15 Best Pregnancy Skin Care Products to Get That Mom-to-Be Glow

Cetaphil has long been hailed as one of the best brands for sensitive skin, but did you know that many of the products are pregnancy-safe too? Used as the first step in your evening routine, this liquid formula gently removes long-wear makeup leaving skin feeling clean and refreshed. It doesn’t contain oil or fragrances and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.

Less is more when it comes to pregnancy-safe face wash. Clean your face twice daily with a mild, fragrance-free face wash, like Honest Calm On Foaming Cleanser. Harsher versions are more likely to over-strip your skin, leading to irritation. But thanks to the inclusion of glycolic acid this creamy formula still packs a blemish-busting punch. This key ingredient is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a chemical compound that removes the top layer of dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover. It also happens to be safe for Mom and baby, making it an effective acne treatment during pregnancy.

With no added fragrances, dyes, parabens or phthalates, this 100 percent natural toner is perfect for expectant moms whose skin might be more oily or sensitive than usual. “It helps refine pores, removes excess oil, soothes irritation and maintains skin’s natural balance. It also won’t dry out or strip skin like many other toners,” says Engelman.

Searching for the best pregnancy-safe serums to add to your cosmetics case? These brightening drops by Glo come highly recommended. Powered by botanical brighteners—alpha arbutin and azelaic acid—the serum gives you that lit-from-within luminosity and combats hyperpigmentation. According to Engelman, the blend of alpha arbutin (an alternative to hydroquinone), gentle lactic acid and azelaic acid, makes this serum a good choice for people in need of a pregnancy-safe boost of radiance and clarity. Apply to cleansed skin in the morning or add a couple of drops to primer or foundation for an instant glow.

The number one rule of pregnancy-safe skin care: Avoid retinoids. While this common ingredient works wonders in the battle against wrinkles, you’ll need to leave these products on the shelf for the time being. The good news? There are safe alternatives available. Russak likes the Sleep Tight Bakuchiol Serum by Covey. Enriched with moisturizing hyaluronic acid and bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, this serum plumps the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It also contains niacinamide, which helps prevent environmental damage and regulates sebum production. “As a form of vitamin B-3, niacinamide works to minimize pores while locking moisture into the skin,” explains Engelman. “It’s especially beneficial for those with inflammatory conditions looking to treat papules and pustules.”

Whether rollercoaster hormones have made your skin dry, oily or ultra-sensitive, this pregnancy-safe face moisturizer is a good bet. The star ingredient is hyaluronic acid, a sugar which is naturally produced by the body and has super-hydrating properties. This gel formula by Neutrogena is dye-free, non-comedogenic and loved by moms-to-be with oily skin, because it feels less greasy than traditional moisturizers. It’s also a stellar choice for those with sensitive or dry skin.

Treat the sensitive eye area with this rich gel cream, made with certified-organic ingredients. A combo of essential fatty acids and vitamins work to naturally reduce fine lines and the appearance of dark circles. It’s the perfect remedy for pregnancy-induced insomnia and a fab addition to your baby-safe skin care routine.

Next up on our list of the best pregnancy-safe skin care is this calming face oil by True Botanicals. Designed with moms in mind, this luxurious oil contains 27 plant-actives that help reduce skin sensitivities. Pure botanical ingredients—like chamomile, calendula and cold-pressed cucumber seed oil—reduce inflammation and calm redness. It’s particularly useful for those with rosacea-prone skin, but is still suitable for most skin types. Use it as the last step in your nightly routine to lock in moisture and boost your natural pregnancy glow. Bonus: This product bears the EWG verified mark, meaning it meets the strictest standards for health and safety and is a Best of Pregnancy award-winner to boot.

Daily use of a broad-spectrum facial mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide is the best way to sidestep pregnancy-triggered melasma—aka the mask of pregnancy—which appears as dark patches on the forehead, cheeks or upper lip. Mineral sunscreens are also kinder to sensitive skin. While many dislike mineral sunscreen due to the chalky, white cast it leaves behind, EltaMD Skincare UV Clear’s lightweight oil-free formula absorbs quickly and leaves zero residue. An extra bonus: It contains the pregnancy-safe ingredient niacinamide, which actually works to reduce discoloration and redness.

Acne is one of the most common skin issues that crops up during pregnancy. But since the ingredients in many common pimple fighters can pose a potential risk of birth defects, Russak recommends using something that contains azelaic acid. This ingredient is great at fighting acne and also decreases pigment production, which contributes to melasma—another common skin condition during pregnancy. This gel formula by the Ordinary contains a potent dose of azelaic acid to combat pimples and pore congestion. It also helps improve skin texture and brightens dull complexions. Is it any wonder this affordable acne treatment won a Best of Pregnancy award?

According to Russak it’s fine to exfoliate your face during pregnancy, as long as you do so gently. New sensitivity and increased angiogenesis (aka the formation of new blood vessels), mean that capillaries can easily be broken, explains Russak. Luckily, there are plenty of pregnancy-safe exfoliants to choose from. Engelman recommends these nifty glycolic acid-based pads by First Aid Beauty. They’re safe for all skin types, and effectively tone and brighten the skin. So you can say bye-bye to bumpy texture and dark spots, and hello to a brighter, polished complexion.

A reviving blend of orange and bergamot makes the light scent of this pregnancy-safe body wash divine. The natural ingredients work alongside omega-rich oils to gently hydrate and cleanse the skin (and relax the mind too!). It’s dermatologist-tested and contains zero artificial fragrances. Your daily shower will feel more spa-like, for sure—something all moms-to-be deserve.

Searching for a pregnancy-safe moisturizer you can use all over? Designed for pregnant and postpartum moms, Pipette Body Lotion is our top choice. Enriched with squalane—an intensely hydrating ingredient derived from natural sugarcane—and other plant-based emollients, this lotion leaves skin feeling soft and soothed. It’s also free from synthetic fragrances and received a top rating from the EWG for safety.

Here’s yet another pregnancy-safe skin care product we love: Bioessence Squalane + Enzyme Sugar Scrub. This product offers a one-two punch of exfoliation, as sugar crystals gently buff the skin’s outer layer and pomegranate enzymes dissolve dead skin cells. The gentle yet effective formula polishes rough, dull skin without disrupting the ever-important moisture barrier. Plus, it’s EWG verified and free from parabens, meaning it ticks the box in terms of safety.

Frida—a go-to brand for baby and parenting essentials—recently released a line of safe skincare for pregnancy. This set includes all new products, each of which address a different skin concern. A water-activated shower lotion locks in moisture to relieve dry, itchy skin. A cooling spray eases swollen feet and legs. An anti-chafe stick glides on to relieve friction. And a luxurious balm, enriched with vitamin E, helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. We’ll take the lot!