The Best Pregnancy Safe Body Wash Products 2025

During pregnancy, as your body adapts to support your growing baby, your skin may become more sensitive, prone to irritation, and in need of extra care. One essential aspect of your daily routine that requires careful consideration is your choice of body wash. With the myriad of options available, we explore the topic of pregnancy-safe body wash along with recommendations that cleanse, nourish, and protect your skin during this special time.

The Best Body Wash That Is Safe For Use During Pregnancy

When it comes to choosing the best body wash for pregnant women, it’s essential to look for products that are free from harmful ingredients and formulated with gentle, nourishing components. Here are some top picks for pregnancy-safe body washes that we personally love and have received great reviews:

1. Vanicream Gentle Body Wash ($11.39): Best value pregnancy-safe body wash for those who experience skin sensitivity. A gentle body cleanser that helps remove dirt and oils without stripping the skin of moisture. Perfect for regular use in your pregnancy skincare routine.

2. The Honest Company Purely Sensitive Body Wash and Shampoo ($10): This hypoallergenic body wash is formulated using natural ingredients without potentially toxic chemicals like fragrances, parabens, or sulfates. Key ingredients include aloe vera, ​natural coconut, and chamomile to soothe and nourish sensitive skin.

3. PureScrubs Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub ($28.95): I personally love the feeling of cleansing the body with a good scrub, especially when the label is made up of organic ingredients you can understand. Such as death sea salt, avocado oil, and shea butter. This body scrub is pregnancy-safe and loved by many customers. Watch out: if you have sensitive skin, a scrub may not be the best option for you.

4. Puracy Natural Sea Salt & Citrus Body Wash ($12.99): Uses plant-powered ingredients vetted by Ph.D. chemists, board-certified dermatologists, and biochemists. This pure love or money-back guarantee body wash is perfect for pregnant women with changing hormones as it is suitable for sensitive skin. Its plant-based formula nourishes the skin without causing irritation.

5. CeraVe Body Wash for Dry Skin ($11.99): Moisturizing Body Wash with Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides.

6. Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Wash ($9.97): Developed for extremely dry, irratable skin. 100% vegetarian and cruelty free.

Is All Body Wash Safe for Pregnancy?

While many body washes are generally safe for pregnant people, it’s important to understand that not all products are created equal. The safety of skincare products during pregnancy often depends on their ingredients, the amount of each ingredient, how they are used, and whether they are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Rinse-Off vs. Leave-On Products

One crucial factor is the difference between rinse-off products (like, shampoo or body washes) and leave-on products (such as lotions or creams). Rinse-off products typically have a lower skin absorption risk than leave-on products. This is because they are in contact with the skin for a shorter period and are washed away, reducing the potential for significant absorption of ingredients into the bloodstream.

However, for pregnant women who like to be extra cautious, it’s also worth screening body washes for pregnancy safety. While the risk of absorption is lower, frequent use of certain ingredients may still warrant careful consideration to ensure peace of mind.

Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

While research on the effects of many skincare ingredients during pregnancy is limited due to ethical constraints, certain ingredients are generally recommended to be avoided based on available data and expert opinions. Here are some ingredients that are often advised against during pregnancy:

1. Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives, including retinol and tretinoin, are commonly used in anti-aging products but should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks of birth defects.

2. Salicylic Acid and Beta Hydroxy Acids (in high concentrations): Commonly used in skin care products to help with hormonal acne. While low concentrations (2% or less) in rinse-off products like face washes are generally considered safe, high-dose salicylic acid products should be avoided.

3. Hydroquinone: This skin-lightening agent has a high absorption rate and its effects on fetal development are unknown, making it best to avoid during pregnancy.

4. Phthalates: These endocrine disruptors, often found concealed in the ingredient fragrances, have been linked to potential developmental issues and should be avoided.

5. Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives: These ingredients have been associated with potential risks and are best avoided during pregnancy.

6. Essential Oils (in high concentrations): While some essential oils are safe in small amounts, others can be harmful during pregnancy. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before using products with essential oils.

