6 Best Pregnancy-Safe Acne Treatments for Clearer Skin
You’re probably aware that your body will go through some changes during your pregnancy, like an expanding belly and unusual cravings. But you also likely didn’t anticipate that your skin might revert back to what it was like when you were a teenager. But it’s true—“a lot of women experience pregnancy acne,” says Christine Greves, MD, a board-certified ob/gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.
Expecting a little bundle of joy can make you more prone to breakouts, but standard remedies you’ve used in the past may not be okay to use during this time. Cue you, frantically searching for pregnancy-safe acne treatments to help you get clear skin again. There’s a lot to navigate with safe acne treatment when pregnant, and it makes sense to have questions. (I should know; I’ve been through pregnancy twice!) Read on for everything you need to know, plus a few of our top picks to help you combat those pesky pimples.
To find the best pregnancy-safe acne treatments on the market:
- We identified pregnant moms’ needs and pain points when it comes to hormonal acne, researching everything from ingredients to avoid completely, to those that are pregnancy-safe in small doses, to the cleanest, yet most-effective available products on the market.
- We scoured forums and message boards and read user reviews to find out how these top skincare products performed for expectant moms across the country.
- We consulted with an ob-gyn about hormonal pregnancy acne.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Best pregnancy-safe acne face wash
- Affordable
- Gentle on skin
- Non-comedogenic
- Doesn’t remove heavy makeup
- Inconsistently strong enough for stubborn acne
- Does not lather
Keeping your skin clean is obviously the first step in any acne-fighting regimen. But finding a facial cleanser formulated without harsh, skin-drying or unsafe ingredients can be a challenge. Cleansers (especially those aimed at acne control) often contain retinol, salicylic acid and other ingredients that pregnant women need to avoid. Fortunately, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser doesn’t share this problem! The Bump survey respondents and countless women on pregnancy forums recommend Cetaphil as a non-irritating formula, great for pregnant women. As Chelsea, a pregnant mom, tells us, “I like that the product is sensitive to my skin.”
Cetaphil can be used with or without water, as a cold cream to remove makeup, or a facial and body cleanser. And with gentle, worry-free ingredients like niacinamide (vitamin B3), panthenol (vitamin B5) and glycerin, it’s a go-to for keeping your skin clean, morning or night.
Size: 16 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin
Our community says:
It works pretty quickly. There's nothing I dislike. – Chelsea, pregnant mom and The Bump survey respondent
Not too thick and very mild. – Meredith*, pregnant mom and The Bump survey respondent
Best pregnancy-safe toner
- Alcohol-free
- Gentle and non-drying
- 98% natural origin ingredients
- Some moms experienced redness
Between dryness and increased sun sensitivity, some women find that their skin is much more sensitive during pregnancy. While many toners contain skin-irritating ingredients like alcohol, Thayers Rose Petal Facial Toner is free of harsh irritants, as well as pregnancy no-gos like phthalates and parabens. According to our research, many moms-to-be say that this product was already part of their trusted skincare routine before conception, and they were relieved to learn it was pregnancy-safe so they could continue to use it throughout pregnancy. This natural toner, formulated with rose petal water and aloe vera, helps remove excess oil and soothe irritation without drying out the skin like other toners. It promises up to eight hours of hydration, and doesn’t strip the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Bonus points? Witch hazel, a key ingredient in this toner, reduces inflammation and swelling. Witch hazel is great for soothing irritated skin—you may know this ingredient from its postpartum use, as many moms use witch hazel to help calm the perineal area after birth.
Size: 12 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Witch hazel, aloe vera, rose water
Our community says:
Thayer's brand is great. The witch hazel will tighten your pores. – wheresilenceismusic, The Bump forum member
Best pregnancy-safe spot treatment
- Not medicated
- Multiple sizes for different-sized pimples
- Discreet for daytime wear
- Center of the patch still visible
- Mixed opinions on adhesion
Mighty Patch Invisible+ pimple patches are among the best options I’ve personally found for treating acne during pregnancy. I used these pimple patches throughout my pregnancy with my older son when I was dealing with frequent, stubborn breakouts. They were so effective that I continue to use them today as part of my regular skincare routine. Hydrocolloid, the active ingredient used in Mighty Patches, is a safe and highly effective option for treating stubborn pimples during pregnancy. It works by creating a moist environment over the pimple, which helps draw out the gunk from whiteheads while keeping the area protected and preventing you from picking at the blemish. This gentle yet powerful ingredient is a great way to speed up healing without irritating your skin.
On top of their gentle, pregnancy-safe solution to acne, they’re virtually undetectable—I wore them under makeup without anyone noticing. The beauty of these patches is that they stay put throughout the day, even while you go about your routine, and work gently yet effectively to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
Size: 39 patches | Active ingredient: Hydrocolloid
Best pregnancy-safe exfoliant
- Can be diluted with other products
- Improves skin dullness
- Easy to use
- Not as effective as retinol (which is unsafe for pregnancy)
- May increase skin sensitivity to the sun
- Use in small amounts
Exfoliating is a crucial step in a skincare routine that helps prevent breakouts, and it’s just as essential to maintain during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can make skin ever more sensitive, reactive, and prone to irritation than usual. As a result, many exfoliating products—especially those containing more potent acids like glycolic acid or physical exfoliants—can cause discomfort or aggravate sensitive skin, while some even contain ingredients like retinol that are dangerous for pregnancy.
