\n
Having a baby brings plenty of changes, but finding the best pregnancy skin-care products doesn\u2019t have to feel overwhelming\u2014it\u2019s about keeping things simple and knowing which ingredients to keep and which to skip. With hormonal changes like sensitivity, breakouts, or dryness, skin often benefits from gentler, more supportive formulas that focus on comfort, hydration, and protection. Think nourishing cleansers, mild exfoliants, straightforward moisturizers, and mineral sunscreens that protect without raising ingredient concerns.<\/p>\n
For this list, we spoke with board-certified dermatologists who didn\u2019t just recommend these products to patients\u2014they also relied on many of them during their own<\/em> pregnancies. Their guidance focused on smart swaps instead of sacrifice: avoiding known no-gos like retinoids and chemical sunscreens, prioritizing well-studied, pregnancy-safe ingredients (such as azelaic acid), and keeping routines realistic enough to stick with through every trimester.<\/p>\nThe products ahead are reliable, supportive picks that help keep skin feeling comfortable, cared for, and well-protected throughout pregnancy, so you can feel good about what you\u2019re using every step of the way. (P.S. Congrats\u2014you\u2019ve got this.)<\/p>\n
Our Top Pregnancy Skin-Care Products<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe Essentials<\/em><\/h2>\nPregnancy skincare is less about overhauling your routine and more about choosing products that are gentle, dependable, and easy to stick with (especially when you already have plenty else on your mind). As hormones shift and sensitivity becomes part of the equation, a simple lineup\u2014a mild cleanser, a low-key exfoliator like azelaic acid or enzymes, a no-frills moisturizer, and a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide\u2014covers the basics without introducing ingredients you\u2019ll need to second-guess.<\/p>\n
Best Face Wash:<\/strong> La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
La Roche-Posay<\/p>\n
Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n<\/p>\nContributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the La Roche Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil<\/p>\n
<\/span>Deanna Pai<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhy it’s worth it:<\/strong> Derms will tell you to pick a cleanser based on your skin type\u2014but if we had to narrow it down to one solid, no-notes option that works for most people, La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil earns its spot. It\u2019s an oil-to-foam cleanser, which makes it especially clutch during pregnancy, when hormones can swing skin from oily to dry. \u201cThe oil base does a great job lifting makeup, sunscreen, and grime, yet is still hydrating, which is good for the increased skin sensitivity many women experience during pregnancy,\u201d says Aegean H. Chan, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Barbara, CA. It\u2019s accepted by the National Eczema Association and is gentle enough for even the most sensitive, dry skin. It\u2019s also safe for babies as young as two weeks old, so it\u2019s not a fleeting pregnancy pick, but a cleanser you\u2019ll keep coming back to postpartum.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
\n
“This oil-based cleanser has seen me through 30 weeks (and counting) of pregnancy. It\u2019s been a godsend: It practically melts makeup, leaves my skin feeling soft, and importantly, hasn\u2019t triggered any breakouts in my very acne-prone skin. It not only rinses away my more stubborn makeup and sunscreen with ease but also has a really nice, satisfying lather. And it just works: Even when I’ve got a full-eye look, I never have to go back in to swipe away residue from my lashes.” \u2014Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
\n
\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> La Roche-Posay prebiotic thermal water, niacinamide, shea butter, glycerin<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Face Exfoliator:<\/strong> Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Dermalogica<\/p>\n
Daily Milkfoliant<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Think of the 2022 Best of Beauty Award-winning Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant as the softer, more soothing sibling of the brand\u2019s iconic Daily Microfoliant. Instead of relying heavily on polishing agents, Daily Milkfoliant also layers in calming, cushiony ingredients like oat kernel protein and extracts, coconut fruit extract, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and sunflower seed oil, which help soften and hydrate as you exfoliate. Ultra-fine powders (like rice, corn, and tapioca starches), citric acid, plus papain enzyme gently loosen dead skin without that tight, over-scrubbed feeling. \u201cIf during pregnancy you\u2019re noticing your skin feels more sensitive\u2014which is common thanks to hormonal shifts\u2014this is a great option to gently slough off dull skin and reveal a brighter complexion without irritation,\u201d says Dr. Chan. All it takes is a splash of water to activate the powder, which melts into a soft, creamy, milky lather.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
\n
\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> citric acid, hyaluronic acid, papaya enzymes, rice starch, kaolin, oat extract<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Face Moisturizer:<\/strong> Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Obagi<\/p>\n