You can read our previous blog post on Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy for more insights on the topic.

Pregnancy Safe Alternative Ingredients

The good news is that there are plenty of pregnancy-safe ingredients such as aloe vera, lactic acid, pro-vitamin B, glycolic acid (<10%) and sugar surfactants to restore the natural balance of your skin. These gentle ingredients can cleanse, hydrate, and soothe sensitive skin without causing irritation.

Is Dove Body Wash Pregnancy Safe?

Dove is a popular brand known for its gentle formulations, but not all Dove products are pregnancy-safe. Some Dove body washes contain fragrances and other ingredients that may not be ideal for use during pregnancy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers fragrance formulas as complex mixtures that are likely to be trade secrets. Hence cosmetic companies are not required to disclose the content of this “secret ingredient” which could consist of toxic chemicals such as phthalates or paraben.

However, Dove does offer some products that are more suitable for pregnant women. For example, the Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, making it a better choice for sensitive skin during pregnancy. It’s important to check the ingredient list of specific Dove products to ensure they don’t contain potentially harmful ingredients like phthalates or strong fragrances.

Are Method and Native Body Wash Pregnancy Safe?

Method and Native are brands known for their more natural approach to personal care products, but it’s still important to scrutinize their ingredients when considering use during pregnancy.

• Method Body Wash: Maybe. Many Method body washes are formulated without parabens and phthalates, which is a positive. However, they do list fragrance (parfum) on their ingredient list, which some pregnant women may prefer to avoid as fragrance may be composed of other ingredients such as musk ambrette. Musk ambrette, a synthetic fragrance ingredient, has been associated with early puberty in girls due to its potential to disrupt hormones. Research has shown that musk ambrette could interact with puberty-related receptors in the hypothalamus, leading to the release of hormones involved in sexual organ maturation. When in doubt it is best to check the specific product’s ingredient list and consult with your healthcare provider.

• Native Body Wash: Native is known for using more natural ingredients in their products. Their body washes are typically free from parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. However, with a quick scan of our pregnancy safe ingredient checker, we find that it does contain sodium salicylate, which we categorize as a medium-risk ingredient when applied in high concentrations during pregnancy. . As this is a rinse of product, the risk is very minimal yet we cannot categorize it as a 100% safe body wash during pregnancy as it’s percentage isn’t listed on the ingredient list. Hence some highly cautious pregnant women might still prefer to avoid t products containing sodium salicylate.

For both brands, it’s crucial to read the ingredient lists carefully and choose fragrance-free options if possible. Remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean safe for pregnancy, and it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider about specific products. If you want to know if a product is considered pregnancy-safe, you can use our pregnancy-safe ingredient checker.

Choosing the Right Pregnancy-Safe Body Wash

When selecting a body wash for use during pregnancy, keep these tips in mind:

1. Read Labels Carefully: Look for products labeled as “fragrance-free,” “hypoallergenic,” and “for sensitive skin.”

2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stay away from products containing retinoids, high concentrations of salicylic acid, hydroquinone, phthalates, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

3. Opt for Gentle, Moisturizing Ingredients: Look for body washes containing natural moisturizers like glycerin, aloe vera, or coconut oil to help combat dry skin often experienced during pregnancy.

4. Consider Your Skin Type: If you’re experiencing pregnancy-related acne, look for body washes with gentle, pregnancy-safe acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide (5% or less) or azelaic acid​.

5. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: When in doubt, always consult with your obstetrician or dermatologist about specific products or ingredients.

Remember, every pregnancy is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your skincare routine as needed throughout your pregnancy journey.

Final Thoughts on Pregnancy-Safe Body Wash

Finding the right pregnancy body wash doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By choosing products with safe ingredients and avoiding harmful chemicals, you can enjoy a healthy pregnancy and even achieve that coveted pregnancy glow. Remember, your skin’s needs may change throughout your pregnancy journey, so it’s always a good idea to adjust your skincare routine as needed.

Whether you’re dealing with sensitive skin, stretch marks, or skin irritation, there’s a good body wash out there for you!