11 Best Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Products, Tested by Moms-to-Be

If, like me, you start and end your day with face wash, it’s important to find one you truly love. I gave the Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Cleanser by La Roche Posay a glowing review, including perfect 10 out of 10 scores for effectiveness, fragrance, ingredients and texture. With high performance across so many categories, it should come as no surprise that it won a Best of The Bump award for best pregnancy-safe facial cleanser. (See all of this year’s Best of The Bump winners.)

This pregnancy-safe face wash comes in a tall pump bottle that easily fits in a larger medicine cabinet or a shower caddy. It’s incredibly easy to use—you simply swivel the pump applicator to open and close the bottle and then press down to dispense the cleanser into the palm of your hand. I found that I needed about two pumps for a full cleanse, which is a little more than I typically use for face wash, but the amount you need may vary depending on your skin type.

The cleanser has a clear, smooth and cooling gel texture. It's slightly more liquidy than a serum and it lathers into a foam when mixed with water. I found it easy to apply, as it lathers well and glides over your skin with some bubbles but not a ton, which is nice. The face wash feels cleansing without leaving my skin dry. I didn't notice a dramatic change in my skin during the testing period, but it worked well as a cleanser to remove makeup and left my skin feeling clean and hydrated.

The ingredients in this face wash are simple and it has a top EWG rating of 1, which is reassuring. It’s definitely a gentle cleanser, but it still includes effective active ingredients like niacinamide—which Engelman says is a great addition to your regime during pregnancy to help prevent skin congestion—as well as ceramides to nourish and maintain the skin barrier. And I can confidently say that this cleanser is fragrance-free, so it won’t trigger any scent-related morning sickness.

A 13.52-ounce bottle costs $18, which is a little pricey for your most basic cleansers, but especially given the clean, high-quality ingredients, it doesn’t seem over the top for this pick. I think this large bottle would last long enough to make it a good value for the price. The cleanser also comes in several sizes, including small TSA-approved tubes for travel that cost less than $10, so you can always test it out before committing to a larger bottle.

Quantity: 1.7 fl. oz. to 13.5 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides | EWG rating: 1

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This Best of The Bump-winning, pregnancy-safe toner by Thayers has been cleaning pores and tightening skin for a long time. Originally created in 1847 (yes, really!), this tried-and-true formula is alcohol-free and fortified with soothing aloe vera and anti-inflammatory witch hazel. Better yet, 98 percent of the ingredients are natural and the product is highly rated by the EWG with a score of 1. I awarded this toner a top score for affordability, fragrance and texture, and it left my skin feeling refreshed and cleansed after a single swipe. That said, my face also felt a little dry and tight, like I needed to follow up with a moisturizer immediately.

The toner has the texture of water with slightly more viscosity. It’s best applied with a cotton ball or reusable cotton round. The liquid texture makes it easy to disperse the toner on your skin; it glides right on and is absorbed within seconds. The brand claims that this toner improves skin texture and tone for a healthy, glowing complexion. I had a slight dewy glow immediately after application, but I don't think it lingered very long, especially because I added SPF and makeup on top. While it’s relatively straightforward to use, it comes out of the bottle quickly, so you have to pay attention to what you're doing.

Most of the ingredients in the toner are recognizable, like water, glycerin, witch hazel extract, aloe vera and citric acid, and I had no skin sensitivities or reactions to the product during use or application. I like that it includes aloe, which is highly soothing (this could be great to use after a facial, for example), as well as witch hazel extract, which is cleansing and anti-bacterial. There is a slight “clean” or “powdery” fragrance to the toner, but it's definitely not an offensive smell and didn't trigger any skin reactions or nausea.

At $9 for a 12-ounce bottle that’s readily available at drug stores, this is an affordable option, especially since a little goes a long way. Thanks to the clean ingredients, you can use this toner twice a day after cleansing.

