CeraVe is a dermatologist-developed skincare brand trusted for its gentle, effective formulas—and for good reason.But if you’re expecting, you might be wondering: “Is CeraVe safe during pregnancy?” At Little Bean, we understand the importance of evaluating skincare through the lens of pregnancy safety- because even widely recommended products deserve a second look. Our AI-powered ingredient scanner reviews products with special attention to pregnant women, helping you make informed choices for your health and your baby’s well-being.
In this guide, we break down what makes CeraVe pregnancy-safe, highlight our favorite CeraVe picks, suitable for sensitive, changing skin, and clarify which CeraVe products to limit or avoid. With expert-backed insight and real ingredient analysis, we’re here to help you navigate your pregnancy-safe skincare routine with clarity and confidence- so you can focus on what matters most.
What Makes CeraVe Products Safer During Pregnancy?
Many CeraVe products are designed with sensitive skin in mind and use gentle skincare ingredients like essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. These are generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, the term “pregnancy-safe” can be misleading. Most ingredients haven’t been formally tested in pregnant populations due to ethical limitations, which is why expert guidance, product transparency, and common-sense caution are essential.
Ingredients in Beauty Products to Avoid During Pregnancy
At Little Bean, we carefully screen products for ingredients that may pose risks during pregnancy or interfere with healthy fetal development. These include:
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Retinoids (retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl palmitate): Associated with potential birth defects and generally advised against during pregnancy.
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High concentrations of salicylic acid: Especially in leave-on treatments, which may be absorbed through the skin.
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Chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone and benzophenones: Possible endocrine disruptors and increasingly avoided during pregnancy
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Essential oils in high or unknown concentrations: May cause allergic reactions or uterine contractions in sensitive individuals
We flag ingredients that may have higher dermal absorption or limited safety data, advising caution based on current expert consensus. For example, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises avoiding retinoids during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects
Our Favorite Pregnancy-“Safer” Beauty Products by CeraVe
Below are CeraVe products that are often well-tolerated by pregnant women and do not include ingredients flagged in the Little Bean app pregnancy-safe ingredient checker. They are formulated to support dry skin, sensitive skin, and changing skin types commonly experienced during pregnancy.
Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin, and Moisturizing Cream
Free from fragrance and essential oils, and formulated with ceramides, this product is ideal for hydrating and soothing mother’s skin —as well as gentle enough for baby’s delicate skin.
CeraVe Comforting Eye Makeup Remover
A gentle cleanser formulated with calming ingredients that effectively removes makeup without harsh surfactants. Contains no ingredients flagged for pregnancy-safe concerns
CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil
Ideal for itchy, dry skin worsened by hormonal fluctuations. This formula combines soothing colloidal oatmeal with nourishing ceramides calm and repair irritated patches effectively.
CeraVe Repair Cream
Formulated to target the appearance of fine lines and dark spots, this lightweight cream avoids retinoids and strong acids—making it a gentle, pregnancy-conscious option for the delicate eye area
CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser
A gentle facial cleanser ideal for oily and combination skin types, especially those dealing with pregnancy acne. Free from high-risk actives, it cleanses effectively without stripping or irritating sensitive skin.
CeraVe Gentle Hydrating shampoo & Conditioner
Formulated with low concentrations of gentle moisturizers, this duo hydrates without buildup and avoids strong fragrances or essential oils—making it a safer choice for sensitive scalps during pregnancy.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Foaming Oil Cleanser & Makeup Removing Plant-Based Wipes
These skin care essentials include mild facial cleansers that gently remove impurities without disrupting the skin’s natural barrier. Ideal for pregnancy, they support sensitive and changing skin types with gentle, hydrating formulas.
CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Lotion
A pregnancy-safe option for relieving dry, itchy skin caused by stretching, seasonal shifts, or hormonal changes. This formula is both fragrance-free and steroid-free, making it gentle enough for daily use on sensitive skin.
CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
Formulated with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this product supports skin hydration and barrier repair while helping to calm inflammation and improve tone—ideal for sensitive or hormonally reactive skin during pregnancy.
CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream, Gel Oil, Night Cream & Vitamin C Serum, Day Cream
The vitamin C serum helps brighten skin tone and supports that sought-after pregnancy glow, while also targeting dark spots—without relying on retinoids. The night cream and gel oil are deeply nourishing and formulated without harmful ingredients, making them safe, effective additions to a pregnancy skincare routine.
CeraVe Ultra-Light Gel Moisturizer
This weightless hydrator is ideal for pregnant women dealing with hormonal acne or excess oil. It delivers lightweight moisture without clogging pores or leaving skin greasy.
CeraVe Products with Ingredients to Use Cautiously Throughout Your Pregnancy
CeraVe products may contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or other active ingredients that could pose risks if used in high concentrations or over large areas. While these ingredients are not strictly prohibited during pregnancy, most board-certified dermatologists recommend limiting their use to low concentrations or applying them as spot treatments only.
CeraVe products may contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or other active ingredients that could pose risks if used in high concentrations or over large areas. While these ingredients are not strictly prohibited during pregnancy, most board-certified dermatologists recommend limiting their use to low concentrations or applying them as spot treatments only.
CeraVe Beauty Products to Use with Caution During Pregnancy:
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Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner : Contains salicylic acid <1% – typically okay in small amounts. when used as a rinse-off product.
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Acne Control Cleanser: Contains salicylic acid and gluconolactone – best used as a spot treatment or limited to occasional use.use as a spot treatment or limit frequency.
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Acne Foaming Cream Wash: Includes salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide – may be too harsh for sensitive skin and is best used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.avoid if you have sensitive skin or use only under medical supervision
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Cream to Foam Cleanser and Gentle Hydrating Shampoo:Contains only trace amounts of salicylic acid – typically safe for most women when used in rinse-off products. Trace amounts of salicylic acid – safe in rinse-off form for most women.
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Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 & 50: Contains salicylate derivatives – these are less studied in pregnancy, so you may prefer a mineral sunscreen without this chemical sunscreen booster as mentioned by dermatologist Heather Rogers.
Products by CeraVe You Might Want to Hold Off On During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
While many CeraVe products are pregnancy-safe, a few contain ingredients known to carry higher risks and are better avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding. To read more on the topic of skincare products usage during pregnancy you may want to read our previous blogpost on Retinol During Breastfeeding.
Products to Avoid:
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AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 & SPF 50: Contains benzophenones, a type of chemical sunscreen. Opt instead for physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
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Ultra light lotion SPF 30: Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF, Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid & Ceramides
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Resurfacing Retinol Serum: Contains retinoid, a well-known risk factor for birth defects and low birth weight when taken in oral form. Not enough research is known if there is a safe amount that can be applied to the skin during pregnancy.
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Skin Renewing Retinol Serum: Another retinol-based product – not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
If there are other products from CeraVe we’ve missed you can always check out our pregnancy-safe ingredient checker.
Key Takeaways from Little Bean
Pregnancy is a time of immense skin changes, and it’s normal to face new skin concerns like acne, dark spots, stretch marks, or dryness. Choosing the best pregnancy-safe skincare products means being proactive, reading the ingredient list, and understanding how products interact with your changing body.
Thanks to brands like CeraVe and tools like the Little Bean app, pregnant women can feel empowered to make safer, more informed skincare choices.
