodies are while we stretch to conceive our babies, it's totally okay to want to prevent them.
Stretch marks are scars caused by our skin stretching, then shrinking quickly ( source) - causing our collagen and elastin to rupture!
When considering creams to help prevent and reduce stretch marks, it's important to remember that, while your genetics may not be able to prevent you from getting your battle scars (this is often dependent on your family history, degree of stress on your skin and fluctuating hormone levels - source) you can reduce their appearance.
You're going to want safe-for-pregnancy products that contain a lot of nourishing fats, ceramides to keep the skin barrier healthy and hydrated ( source), and lovely omegas to keep your skin supple and elastic.
Vitamin E has also been proven to help maintain moisture and elasticity during your pregnancy ( source), alongside hyaluronic acid and centella (a medicinal herb specially used to help prevent stretch marks as well as dryness and irritation - source) to strengthen your skin barrier ( source) making it an absolute must for your pregnancy skincare routine.
Here are some of my favorite products for reducing the appearance of stretch marks:
Price: $22.38 on Amazon
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Price: $34 on Amazon
Mustela Stretch Marks Cream
Price: $21.99 on Amazon
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Skincare For Dry Nipples
Contrary to what you might have thought, you don't need to be breastfeeding to suffer from dry, irritated nipples. As your body changes during pregnancy, you'll find your breasts begin to expand. This is probably caused by hormones - namely progesterone ( source), the culprit for bigger breasts. And sore, often dry, sometimes itchy nipples as a consequence.
In my experience, the best nipple creams are cooling, alleviate discomfort, and are easy to apply. I've found that soothing skincare ingredients that are safe for use during pregnancy, like calendula ( source) and beeswax, help alleviate itch ( source). They pair well with occlusives like butter, oils and lanolin to decrease dryness and dehydration ( source), making it easy to integrate into your pregnancy skincare routine.
I'm thrilled to share with you my favorite creams that are safe to use throughout your pregnancy, well into your breastfeeding journey (and maybe even beyond as a lip balm. Waste not!). I love easy-to-use, practical packaging too. And, with my selection, you can rest assured: a little goes a long way.
Do note: while a lot of these nipple creams may be marketed for breastfeeding moms, you can use these creams safely throughout your pregnancy.
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream
Price: $8.99 on Amazon
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Price: $25.98 on Amazon
Price: $28 on Amazon
Price: $10.49 on Amazon
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Final Thoughts
Whether you're dealing with melasma, stretch marks or dry nipples, I'm hope my extensive (tried and true!) pregnancy-safe skincare products guide helped you find the best products for your pregnancy and post-partum needs!
Whether you're choosing a lotion, balm, serum, or all of the above, you can have peace of mind choosing any of the products on my list, knowing that you're picking some of the best-of-the-best out there.
Do note, while I've curated these 12 products based on my own experiences and research, I still recommend you conduct your own ingredient analysis.
Please also consult your healthcare professional and choose the products you feel confident using. After all, when it comes to pregnancy-safe skincare, your comfort and peace of mind are paramount. And as always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment below. I respond to every question I get!