Quantity: 12 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Witch hazel, aloe vera | EWG rating: 1

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Topical retinoids—also known as retinol—are a common skin care ingredient used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, treat acne and improve skin texture. However, research shows that the active ingredient vitamin A may pose a risk to fetal health. The good news? There are many pregnancy-safe retinol alternatives. “Azelaic acid gently boosts cell turnover, offering a safer alternative to retinol,” says Engleman. “It’s often recommended for pregnancy-related skin concerns such as hormonal acne, melasma or dark spots,” notes Engleman.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, our Best of The Bump winner for best pregnancy-safe retinol alternative, is a cream formula that glides on easily and gets to work brightening and smoothing skin. Product tester Ivy D. used it at 33 weeks pregnant and gave it high scores across the board. “I noticed a change to the texture of my skin after the very first application,” she gushes, adding that she felt “zero irritation” despite having super-sensitive, acne-prone skin. While it worked like a dream for our tester, it’s worth noting that the brand recommends doing a patch test if you’ve never used this skin care ingredient before.

“From box to application, this product is easy to use,” says Ivy, who gave it a 10 out of 10 for ease of use. She liked the texture and said it absorbed into her skin quickly and left it “feeling very soft.” While she found it easy to open the bottle and apply the product, Ivy noted that “the nozzle itself can get a little gunky with many uses” but added that it’s easy to wipe clean.

In terms of effectiveness, this product performed very well and our tester was excited to keep using it. “I do think even after just a handful of uses it's clear it's an effective product, at least when it comes to improving texture,” says Ivy. “I have a lot of texture on my cheeks, and this seemed to smooth that out basically after the very first application, just about immediately,” she continued. While more time would be needed to measure its effectiveness at fading acne scars and brightening skin long-term, Ivy said that: “I think with further use it will prove to be a game changer in my skin care collection!”

As a chemical exfoliant, azelaic acid isn’t really capable of generating the same level of cellular turnover as a true retinoid, but it’s often praised for its skin-brightening properties, and The Ordinary advertises their 10 percent formula as a treatment for “dull, blemish-prone skin.” Like the brand’s entire product line, it’s also extremely well-priced, earning a 10 out of 10 from our tester in value for money. “This brand overall is super affordable,” she said. “High-quality ingredients and a product for a great price!”

Quantity: 1 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: 10% azelaic acid | EWG rating: 3

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Hyaluronic acid is a pregnancy-safe skin care ingredient loved by folks with dry skin. Why? “It holds more than 1,000x its weight in water, so this is always a go-to ingredient to prevent dry skin and even minimize the production of stretch marks,” says Engelman, who recommends hyaluronic acid to her pregnant patients. There’s a plethora of hyaluronic serums on the market, but the Vichy Mineral 89 came out on top during our testing, earning a Best of The Bump award thanks to its lightweight, scentless formula. I tested the Vichy Mineral Hyaluronic Serum by applying it twice a day for several days. I liked that it was quickly absorbed and left my skin feeling hydrated. I didn’t necessarily notice a major “plumping” effect, but my skin felt dewy and glowy immediately after application.

The serum comes in a nice glass bottle with a pump. The bottle is designed to dispense just enough for one application in a single pump, so you don’t risk wasting the product. A single pump may not seem like a lot but a little goes a long way—one pump was enough to cover my entire face and neck. The serum has a clear, smooth, gel-like texture. I used my hands to apply the product and it absorbed readily into my skin in a few seconds. It made my face feel hydrated and smooth to the touch.

The serum has 11 ingredients, several of which have long chemical-sounding names—however, it’s highly rated by the EWG with a score of 1, which means it’s clean and not hazardous to your health. I liked that the fragrance-free serum was truly scentless and didn’t leave a sticky residue. I was able to layer on sunscreen and makeup without any pilling or visible separation on my skin between products, even by the end of the day.

While you can find cheaper hyaluronic acid serums, I think the price is reasonable for a high-quality product with good ingredients like this one. One bottle will last for several months with daily use, so I'd give it a high rating for value for money and would buy it myself.

Quantity: 1 fl. oz. to 2.5 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | EWG rating: 1

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Whether I’m pregnant or not, I want a gentle makeup remover that doesn’t require dozens of swipes and wipes to lift makeup and grime, especially around the delicate eye area. The Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water, a Best of The Bump winner, gets the job done quickly and comfortably, using clean, pregnancy-safe ingredients.

Inspired by traditional micellar water, which is a French beauty staple, this liquid formula contains a blend of gentle emollients and surfactants that effectively remove makeup at the end of the day. It has a thicker, more viscous texture than other makeup removers I’ve used. This makes it easier to control (I only dispensed as much as I needed at a time), and easier to apply because the liquid doesn’t absorb into the cotton ball immediately. I liked the milky fluid formula, earning this product a 10 out of 10 mark for texture.

