All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Among many big and small changes to be made while expecting, switching to the pregnancy-safe skin care is simple and safe with the right information. While there are several ingredients on the “no” list for the 40 weeks (and beyond if you breastfeed), you do not have to sacrifice efficacy for safety. Plenty of hardworking topical products can keep your routine in high gear without using ingredients of concern. Ahead, a look at a few tried and tested pregnancy-safe skin care products, plus dermatologists share what, when, why, and even if you need to make a swap.
Vogue’s Favorite Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products:
- Best Face Wash: Fresh Soy Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser, $39
- Best Retinol Alternative: Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Serum, $84
- Best Vitamin C Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, $182
- Best Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios HA Mineral SPF 30, $38
- Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum, $325
- Best Eye Cream: Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream, $65
- Best Face Oil: True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil, $120
- Best Face Moisturizer: Tata Harper Superkind Fortifying Moisturizer, $130
- Best Exfoliant: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, $85
In This Story
- How does pregnancy affect the skin?
- Which skincare products are safe during pregnancy?
- What skincare ingredients should you avoid during pregnancy?
- What is the ideal pregnancy skincare routine?
- How soon should you change your skincare routine once you find out you re pregnant?
- Should you use pregnancy skin-care products postpartum?
- Meet The Experts
Best Retinol-Alternative: Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Instant Firming Serum
- Why We Love It: If you’re accustomed to the skin-transforming powers of retinol, it can be a bummer to give it up during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Let this serum be your ideal alternative: an effective combination of resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, and a vegan collagen helps smooth wrinkles without irritation (another side effect of retinol). It has a cream-serum feel and a light fresh floral scent that disappears after application. “For a good nighttime pregnancy skin care routine that still has anti-aging benefits, I would reach for resveratrol,” says dermatologist Dr. Mara Weinstein of Rochester, NY who also recommends bakuchiol and peptides as safe retinol alternatives as well. That way, “You can still get that skin cell turnover and collagen stimulation.”
- Key Ingredients: Resveratrol, hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen 1
- Size: 30 ml
Best Vitamin C Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic with 15% L-Ascorbic Acid
- Why We Love It: This iconic, Vogue Verified vitamin C formula is beloved for its well-documented efficacy and is, tellingly, popular among dermatologists themselves (it is often used following laser treatments to enhance the healing process, say Weinstein). One of the most studied over-the-counter products, this serum has been shown in peer-reviewed studies to reduce environmental damage to skin and all the active ingredients are considered safe to use during pregnancy. “I like vitamin C during pregnancy because you are more sensitive to the sun during this time,” says Miami-based dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo. “Along with retinol, which you can’t use during pregnancy, vitamin C is the most studied to ensure visible results.” Expert tip: If you’re sensitive to scents during pregnancy (this serum notoriously smells a bit like hot dogs) or you have more sensitive skin, opt for a vitamin C with 10% or less L-ascorbic acid or a form of vitamin C called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate.
- Key Ingredients: L-ascorbic acid 15%, alpha tocopherol 1%, ferulic acid 0.5%
- Size: 30ml
Best Face Wash: Fresh Soy Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Soothing and hydrating with no added fragrance, this universal cleanser is safe to use near the eyes and doesn’t irritate skin. “When skin is more prone to sensitivity and redness, gentle cleansing is very important,” says Ciraldo. This cushiony gel formula turns into a soft lather when mixed with water to gently remove dirt and residue—leaving skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
- Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, cucumber extract, borage seed oil, soy proteins
- Size: 150 ml / 5 fl oz
Best Makeup Remover: Elemis Pro-Collagen Naked Cleansing Balm
- Why We Love It: Oils break down makeup, sunscreen, dirt, and buildup best, which makes a cleansing balm ideal to seamlessly cleanse the skin at the end of a long day. Elemis’s beloved balm formula melts immediately into skin and rinses away cleanly with warm water, no residue. While the original Cleansing Balm has a gorgeous botanical scent, the fragrance-free Naked formula is better if you’re more averse to scents during pregnancy. (Editor tip: Remove the balm with a warm wet cloth for more thorough cleansing and light exfoliation.)