The Ordinary is a massively popular option for pregnancy-safe solutions, and the brand is a multiple Best of The Bump winner for pregnancy-safe skin care. Their Lactic Acid 5% removes dead skin cells that can make skin look dull, rough and dry, without penetrating too deeply into the skin, removing surface level dead skin cells without causing excessive dryness. According to our research, moms-to-be who used this product noticed that their skin appeared brighter and smoother, and they experienced fewer breakouts.
Size: 1 fl. oz. | Active ingredient: Lactic acid
Our community says:
The Ordinary is my favorite. It's so inexpensive but has the same active ingredients and quality as the super pricy brands. – ladyfiona11, The Bump forum member
Best multipurpose pregnancy-safe acne treatment
- Multipurpose
- Available in a travel-friendly size
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- Expensive
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask has become a cult favorite for a good reason: it’s hydrating, soothing, multipurpose and—most importantly—pregnancy-safe. While it’s on the pricier side, its multipurpose uses make it worth the investment. It functions as a 10-minute mask, overnight mask, eye cream, hand cream and dry skin spot treatment—replacing several products in your skincare routine. This versatility makes it a cost and time-effective option, especially for busy moms-to-be. Its simplicity and effectiveness also make it a perfect addition to your postpartum routine when you’ll need to streamline your skincare with fewer steps, allowing you to focus on baby.
Moms rave about its’ uber-moisturizing skin benefits that can be immediately noticed and continue to improve over time—the gentle yet effective formula offers a quick solution for a wide array of common pregnancy-related skin concerns, from dryness to irritation, without any harsh or harmful ingredients. Plus it’s fragrance-free—great for scent-sensitive moms-to-be. Active ingredients like niacinamide help reduce the appearance of fine lines and pores, while glycerin locks in moisture and hyaluronic acid delivers a plump, healthy glow.
Size: 2.25 oz | Active ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
Best pregnancy-safe night cream
- Thick texture
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Soothes and moisturizes
- Cruelty-free
- Expensive
- Some feel it is too thick
- Some reported breakouts with extended use
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream is a pregnancy-safe, extremely hydrating night cream that helps firm, repair, and soothe skin while you sleep. Loved by The Bump survey respondents for its rich, thick texture, this cream is perfect for moms-to-be looking for a nourishing boost of moisture. Active ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) and niacinamide provide intense hydration and restore the skin’s moisture barrier, while peptides work to firm the skin. It’s ideal for the dry, irritated skin that often comes with pregnancy—it can even ease minor cases of eczema.
Overnight hydration is an excellent option for both pregnancy and postpartum skincare routines. Parents in our survey note that this product isn’t cheap, but is a fantastic investment for healthy, glowing skin throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide
Our community says:
Although it isn’t the cheapest product, it lasts a long time. – Brianne*, pregnant mom and The Bump survey respondent
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
The usual suspect—hormones—are to blame. “Pregnancy acne is primarily caused by hormonal changes, specifically an increase in androgen hormones like progesterone and testosterone in the first trimester,” says Ife J. Rodney, MD, founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics. “This can cause the oil glands in the skin to produce more sebum, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.”
If you haven’t experienced pregnancy acne yet, consider yourself lucky. “While the hormone changes happen in all women, this does not mean all pregnant women will develop acne,” Rodney says. “Those with a history of acne or acne during their menstrual cycles are more likely to develop pregnancy acne.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends looking for products that contain ingredients like topical benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or glycolic acid. Rodney also notes that lactic acid and sulfur are safe for pregnancy, while cautioning, “it’s always best to check with a healthcare provider before using any new products during pregnancy,” just to be safe.
ACOG also recommends the use of topical salicylic acid. Studies have shown that the use of low-dose, topical salicylic acid has no adverse effect on pregnancy. However, animal studies have shown a link between higher doses taken orally and birth defects. In the interest of caution, we’ve avoided recommending any products that use salicylic acid as an active ingredient.
Treating pregnancy acne can be a little more complicated than tackling breakouts when you’re not expecting, simply because there are some ingredients you’ll want to avoid. Those include:
- Retinoids. These include retinol, tretinoin and adapalene, and should be avoided in topical and oral forms. “These are known contributors to birth defects,” Rodney says.
- Adapalene. Also known as Differin gel, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you skip this during pregnancy.
- Vitamin A. Rodney warns that high doses of vitamin A have also been linked to birth defects and liver issues.
About the writer:
Christine Carpenter, a New York storyteller and devoted mother of two little boys, uses her craft to connect with and support other women in motherhood. With over a decade of experience in fashion accessories, Carpenter excels in product development and has a keen passion for innovative, life-enhancing products. Her expertise spans the entire product supply chain, from concept to delivery, and after two pregnancies, she’s well-versed in pregnancy skin care. Carpenter has contributed articles and personal essays to The Bump, Motherscope, The Kindred Voice and Mantra Wellness.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Christine Greves, MD, is a board-certified ob/gyn at the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies. She received her medical degree from the University Of South Florida College Of Medicine, and is a fellow of the American Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Ife J. Rodney, MD, is the founding director of Eternal Dermatology Aesthetics, and has more than 15 years of experience across all aspects of cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatology. She completed her undergraduate degree and dermatology residency at Howard University in Washington, DC, and held a dermatopathology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Skin Conditions During Pregnancy, July 2022
Canadian Family Physician, Safety of Skin Care Products During Pregnancy, June 2011
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, Topical Acne Drugs: Review of Clinical Properties, Systemic Exposure, and Safety, April 2003
American Academy of Dermatology Association, Is Any Acne Treatment Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
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