Based on my experience, this pregnancy-safe makeup remover earned a 10 out of 10 score for ease of use. During testing, I was able to remove my everyday makeup almost instantly with a cotton pad saturated in the micellar water. On days when I wore heavier makeup, it naturally took a few more swipes, but I never felt like I was over-rubbing my skin.

I also liked that my skin felt refreshed, not dry, after using the product. This is thanks to a blend of three plant-derived ceramides that help maintain the skin's moisture balance. It’s also worth noting that this makeup remover is free of essential oils and fragrances. And while it isn’t labeled as fragrance-free, I didn’t detect any noticeable scent while using this product. “You can even use it on your lips to remove lipstick, and there’s no weird taste or smell,” adds Lauren Barth, mom of three and associate director of lifecycle content at The Bump.

All that said, this is a more expensive micellar water than most. A little goes a long way, though, and the gentle ingredients and application make it worth it.

Quantity: 8 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Ceramides, vitamin E, wild melon seed oil | EWG rating: 3

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Ole Henrikson claims this eye cream brightens, visibly diminishes dark circles and crow’s feet and improves concealer application and wear. “As someone with pretty pronounced dark circles, I was skeptical at first, but I think this cream really comes through,” says product tester Niki, who tried this eye cream in her third trimester. “It contains light-reflecting mineral pigments that really do seem to leave an iridescent glow that lasts for hours.”

Niki found it easy to apply by dabbing a small amount with her ring finger below the eye, and says “the cream feels really nice going on—cooling and hydrating all at once.” It’s worth noting that while the cream is labeled “fragrance-free,” it does have a slight odor that smelled “slightly medicinal and sunscreen-like, but not very pronounced or offensive” to Niki.

To see how well this eye cream held up over time and layered underneath makeup, Niki went one step further and applied the cream to just one side of her face for a direct comparison. “I tested it by applying concealer to my bare skin under one eye and over this cream below the other,” explains Niki. The results? “Lo and behold, even my not-so-detail-observant husband could detect a glow under the Banana Bright-treated eye a couple of hours later,” she says. She also reported that her concealer creased less under that eye, compared to the side that just had moisturizer underneath. Is it any surprise that this eye cream earned a 10 out of 10 score for effectiveness (and a Best of The Bump award to boot)?

While Niki couldn’t speak specifically to the role of vitamin C in the formula, since this ingredient typically takes a longer period of time to produce visible results, she gave the cream a 10 out of 10 in the effectiveness department for delivering on all the smoothing, hydrating and immediate brightening it promised. “I can see myself using it as a base for a heavy makeup event, but it’s also really nice for a light makeup day in summer. Plus, I can already see myself loving it as a one-step routine to perk up my appearance once the baby comes and I’m constantly sleep deprived.”

This eye cream may not come cheap, but “a little does go a long way, and I really see the results,” concluded Niki, before giving this cream a big thumbs up.

Quantity: 0.5 fl. oz.| Active ingredients: Gold complexed vitamin C, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbic acid, bioflavonoids, hardy orange extract, light-reflecting minerals | EWG rating: 4

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Whether you're a skin care junkie or not, most women will invest in a pregnancy-safe moisturizer as a regime staple. Our Best of The Bump-winning choice? The Honest Company Ageless Firm + Smooth Cream. This EWG-verified moisturizer has a thick, luxurious texture that smooths skin and provides hours-long hydration. I’ve been using this cream every night before bed for months, and I love that it keeps my skin feeling soft and dewy, even during the day. In fact, I'd say that my skin is overall more hydrated and smoother than before I started using the product. Suffice it to say I’m a fan of this product and awarded it a perfect 10 score for ease of use, fragrance, texture and value for money.

This moisturizer is nicely packaged in a glass jar. I like that you can dip your finger in, making it easy to collect the exact amount needed. Although it’s quite a thick cream it glides right on and absorbs within less than a minute. With regards to effectiveness, this lotion feels hydrating and rich—my skin felt supple and hydrated during the many weeks I've been using the lotion. It doesn’t contain any SPF protection, but that doesn’t bother me as I use this moisturizer as part of my evening routine. However, if you plan to use it during the day you could layer it underneath a sunscreen.