- Key Ingredients: Wheatgerm oil, oat oil, elderberry oil, starflower oil, padina pavonica
- Size: 100g
Best Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios HA Mineral SPF 30
- Why We Love It: The smooth, non-greasy feel of this La Roche-Posay formula makes this the perfect daily face sunscreen during pregnancy. Added antioxidants help boost the protective benefits, while and glycerin and hyaluronic acid keep skin nourished. On the SPF front, this gets its benefits from 5.5% titanium dioxide and 10% zinc oxide which provide a physical barrier against damaging UV rays. “Sunscreen is the first line of treatment for melasma prevention,” says Weinstein. “Mineral sunscreen is not only considered to be safer, there’s also a lower risk of irritation compared to chemical sunscreens.”
- Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, senna alata, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin B5
- Size: 1.7 fl oz/50 ml
Best Tinted Sunscreen: Lived Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50
- Why We Love It: If you’re prone to melasma (or your mother was) or are concerned about pregnancy hyperpigmentation, opt for a tinted sunscreen. Studies show that a tinted mineral sunscreen is better at preventing melasma than non-tinted options. “The iron oxide in the tint helps block the visible light that contributes to melasma,” says Ciraldo. In nine shades, Live Tinted’s hydrating formula gives light-to-medium buildable coverage with a sweat-resistant, radiant finish plus a nice, high SPF. Tinted sunscreens are also great for those with deeper skin tones who are concerned about the potential white casts prevalent in some mineral sunscreens.
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, butterfly bush flower extract, Indian gooseberry, hyaluronic acid, sea buckthorn oil
- Size: 1.35 fl oz / 40 ml
Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum
- Why We Love It: Dry skin can become exacerbated during pregnancy, making a simple hydrating serum a must-have. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s cult-loved option contains three different types of hyaluronic acid with low, medium, and high molecular weight for deeper penetration. Plus, it’s scent-free, layers well under creams and makeup without pilling, and provides ample hydration with just a little bit of product. Among a simplified formula of only eight ingredients total (a rarity on shelves), this contains a botanical extract from purslane that helps calm skin, which can become more red and irritated during pregnancy.
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, purslane extract
- Size: 30 ml
Best Eye Cream: Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream
- Why We Love It: When skin becomes drier, more easily irritated, and more eczema-prone during pregnancy, the delicate skin around the eyes can be the first place to show it—not to mention dark circles (hello, pregnancy insomnia!) can become more pronounced. Shiseido’s ultra-creamy formula provides some relief via effective anti-aging ingredients and rich hydrators like peptides, squalane, and ginseng extract. Plus, with its light peach tone, the formula contains iron oxides, which can help block the visible light that can lead to pigmentation. “I’m a big proponent of eye cream because the eye skin is distinctly different and a lot of face products are not tested for safe use around the eyes,” says Weinstein. “Massaging around the eyes and out toward the temples can be helpful for pregnancy puffiness, too.”
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, squalane, ginseng extract, vitamin E
- Size: 15ml
Best Face Oil: True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil
- Why We Love It: The beautiful golden color of this oil, hints at the rich botanicals inside that are natural sources of essentials like ceramides, fatty acids, and antioxidants. This careful combination makes the formula simultaneously hydrating and clarifying—a godsend if you’re experiencing dryness and breakouts simultaneously during pregnancy. The seed oils inside are also very similar to our skin’s natural oils, making it more biocompatible. “If you have extra dry skin or it’s winter, this could be a helpful added layer,” Weinstein notes. It smells as luscious as it looks and feels, and works beautifully layered with other skincare and makeup.