Hydrate Facial Moisturizer<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Moisturizer during pregnancy is one of those categories that gets very personal, thanks to hormonal shifts that can suddenly leave skin drier, tighter, or just more reactive than usual. If you\u2019re not trying to tackle specific concerns like acne or pigmentation and simply want reliable hydration, Obagi Hydrate Facial Moisturizer is a reliable go-to. It\u2019s \u201cnon-comedogenic and free of harsh active ingredients, which makes it a great daily option when skin is more sensitive or unpredictable during pregnancy,\u201d says Jocelyn Gandelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. The lightweight cream relies on tara seed extract, which is clinically shown to improve moisture retention, along with shea butter and mango butter to soften and smooth without feeling heavy. The result is steady, long-lasting hydration that supports the skin barrier. There\u2019s no tingling or overthinking\u2014just comfortable, well-hydrated skin that behaves itself.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
\n
\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> tara seed extract, shea butter, mango butter<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest Sunscreen:<\/strong> M-61 Perfect Sunscreen SPF 50 Tinted Mineral<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
M-61<\/p>\n
Perfect Sunscreen SPF 50 Tinted Mineral<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> When it comes to sunscreen during pregnancy, formulas really matter, and M-61 PerfectSunscreen SPF 50 Tinted Mineral keeps things refreshingly simple for pregnant women. \u201cIt uses mineral UV filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) instead of chemical ones, which is key since studies have shown ingredients like oxybenzone can be absorbed into the bloodstream and are best to avoid during pregnancy,\u201d says Dr. Gandelman, who\u2019s also a fan of the brand\u2019s complementary body sunscreen. The tinted formula is beneficial for face SPF\u2014it helps offset the chalky cast mineral sunscreens can sometimes leave behind while subtly evening out skin tone, which can be especially helpful if pregnancy has brought on redness or melasma. \u201cWith soothing aloe and green tea extract, it checks the pregnancy-safe boxes,\u201d says Dr. Gandelman, adding that it\u2019s always a good idea to check in with your physician if you have questions about whether a sunscreen is the right fit for you.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
\n
\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> 12% zinc oxide, green tea, lavender, squalane<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe Extras<\/em><\/h2>\nOnce you\u2019ve nailed the basics, you can layer in a few targeted treatments if pregnancy brings new skin concerns into focus. Whether you\u2019re addressing hormonal acne, melasma, uneven tone, or stretch marks, the key is choosing pregnancy-safe formulas that support skin as it changes.<\/p>\n
Best for Hormonal Acne:<\/strong> Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Naturium<\/p>\n
Azelaic Topical Acid 10%<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Though alpha-hydroxy acids and retinoids are often treated as the gold standards for acne, pregnancy changes the rules. \u201cSystemic retinoids [like Accutane] have shown a risk of causing fetal abnormalities, and as a class we recommend avoiding them altogether during pregnancy,\u201d says Dr. Chan. That doesn\u2019t mean clearer skin is off the table. As an alternative, she points to azelaic acid\u2014\u201cnaturally derived from yeast that lives on our skin\u2014which offers gentle exfoliation, anti-inflammatory benefits, and helps keep pores clear, making it especially helpful for hormonal breakouts.\u201d Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% helps unclog pores and lift away the top layers of dull skin, which can be especially useful if pregnancy has triggered acne or discoloration. The lightweight formula layers smoothly, won\u2019t pill, and includes pregnancy-friendly support like niacinamide, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and coffee seed extract to brighten, soothe, and hydrate without irritation, says Dr. Chan.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
\n
\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> 10% glycinated azelaic acid complex, along with niacinamide, vitamin C, coffee seed extract<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Pregnancy Melasma:<\/strong> The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
The Ordinary<\/p>\n
Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Especially if you don\u2019t deal with melasma outside of pregnancy, The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is a budget-friendly option that doesn\u2019t feel overly precious to buy for a shorter window of time. Azelaic acid is well known for helping with acne, but it\u2019s also a go-to, pregnancy-safe choice for managing melasma, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and brightening benefits. \u201cMany azelaic formulas are combined with other actives, but this one has very minimal additional active ingredients,\u201d says Dr. Gandelman. The silicone-based formula (with soothing helpers like vitamin E) spreads evenly and won\u2019t sting sensitive skin. \u201cI found it very easy to layer under morning sunscreen,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
\n