The ingredient list here is impressive. The cruelty-free product is enriched with shea butter and hyaluronic acid, both of which come expert-recommended for use during pregnancy. It’s totally fragrance-free and doesn’t leave your skin with a sheen or shine, which is my preference. And best of all, it’s EWG verified, meaning it meets the strictest standards for health and transparency.

The price is reasonable, especially considering how little you need for a daily application. One 1.7-ounce jar easily lasts several months (I use the lotion once a day, though it’s formulated for both AM and PM use). Plus, it feels as high-end and effective as other expensive face creams I've used. I plan to continue using this excellent cream long after pregnancy. I love how it’s improved the texture of my combination skin and that it’s made with high-quality, clean ingredients.

Quantity: 1.7 fl. oz.| Active ingredients: Vegan collagen, elastin polypeptides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter | EWG rating: EWG verified

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Facial oils can be used as the last step of your skin care routine to lock in moisture. If you choose to invest in one, we recommend the Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, our Best of The Bump winner for best pregnancy-safe face oil. Biossance products all share the same proprietary ingredient: squalane oil, a fermented sugar cane derivative that the brand describes as a “molecular match for the moisture found in human skin.” This oil pairs squalane with brightening vitamin C and soothing rose extract and proved excellent at sealing in hydration.

Our product tester Niki tried the oil at 37 weeks pregnant and was a particular fan of the clean formula, awarding it a 10 out of 10 score for ingredients. “This product only contains seven ingredients and gets a perfect score from EWG,” explains Niki. “I like the squalane oil a lot—I find that it really extends the life of my moisturizers,” she continues. “When I first got pregnant and was feeling extremely cautious about chemicals in skincare products, I really gravitated toward this brand because of its short ingredient lists and EWG verification.”

The face oil comes in a glass bottle with a dropper applicator. “The dropper makes it extremely easy and straightforward to dispense the desired amount of oil into your hands,” says Niki, who gave it a top score for ease of use. And, as it’s an oil, Niki says that it glides on very easily and a little goes a long way.

“I like it most as part of an evening ritual and as an added sealant for my night cream,” says Niki, who had enjoyed this product even before our testing process. “I haven't seen a marked improvement in either firming or brightening,” which the brand touts, but Niki does note that the oil gave her skin a nice glow and helped lock in hydration. The oil is scented with rose, which might not be for everyone, but Niki loved it. “I think of it as offering a bit of aromatherapy at the end of my day, and sometimes I'll dab a little extra on my wrists to smell as I go to sleep,” she says.

At $74 for a one-ounce jar, this is an expensive product. That said, it lasts a long time (likely much longer than your pregnancy) and may enhance the effectiveness of your other moisturizing products.

Quantity: 1 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Vitamin C, rose extract, chios crystal oil, squalane | EWG rating: EWG verified

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Itchy, sensitive skin is a common pregnancy complaint. So as your belly grows, keeping your skin hydrated and supple is more important than ever. One great way to do this is to switch to a gentle yet moisturizing body wash. In her final trimester, Niki said nothing felt quite as delightful as stepping into a hot shower and coating her skin in Dove’s Sensitive Skin Hypoallergenic Body Wash, our Best of The Bump winner for best pregnancy-safe body wash.

“I definitely notice the residual moisturizing effect while I'm still in the shower,” says Niki, who gave the body wash a 10 out of 10 score for effectiveness. “It barely lathers or suds up, and has an almost filmy quality that I personally like as it feels like it's actually leaving some moisture behind,” she adds. Rather than a foamy shower gel, it almost feels like applying a body lotion, a trait that lends itself well to shaving in the shower if that’s part of your routine. While she liked the creamy texture, Niki acknowledges that this non-lathering effect may not be everyone's cup of tea. “Those who might not like that sensation should be reassured that applying it with a loofah instead results in more suds and less residue, so I do genuinely think it would work for either camp,” she shares.

Scent-sensitive moms-to-be should note that while Dove doesn’t specify the scent of this body wash, it’s definitely perfumed. Niki liked the smell and said it reminded her of a laundry detergent that has “a slightly powdery, cucumber-meets-floral aroma that isn’t overwhelming and definitely doesn’t linger once you’ve dried off.”