- Key Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, helichrysum, hemp seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, grape seed oil, algae extract
- Size: 1 fl oz/30 ml
Best Face Moisturizer: Tata Harper Superkind Fortifying Moisturizer
- Why We Love It: Whether you want to streamline your routine or already have your multitaskers down pat, finding a moisturizer that does more than just hydrate is always a good idea. Tata Harper’s is just the ticket—lightweight and absorbent, it creates a moisturizing cushion that imparts slight radiance. The botanical extracts in this 100% natural-origin formula help both maintain skin’s natural lipid barrier with polysaccharides as well as defend against irritants thanks to extracts from plants native to harsh climates. It’s free from gluten, wheat, soy, and nut derivatives, fragrances, essential oils, and common allergens and irritants. And instead of water as its first ingredient, which is typical of many skin care formulas, it uses calendula flower juice which helps calm skin as well.
- Key Ingredients: Calendula flower juice, shea butter, microalgae peptides, mondo root
- Size: 1.7 fl oz.
Best Calming Treatment: Dr. Loretta Barrier Repair Gel Cream
- Why We Love It: Lightweight like a lotion, Dr. Loretta’s fragrance-free, non-irritating formula balances the skin’s microbiome while rebuilding the lipid barrier. Powered by a blend of peptides, ceramides, and postbiotics, this gel-cream helps reduce redness, calm irritation, and plump skin. “Pregnancy can come with a lot of skin issues like eczema, dermatitis, and dry skin,” says Weinstein, who adds that women with darker skin tones should find a derm they trust to help them identify these issues. “Often in skin of color these conditions are missed because on darker skin it’s not going to look like a red patch so it’s not as obvious. If those areas aren’t treated, they can also develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.” Expert tip: If your skin is itchy and you’re past your first trimester, it’s safe to use a low dose hydrocortisone like Aquaphor Itch Relief Ointment, Ciraldo adds.
- Key Ingredients: Bioidentical ceramides, tripeptide-38, vegan postbiotics, and ergotheinine.
- Size: 1.7 fl oz / 50 mL
Best Essence: Tatcha The Essence
- Why We Love It: If your skin feels more rough and dehydrated than usual, try adding a pregnancy-safe essence to your routine. Applying layers of hydration—lightweight formulas to thicker formulas—can help hydrate more effectively. Tatcha’s cult-loved moisturizing essence feels like water, hydrates like a cream, and improves skin like a serum using pregnancy-safe ingredients like fermented rice, green tea, and algae. It feels cushiony when you press it in and makes skin feel plump, but absorbs completely.
- Key Ingredients: Fermented rice, green tea, and algae.
- Size: 5 fl. oz/150 ml
Best Exfoliant: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
- Why We Love It: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as lactic acid, help remove dead skin cells, refine pores, and are great pregnancy safe options to work against hyperpigmentation and enlarged pores. Whether you leave it on overnight or used as a short three-minute treatment, skin looks fresh, glowy, and more even-toned. While lactic acid is known for being the most hydrating of the acids, if your skin is particularly dry, Ciraldo recommends skipping an exfoliant.
- Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice, lemongrass, arnica, prickly pear extract, and aloe.
- Size: 1 fl oz/30 ml
Best Pimple Treatment: PanOxyl Overnight Spot Patches
- Why We Love It: Since retinol, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide (and acne-preventing prescriptions like spironolactone) should all be avoided during pregnancy, many of typical acne treatments are off the table. But you may also notice more pimples due to pregnancy hormones. One of the best ways to care for these breakouts is with a hydrocolloid pimple patch, which contains no active ingredients but helps absorb oil and dirt to alleviate whitehead blemishes. Ciraldo vouches for them, adding, “We use hydrocolloid patches on wounds and if you think about it a pimple is like a little wound. Plus, it helps prevent picking.”
- Key Ingredients: Hydrocolloid
- Size: 40 ct
Best Niacinamide Serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
- Why We Love It: Niacinamide is a pregnancy-safe, multifunctional ingredient beloved by dermatologists known to help with fine lines, hyperpigmentation, skin barrier repair, and even irritation. The added zinc PCA in The Ordinary’s water-based formula helps control oil production during a time when hormones can trigger breakouts. “A lot of women get redder with pregnancy whether it’s hormonal or sensitivity from extra stress and niacinamide is a good topical to lessen skin redness,” Ciraldo explains. A few drops of this ultra-lightweight serum easily cover the whole face.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc PCA
- Size: 30 ml
How does pregnancy affect the skin?
