Pregnancy has many effects on your body and daily life, but its effects on your skin care routine are frequently disregarded.Not only can pregnancy cause your oily skin to abruptly turn dry and low-maintenance skin to become more sensitive, but it can also alter the kinds of substances you can use on your face and body without risk. Our experts advise that oral retinol and salicylic acid both have the potential to cause birth abnormalities at certain dosages, so you should talk to your doctor about using these chemicals topically.
I talked to doctors about substances to avoid and things to know while shopping so that you may find the best pregnancy-safe products to tackle your changing skin concerns, such as moisturizers and acne treatments.
GO Ahead and SkipThe top 2025 pregnancy-safe skin care products | How to buy pregnancy-safe skin care products | Why NBC Select is a reliable source?
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Best moisturizerLa Roche Posay Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer
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Best sunscreenLa Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen
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Best serumCeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
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Best daily lotionCeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
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How I picked the best pregnancy-safe skin care products
I sought advice from board-certified dermatologists regarding pregnancy-safe products and common pregnancy skin issues including dryness and sensitivity. They advise switching to gentle formulas and looking for dangerous substances on product labels during pregnancy, which I go into more detail about below. Experts advise you to have in mind the following:
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Risky ingredients
: Many experts in the medical community consider certain common skin care ingredients namely retinoids (vitamin A), salicylic acid (or BHAs), hydroquinone and oxybenzone to be unsafe to use during pregnancy because of the potential to cause fetal damage, saysDr. Sejal Shah
, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology in New York. Most of the evidence behind these warnings comes from heavy doses, oral use (particularly oral retinoids and salicylic acid) or animal studies, and the risk of using these ingredients occasionally in the small amounts you would use on your face is likely theoretical, according to experts. Still, there are plenty of pregnancy-safe alternatives that carry no known risks. If you have an option that we know to be safe [during pregnancy], why use one that we don t have enough information about? says
Dr. Rachel Nazarian
, a board-certified dermatologist with the Schweiger Dermatology group in New York.
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Moisturizing capabilities:
Physical and hormonal changes can lead to sensitive, dry skin during pregnancy. Formulas designed to boost hydration and protect yourskin barrier
with ingredients such as
niacinamide
,
hyaluronic acid
and glycerin can be helpful. When it comes to application, moisturizing is particularly important at night, according to experts. Having adequate hydration is how our skin repairs itself overnight, says
Dr. Erum Ilyas
, a board-certified dermatologist with the Schweiger Dermatology group in Pennsylvania. Having a healthy skin barrier protects you from bacteria and allergens, which is particularly important during pregnancy.
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Chemical vs. physical sunscreen
: During pregnancy, experts recommend looking for a mineral sunscreen instead of a chemical formula if you are not already using one. That s because oxybenzone, the active ingredient in many chemical sunscreens, is linked to certain birth defects. Opt for sunscreens with physical UV blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead.
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Fragrance free:
Experts also recommend looking for fragrance-free products if your skin is more sensitive than usual during pregnancy. While scents are not considered harmful, synthetic fragrances can be irritating to skin.
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The best pregnancy-safe skin care products in 2025
It may seem necessary to start a new skin care regimen when pregnant, but experts warn that’s not always the case. It can be very beneficial to read labels, talk to your doctor about the hazards, and modify your routine accordingly. I’ve listed the top moisturizers, cleansers, serums, and other products that dermatologists recommend below to properly treat any skin issues you may have during pregnancy.
Best pregnancy-safe sunscreens
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen
During pregnancy, Shah advises switching to amineral sunscreen. According to her, mineral compositions can be less irritating for pregnant women with sensitive skin, in addition to worries about how oxybenzone may affect fetal development. The sheer texture and blendability of La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios sunscreen was praised by the experts I spoke with. This zinc oxide-based product is oil-free and has a 50 SPF rating.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
An NBC Select staff favorite for sensitive skin, this is our number one choice for the best sunscreen. According to NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio, who has rosacea and dry skin, this is the only sunscreen that doesn’t cause irritation to her skin. According to the brand, niacinamide is used in its formulation to assist reduce inflammation. According to EltaMD, it is also free of oil and aroma and non-comedogenic.
Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen Lotion
Professionals recommend Coola’s mineral sunscreen for a full-body alternative. With its broad-spectrum protection, the fragrance-free solution shields your skin from UVA and UVB radiation. Additionally, the manufacturer claims that it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has a sheer finish.
