Best Skin Care Products for Pregnancy, According to Dermatologists
Looking for that pregnancy glow? A dermatologist recommends pregnancy-safe skin care products.
By Amylia Ryan
Noticing some changes in your skin now that you’re pregnant? Maybe your once dry skin now has a constant oily sheen ever since you took that pregnancy test, or maybe your skin has gotten so sensitive that only the gentlest cleansers will do.
We asked dermatologist Dr. Lisa Zhang for her favorite pregnancy-safe skin care products that she used for her own skin care routine while pregnant. In general, she recommends sticking with gentle products to prevent skin irritation and to keep your skin from absorbing any ingredients that could be harmful to fetal development, such as retinoids. Read on to see her specific product recommendations that you can use throughout your pregnancy.
What skin care products are safe to use during pregnancy?
Here’s what Zhang says to look for in pregnancy-safe skin care products:
- Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers
- Hyaluronic acid (a moisturizer with pregnancy-safe anti-aging properties)
- Benzoyl Peroxide (safe in limited amounts, but it is recommended to check with your dermatologist first before using)
- Vitamin C serum (used for its brightening, anti-aging and antioxidant properties; apply in the morning before sunscreen)
- Salicylic acid in low doses, usually found in over-the-counter face washes (not safe in high doses, in masks or when taken orally)
Want to know the details about what skin care products should be avoided during pregnancy? Check out our guide on Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care.
Best Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is about as gentle and all-purpose as it gets for skin cleansers. No matter what type of skin you have, from oily and acne-prone to dry and irritated, Cetaphil quickly washes away dirt, oil and makeup without leaving any kind of residue.
Cetaphil Skin Cleanser Unscented
Best Cleanser for Oily Skin
Whether you’ve always had oily skin or it’s a newer pregnancy-related development, the best type of cleanser to balance your skin’s oil production is a foaming one. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is recommended the most by dermatologists because it’s lightweight yet effective, removes oil without damaging your skin’s natural protective barrier, is budget-friendly and is easy to find in any cosmetics department.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Best Cleanser for Dry Skin
CeraVe again? You bet! (We promise this guide isn’t sponsored.) The brand is all-around one of the most recommended by dermatologists. If your skin is on the dry side, you’ll appreciate CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser for bringing much-needed moisture to your skin rather than leaving it more dry than ever (like many cleansers can). It contains pregnancy-safe ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin to keep your skin hydrated after every wash.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Best for Brightening and Anti-Aging
Vitamin C serum certainly isn’t a necessity for your skin care routine, but if you’re looking to even out skin tone and boost your skin’s glow, Vitamin C can help (it goes on your face after cleansing). It also supports your skin’s collagen health, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And this formula from Derma-E includes hyaluronic acid to keep your face moisturized, as well.
Derma-E Vitamin C Serum
Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Sunscreen is always important when going outdoors, but especially so when you’re pregnant and your skin is extra sensitive. This sunscreen from eltaMD protects against both UVA and UVB rays, is mineral-based so it’s safe for your baby’s developing system and is specially formulated for sensitive skin prone to discoloration, rosacea and acne (all of which can crop up during pregnancy).
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen
Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin
Dry skin always needs extra help from moisturizers, and water-based gels help lock in the maximum amount of moisture. While the texture of this moisturizer is a little different from the creams you may be used to (it feels little like putting jelly on your face), it’ll keep your face feeling soft, smooth and refreshed all day, no matter how dry your skin or environment are.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
Best Moisturizer for Normal or Oily Skin
If your skin doesn’t get too dry, and even if it tends more toward oily, Aveeno is well known for their non-greasy moisturizers that leave your skin feeling fresh and not weighed down. And if you’ve got some skin discoloration (fairly common in pregnancy), Aveeno’s Positively Radiant moisturizer can help even out and brighten your skin tone.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 15
Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Increased skin sensitivity is common in pregnancy, and this facial moisturizer from Vanicream is specially formulated without dyes, fragrances, parabens and all the other ingredients that your skin might react poorly to. And whether your sensitive skin is oily, dry or acne-prone, this lotion will keep your skin feeling soft and healthy.
Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin
Amylia Ryan
Associate Editor
Amylia Ryan is the Associate Editor at Babylist, specializing in the topics of health, wellness and lifestyle products. Combining a decade of experience in writing and editing with a deep passion for helping people, her number one goal in her work is to ensure new parents feel supported and understood. She herself is a parent to two young children, who are more than willing to help product test endless toys, books, clothes, toiletries and more.