“The three biggest issues during pregnancy are that skin can become much more sensitive and reddened; it can become more prone to breakouts, and the hormone changes set you up for melasma and hyperpigmentation,” says Ciraldo, a mother of four who’s now also grandmother and worked with many pregnant patients in her Miami, Florida practice of 40 years. “I often find it’s genetic.” Rosacea can also flare during pregnancy as your blood volume doubles; and don’t underestimate the effects caused by pregnancy stress, which can cause flare ups of conditions like eczema.
Which skin-care products are safe during pregnancy?
All product types are OK to use, but certain ingredients are to be avoided, according to doctors (full list below). While it might seem like opting for more “natural” skin-care products across the board would equate to safety, that’s not always the case. “Sometimes with ‘natural’ brands there are so many botanicals it’s like taking a walk through the woods where you’re getting exposed to so much stuff,” says Ciraldo. “Read the ingredients labels. And keep your routine simple.”
Weinstein recommends sticking with brands that have a proven track record. “Big drugstore brands like CeraVe and Cetaphil have loads of funds for research and data on safety,” says Weinstein. “Their research and development teams are robust and their history of being around longer also supports their safety.”
Overall, patch test new products for 24 hours on your inner arm or behind your ear to check for irritation. And while chemical sunscreens should be swapped out for mineral sunscreens, doctors recommend using any sunscreen versus no sunscreen at all.
What skincare ingredients should you avoid during pregnancy?
Doctors say to avoid are retinol (including tretinoin), salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydrocortisone (in the first trimester), chemical sunscreens, hydroquinone, and tetracycline during pregnancy.
Less critical, but also on the avoid-if-you-can list from experts due to irritation are harsh acids and essential oils.“They’re of concern because studies have shown that when large amounts of these ingredients are applied to skin there can be some systemic absorption—and we have data about that,” says Weinstein. “Anything absorbed systemically can get into your bloodstream and potentially affect the baby.”
Because researchers will not conduct studies on pregnant patients, the list of ingredients to avoid tends to be hypervigilant and recommendations can take a long time to change. Over time, as a more research emerges, some beauty treatments that were once avoided—like coloring hair—are now considered safe.
“I think it’s always best to err on following all the recommendations [even if they seem overly cautious],” Ciraldo instructs. “Godforbid a complication comes up, you don’t want the added pressure of second guessing your choices.”
What is the ideal pregnancy skin-care routine?
Naturally, you may feel the urge to completely overhaul your routine top to bottom, but the good news is you don’t need to fix anything that isn’t broken. “If you already have a good routine, stick to it and just eliminate the things you know are not safe—just swap those,” Weinstein says. As for the steps of a routine, simple is better: cleanser, antioxidant serum (like vitamin C), moisturizer, and sunscreen for day, then cleanser and some anti-aging product (think: something rich in peptides or retinol alternatives) for night.
How soon should you change your skin-care routine once you find out you re pregnant?
In an ideal world, pregnancy skin care changes should already happen when you’re trying to get pregnant. But do not be too concerned if you don’t make changes until after discovering you’re expecting—the best thing to do is tweak your routine as soon as you know. Of more concern are oral medications to treat acne like spironolactone and isotretinoin, which you should stop immediately and speak to your OB-GYN.
Should you use pregnancy skin-care products postpartum?
If you’re breastfeeding, doctors recommend continuing to follow the pregnancy-safe parameters. Like many recommendations during pregnancy, this is mostly out of an abundance of caution. “The risk of systemic absorption from topical tretinoin from skin to breastmilk is very low,” says Dr. Weinstein. “But it’s still considered unsafe during both pregnancy and breastfeeding.” As soon as you’re done breastfeeding you may immediately resume all topicals.
Meet The Experts
- Dr. Loretta Ciraldo is a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Loretta skin care.
- Dr. Mara Weinstein is a Rochester, NY-based board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Cosmetic and Laser Surgeon.