Best pregnancy-safe moisturizers
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
La Roche Posay Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Experts suggest La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer for a thicker, more moisturizing face moisturizer. It contains three different kinds of hydrators—ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide—that serve to fortify the skin barrier and attract moisture to the skin.
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
According to Ilyas, CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing lotion is a pregnancy-safe moisturizer that is suitable for both the face and the body because it doesn’t feel greasy or uncomfortable. According to the company, it is especially beneficial in fortifying the skin barrier as it stretches during pregnancy because it is made with three different types of ceramides.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel
Experts advise using Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel for pregnant women who are a little oily. This type of water-based gel hydrates your skin without introducing oil, which may block pores. It also contains hyaluronic acid, a crucial hydrator: According to Nazarian, hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our skin that is safe to use while pregnant and well-tolerated by all, especially those who are in the hypersensitive stage of pregnancy.
Best pregnancy-safe serums
CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
CeraVe Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Ilyas suggests hyaluronic acid-based serums for expectant mothers since they can give their skin an extra layer of hydration before applying a moisturizer. “Without an active ingredient that can cause any harm to the baby, you’re giving yourself a little boost of hydration to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles,” Ilyas adds.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Niacinamide Serum
Neutrogena Hydro Boost + Niacinamide Serum
Like vitamin C, niacinamide is a true powerhouse element, according to Shah. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with fine wrinkles. According to Shah, it can also help lighten the skin, which is especially beneficial during pregnancy when hormones encourage the skin’s pigmentation to develop. The brand recommends using this 10% niacinamide serum twice daily before using a moisturizer.
Biossance Squalane + 10% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Biossance Squalane + 10% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
According to Shah, this serum will address the hyperpigmentation that many pregnant women experience. Vitamin C helps treat pregnancy-related pigmentation problems including melasma, rose petal extract soothes the skin, and squalane helps seal in moisture. According to her, it will help hydrate, protect, and brighten the skin—all of which are essential for pregnant women’s skin.
Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correction Serum
Skinbetter Science Even Tone Correction Serum
Skinbetter Science’s Even Tone Correction Serum is another pregnancy-safe serum that specialists suggest for pigmentation problems. The formula’s primary ingredient, pregnancy-safe kakadu plum extract (a type of vitamin C), brightens the skin without the use of hydroquinone, a substance that doctors advise against during pregnancy.
Best pregnancy-safe retinol alternatives
Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum
Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum
This serum employs bakuchiol to achieve the effects of retinol without the possible detrimental consequences on your pregnancy. It was created to diminish the look of fine lines and has an average rating of 4.4 stars based on 515 reviews on Amazon. According to the manufacturer, bakuchiol, which is derived from plants, smoothes and firms skin. It also works in concert with the blueberry stem cells and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in this serum to combat dullness and enhance the overall texture and luminosity of your skin.
Tatcha The Silk Serum
Tatcha The Silk Serum
Pregnant women should avoid using retinol in their skin care regimen, according to the majority of the specialists I spoke with. Shah suggests using Tatcha’s silk serum in its place. “It supports collagen [production] by combining sea fennel and cranberry extract,” she says. According to the brand, it also helps firm skin, which lessens the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, just like a conventional retinol.
Best pregnancy-safe cleansers
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar
Experts advise that the simplest the cleaner, the better. Dove’s Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar is one of Nazarian’s all-time favorites since it washes without irritating the skin. She believes it’s just a good, solid foundation. The brand claims that no artificial perfumes have been applied.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Milky Cleanser
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Milky Cleanser
According to Nazarian, you want to maintain a very strong and hydrated skin barrier, especially during pregnancy. Drying it out and irritating it is the last thing you want to do. Shah suggests La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Dermo Milky Cleanser if you have skin that is inflamed, dry, or sensitive. According to La Roche-Posay, it contains glycerin, a humectant that aids in attracting water into the skin to keep you hydrated.
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
Like other options on this list, this CeraVe s Foaming Facial Cleanser has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides in it to hydrate your skin. It s not as irritating to the skin as some cleansers can be and it doesn t have any active [ingredients] that are aggravating or irritating your skin further, says Ilyas. The brand also claims that there isn’t any additional aroma.
Best pregnancy-safe acne treatments
Dermatologica Deep Acne Liquid Patch
Dermatologica Deep Acne Liquid Patch
Avoiding salicylic acid, a common ingredient in acne treatments, might make treating pregnancy-related acne difficult. This spot treatment, which has niacinamide in it to help reduce inflammation, is a pregnancy-safe alternative. According to Shah, the sulfur-based therapy is a safe ingredient for pregnancy-related acne. A little goes a long way: dispense a drop of product the size of a grain of rice onto the back of your hand and then use your finger to dab onto your blemish before massaging it in, according to the brand.