\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> 10% azelaic acid, dimethicone, vitamin E<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBest for Stretch Marks:<\/strong> Hatch Belly Oil<\/h2>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Why it’s worth it:<\/strong> Hatch Belly Oil\u2014once famous for its 1,000-person waitlist\u2014is a pregnancy skin-care favorite for its ability to deeply moisturize stretching skin and keep it feeling supple and comfortable as your bump grows. Stretch marks form when skin expands quickly, and pregnancy hormones affect collagen and elasticity, making consistent, nourishing moisture especially important. This lightweight oil leans on calendula to soothe irritation, sweet almond oil to deliver vitamin-E-rich hydration that supports skin regeneration, and grapefruit oil for antioxidant benefits and a soft, citrusy scent. \u201cIt\u2019s a pampering, luxury belly oil that smells delicious and truly feels like a treat,\u201d says Dr. Gandelman. She notes that those with nut allergies should avoid it, but overall, it\u2019s thoughtfully formulated with pregnancy-safe ingredients.<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
AccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
\n
\nKey ingredients:<\/strong> sweet almond oil, vitamin E, rosemary, calendula<\/li>\nFragrance-free:<\/strong> yes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What are the skin-care ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and why?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nDuring pregnancy, it\u2019s important to take a closer look at skin-care ingredients, since some commonly used actives aren\u2019t recommended. \u201cOne of the most important things to avoid is retinoids and retinols, as this class of vitamin A derivatives has been linked to fetal abnormalities,\u201d says Dr. Gandelman. She also recommends steering clear of chemical-based sunscreens, including ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, and opting instead for mineral formulas with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed. Derms also advise skipping hydroquinone, a strong skin-lightening ingredient that\u2019s absorbed into the bloodstream more than many other topicals and doesn\u2019t have enough safety data to make it a comfortable choice during pregnancy.<\/p>\n
Alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids sit in a bit of a gray area during pregnancy; it\u2019s less about a hard no and more about type, strength, and frequency. Most dermatologists recommend avoiding BHAs like salicylic acid in higher concentrations, especially oral forms, because they\u2019re chemically related to aspirin; while low-strength, rinse-off products are often considered low risk, many doctors suggest skipping leave-on BHA treatments to be cautious. AHAs (such as glycolic and lactic acid) are generally considered safer at low concentrations, but pregnancy can make skin more sensitive, increasing the risk of irritation or overexfoliation. For that reason, derms often advise dialing back strong acids altogether and opting for gentler alternatives\u2014like azelaic acid, which offers mild exfoliation and anti-inflammatory benefits and is widely considered pregnancy-safe.<\/p>\n
A good starting point when building a new routine is to review all active ingredients\u2014including topicals and medications\u2014and, when in doubt, run your products by your OB-GYN or dermatologist, says Dr. Gandelman.<\/p>\n
What’s the best pregnancy-safe ingredient to treat acne?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nWhen it comes to pregnancy-safe skincare for acne, dermatologists tend to favor gentler, well-studied options. \u201cFor over-the-counter products, my favorite pregnancy-safe ingredient is azelaic acid 10% applied daily, \u201d says Dr. Gandelman, noting that it helps calm inflammation, unclog pores, and improve tone without the risks associated with retinoids. If acne doesn\u2019t respond, she says salicylic acid 2% or weaker, benzoyl peroxide 4% or weaker, or glycolic acid under 10% can be used as short-contact washes, though concentration is key. These ingredients appear on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists\u2019 list of pregnancy-safe options but are slightly more controversial, so check in with your OB-GYN first. For prescription options, Dr. Gandelman often turns to azelaic acid 15% gel or clindamycin lotion\u2014and suggests seeing a board-certified dermatologist to help figure out the best next step.<\/p>\n
Meet the experts<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\nAegean H. Chan, a double board-certified dermatologist and medical director of California Dermatology Group based in Santa Barbara, CA<\/li>\n Jocelyn Gandelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group based in New York City<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How we test and review products<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nWhen Allure<\/em> tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.<\/p>\nFor our list of the best pregnancy skincare, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.<\/p>\n
Our staff and testers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/p>\nA beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure<\/em> wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors\u2014in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon\u2014is essential to reaching that goal.<\/p>\nAfter all, can we really<\/em> say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.<\/p>\n<\/inline-embed><\/p>\n
More mama and baby care this way:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n