In terms of packaging, the bottle is tapered, which makes it easy to handle in a wet, slippery shower environment. But Niki deducted a couple of points for style and design due to the fact that this body wash can only be stored upright, as opposed to upside down. “It's a real pet peeve of mine when shower products have rounded or contoured tops that prevent you from letting gravity do the work of forcing product to the exit point as the container gradually empties,” explains Niki. She notes that this one is easier than others to prop up upside down than others, but added that it still wobbles and tips over.

At around $9 for a 20-ounce, this is an inexpensive body wash that’s suitable for the entire family to use. “I'm quite satisfied with the performance and value,” says Niki who gave it top marks for value for money.

Quantity: 20 fl. oz.| Active ingredients: N/A | EWG rating: 3

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A daily dose of body lotion is the best way to combat dry, flaky skin and increase skin elasticity, which can help prevent stretch marks. Our favorite pregnancy-safe option is, without a doubt, the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. This Best of The Bump-winning product is intensely hydrating without feeling greasy, and it’s affordable enough for everyday use.

The lotion comes in a large 18-ounce bottle with a pump dispenser that consistently releases about a nickel-sized dollop of product. Niki says one pump is enough to coat your hands or forearms, so you’ll have to go back for several pumps to cover your legs and torso. She also appreciated the fact that the pump has a locking mechanism, which is helpful if you have to travel or have a curious toddler on the loose.

“There are few things I hate more than the feeling of clothing clinging to my body lotion,” says Niki, who was pleasantly surprised to find that this lotion struck a great balance between absorbent and emollient. “It definitely leaves a nice sheen on the skin once rubbed in, but doesn’t feel heavy, greasy or sticky,” she explains. Aveeno claims it's clinically proven to provide moisture for 24 hours, and Niki stands behind this statement. “I get quite dry skin on my lower legs and hands in the colder months and I found that any signs of scaliness disappeared while using this product.”

One hit or miss quality about Aveeno products is that, despite being labeled fragrance-free, some report a natural “oaty” scent—and some people love it while others can't stand it. In this instance, scent wasn’t an issue for Niki, who gave this product a perfect 10 for fragrance (or lack thereof). She noted that to her the lotion is fragrance-free and “legitimately undetectable to my sensitive pregnancy nose.” It also earned a top score for value for money, as you can buy a family-sized bottle for less than $10. For this reason, coupled with its hydrating performance and lack of fragrance, Niki said she’d definitely repurchase this pregnancy-safe skincare product.

Quantity: 18 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Oat kernel flour | EWG rating: 1

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Product tester Niki first heard about Tubby Todd’s All Over Ointment while perusing parenting forums online. She read up on it and discovered that “it's very frequently recommended as a miracle treatment for everything from cradle cap to diaper rash to eczema.” But just because it’s primarily used for babies, doesn’t mean pregnant moms can't benefit from it too! “I'm so glad I tried it out on myself,” says Niki, who used it as a spot treatment for particularly dry patches.

At 28 weeks pregnant, Niki was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which required a new routine of hand-washing multiple times a day for finger-sticks and insulin injections. “The backs of my hands have consequently been chronically dry and chapped, and even heavy doses of Eucerin haven't made much of a dent,” she explains. Upon receiving the Tubby Todd ointment, she coated the backs of her hands and saw an overnight improvement. “Tubby Todd totally restored my damaged skin to its baseline level after just one use. After several uses, it's become clear that it's extremely effective at skin barrier repair,” gushes Niki. This high performance earned it a Best of The Bump award for best pregnancy-safe dry skin treatment.

Unlike a regular body lotion, this dry skin ointment is very thick and creamy. And it’s worth noting that the ointment takes some elbow grease to rub in—don’t make Niki’s mistake by starting with too much. A small dab will take a little while to work into the skin, but once it does, expect to see and feel results immediately.

The ingredients are largely natural and recognizable, which, along with the high EWG rating, was a major plus for Niki. “I like that there's a clear active ingredient (colloidal oatmeal) and that the first two ingredients listed (beeswax and camellia sinensis leaf extract) are natural products,” she adds. This product is labeled fragrance-free, but Niki noticed a faint medicinal odor that reminded her of sunscreen. “I only notice it if I put my nose in the jar or my skin directly after application, but I wouldn't say it's completely odorless,” she shares. Her parting thoughts? “I'm totally team Tubby Todd and would absolutely recommend it!”

Quantity: 3.5 fl. oz. to 8 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, jojoba esters, camellia leaf extract | EWG rating: 1

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