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Exfoliator
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% Exfoliator
Another substitute for salicylic acid that dermatologists advise using during pregnancy is azelaic acid. It not only effectively addresses acne, but most azelaic acid formulas are nonirritating to sensitive pregnancy skin, says Ilyas. Azelaic acid is also an expert-favorite brightening ingredient to help address pregnancy-related pigmentation conditions like melasma.
Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Masque
Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Masque
This medicated mask is designed to help clear acne while exfoliating the skin, according to the brand. It s formulated with sulfur, which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that soothes breakouts, redness, and skin irritation. The mask, which has a 4.4-star average rating from more than 1,200 reviews on Sephora, also uses kaolin and bentonite clay to absorb excess oil clogging your pores, in order to prevent future breakouts, according to the brand.
Related
Why dermatologists love these mineral sunscreens
How to shop for pregnancy-safe skin care
When shopping for pregnancy-safe skin care, experts say the best approach involves assessing your skin s changing needs and talking with your doctor about what ingredients you feel comfortable using. Below, I highlight where to begin when evaluating the best products for pregnancy.
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Assess your skin care needs.
When you are pregnant, your skin is different, says Shah. A combination of vascular, hormonal, and physical changes mean that skin texture can change, and many pregnant people experience dryness and itchiness as a result. Making sure your skin care routine includes products with ultra-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid is important as are products with ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier, according to experts. If you re experiencing irritation, try eliminating products with synthetic fragrances and replacing them with fragrance-free options, experts say. -
Read ingredient labels
. While there s no need to overhaul your entireskin care routine
during pregnancy, you should be aware of ingredients that may pose a risk during pregnancy, says Shah. Experts recommend stopping the use of retinoids, avoiding brightening creams with hydroquinone and acne treatments with salicylic acid.
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Talk to your doctor.
No matter how conservatively you approach your topical skin care routine or if you exclusively use over-the-counter ingredients, talk to your doctor about any oral medications you re taking. Medications including isotretinoin (Accutane
) and spironolactone, which are prescribed by a dermatologist for concerns including acne and
hair loss
, are dangerous during pregnancy and can seriously impact fetal development.
Frequently asked questions
Your skin care needs may completely change during pregnancy. Shifting hormones, increased blood flow and blood volume, and the physical stretching of the skin that occurs during pregnancy can trigger acne, dryness, sensitivity andhyperpigmentation. Most skin changes during pregnancy are nothing to worry about, but if you have a rash, especially if it is itchy, you should consult a doctor. There are some skin diseases that are very specific to pregnancy and we often do like to check those out, says Shah. Below are some of the most common skin changes to expect during pregnancy.
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Pigmentation.
Pigmentation-related skin changes are very common during pregnancy, says Shah. Melasma, commonly called the mask of pregnancy, is a type of hyperpigmentation that most often shows up in a freckle-like pattern of brown or grayish spots on the face, according to theAmerican Academy of Dermatology
. It s also common to experience hyperpigmentation around the areola, inner thighs, and abdomen, according to our experts.
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Vascular changes.
Vascular changes are also common during pregnancy. Our experts say that you may notice the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins thanks to the increased blood flow and blood volume that occurs during pregnancy. -
Sensitivity.
Dryness and itchiness are common, especially on the abdomen, according to our experts. Skin just doesn t hold onto moisture as effectively as before, says Ilyas. It is not only hormonally driven, but a physical phenomenon as skin stretches, it s thinned out and doesn t hold onto moisturize effectively because there is less actual substance that can hold onto or retain moisture in the skin as effectively as before. Pregnancy skin may also be more prone to irritation and skin conditions likeeczema
.
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Acne.
Shifting hormones during pregnancy can cause breakouts bothcystic acne
and
rosacea
-based breakouts are common, according to our experts. It does tend to happen in the first trimester, so if you ve made it through the first trimester without an issue, it s less likely to occur in the second and third trimester, says Shah.
When approaching skin care ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, our experts say that context is important. Using a topical retinoid on your face a few times a week is very different from taking an oral retinoid like isotretinoin, using a prescription cream with a high concentration of the active ingredient or even using a retinol body cream that you apply to large surface area of skin, says Nazarian. The risk of impacting fetal development with the former practice is present, but very low, she says. Most people are fine, even if they re not being super, super, super cautious about what they re [using].
That said, our experts all agree it s best to be cautious when using retinoids and other ingredients, especially when there are so many great alternative ingredients that are safe to use in pregnancy. I tend to tell my patients it s probably safer to avoid ingredients that we know are not safe at higher concentrations because we don t know how much they re going to absorb at an individual level, says Ilyas.
Below are the most common skin care ingredients to remove from your routine during pregnancy (or at least discuss with your doctor).
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Retinoids.
Retinoids, or vitamin A derivatives, can address acne and signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles. They re a skin care staple recommended by many dermatologists and are widely considered unsafe to use during pregnancy. But with retinoids, it s a fine line between erring on the side of caution and fear mongering, says Nazarian. We know that isotretinoin and oral retinoids can be pretty damaging to a fetus. We have lots of evidence that suggests topically, however, it s not. She says she personally used adapalene, a retinoid-like compound throughout her pregnancy. In other words, using a topical retinol during the earliest days of pregnancy (perhaps before you found out you were pregnant,) isn t a reason to panic, according to our experts. If you want to continue using a topical retinol, our experts recommend speaking with your doctor. -
Salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid, a common acne fighter that may appear on an ingredient list as a BHA (beta hydroxy acid), is similar to retinoids in that it is not safe for use during pregnancy as an oral medication. The safety of salicylic acid as an over-the-counter topical treatment is murkier. The general thought is that if it s a limited amount, such as a low percentage treatment applied to a limited area, it s probably safe to use, says Shah. Because there isn t consensus in the medical community, it s always best to clear that with your OB-GYN, she says. For a pregnancy-safe alternative acne treatment, our experts recommend azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which is considered safe to use during pregnancy by theAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
.
Alpha hydroxy acid
(also called glycolic acid) is also considered safe when used topically, says Shah.
-
Oxybenzone.
Oxybenzone, the active ingredient found in many chemical sunscreens, is not safe for pregnancy. As an endocrine disruptor, it can impact fetal development, particularly the development of neurological, reproductive, and immune systems. Since you typically use sunscreen on your entire body, it s important to find a pregnancy-safe formula. Studies show that you can absorb oxybenzone through the skin, pass it through the bloodstream, and have it reach the fetus in concentrations high enough to be concerning, according to theNational Institutes of Health
. Our experts recommend switching to a
mineral sunscreen
during pregnancy.
-
Hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone, a brightening treatment that can address pigmentation issues like melasma, is no longer available over the counter so it s unlikely to be in your medicine cabinet unless you have a prescription. While the risks of using hydroquinone during pregnancy are low,according to the NIH
, our experts recommend avoiding it. Instead, they say to choose formulas with pregnancy-safe brightening agents like vitamin C or azelaic acid.
-
Phthalates.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals found in plastics and many beauty products. Like oxybenzone, they are endocrine disruptors, meaning they have the potential to impact fetal development. Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy is also linked to an increased risk of preterm birth,according to the NIH
. Phthalates are admittedly difficult to avoid during pregnancy, according to our experts, since they are found in so many products we interact with on a daily basis. You can minimize your exposure by looking for hair and skincare products labeled phthalate-free. Essential oils. When pregnant, your dermatologist may also advise limiting your exposure to certain essential oils including camphor, clary sage, cinnamon, tansy, and hyssop. People think of essential oils as safe because they re natural ingredients, but a lot of [them] can do things like induce uterine contractions or can block certain hormones, says Shah. Again, the amount that you re exposed to with topical skin care ingredients is likely low enough not to cause a panic, she says, but it s worth discussing with your dermatologist if you re pregnant.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we collaborate with professionals that possess specific expertise and power derived from pertinent education and/or job experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
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Dr. Sejal Shah
is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology in New York. She specializes in cosmetic dermatology and treating skin of color.
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Dr. Rachel Nazarian
is a board-certified dermatologist with the Schweiger Dermatology group in New York. Her areas of research include the treatment of skin disease and she also specializes in cosmetic treatments including lasers and injectables.
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Dr. Erum Ilyas
is a board-certified dermatologist with the Schweiger Dermatology group in Pennsylvania. Her expertise includes pediatric and medical dermatology and skin cancer treatment.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am a journalist and former Glamour editor who has been covering beauty and wellness treatments for over a decade.
For this article, I spoke to three dermatologists about the best perinatal skincare products, including ingredients to avoid during pregnancy.
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