Best Pregnancy Safe Body Lotion for Skin Care
During pregnancy, your body undergoes numerous changes, and your skin is no exception. That’s why choosing a pregnancy-safe body lotion is so important. These leave-on products cover a large surface area and have a higher potential for absorption into the bloodstream, making it essential to choose pregnancy-safe options.
Doctors often recommend avoiding certain skincare ingredients that may pose potential risks during pregnancy. This includes high concentrations of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and topical retinoids, which have been linked to an increased risk of birth defects. Since body lotion is a staple in most skincare routines, it’s essential to choose one that’s free from these potentially harmful ingredients.
What to Look for in a Pregnancy-Safe Body Lotion
When selecting a body lotion during pregnancy, keep these key factors in mind:
Safe & Beneficial Ingredients
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Hydration: Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and shea butter to lock in moisture.
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Barrier Repair: Ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and colloidal oatmeal help soothe and strengthen the skin.
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Stretch Mark Prevention: Vitamin E, coconut oil, and plant-based butters promote elasticity.
To make your search easier, we’ve curated a list of pregnancy-safe body lotions that meet Little Bean’s safety standards.
Our Top 10 Picks for Best Body Lotions During Pregnancy
Navigating pregnancy-safe skincare can feel overwhelming, so we’ve rounded up 10 of our users’ favorite body lotions that are both effective and safe for expectant mothers. These picks cater to different skin types and concerns while prioritizing the well-being of both you and your baby.
1. Top Pick from Board-Certified Dermatologists: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($13.68)
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a go-to recommendation from dermatologists for pregnant women, thanks to its gentle, fragrance-free formula. It contains hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates the skin by attracting and retaining moisture, and ceramides, which help restore and strengthen the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to increased dryness or sensitivity, making this lightweight, non-comedogenic lotion an excellent choice for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, providing all-day hydration without clogging pores. This lotion has been my hubby’s go-to body moisturizer for as long as I can remember.
Pro Tip: Pair this lotion with a pregnancy-safe cleanser for a well-rounded, hydrating skincare routine. Regular use can help maintain soft, nourished skin throughout pregnancy.
2. Best Pregnancy-Safe Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion ($9.97)*
Key Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal, Glycerin
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is ideal for expectant mothers with sensitive skin, offering a gentle, fragrance-free formula that hydrates without irritation. Its key ingredient, colloidal oatmeal, is clinically proven to soothe irritation, improve overall skin health, and support the skin’s natural barrier, making it especially beneficial for those experiencing increased skin sensitivity due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Additionally, glycerin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and locking it in for long-lasting hydration. The non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, making it comfortable for daily use.
3. Best Product to Enhance Pregnancy Glow: Mutha Body Butter ($95)
Key Ingredients: Avocado Peptides, Galactoarabinan
MUTHA Body Butter is a luxurious cream designed to deeply nourish your skin and enhance its natural glow. Packed with shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin C and E, this rich formula promotes collagen production and improves skin tone. Its indulgent texture melts into the skin, leaving it radiant and firm. While on the pricier side, many users swear by its ability to give that coveted radiant skin.
4. Best Body Moisturizer for Itchy Skin: Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion ($12.97)
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Lactic Acid
MUTHA Body Butter is a luxurious cream designed to deeply nourish and hydrate the skin while enhancing its natural glow. Formulated with shea butter and coconut oil, this rich moisturizer delivers intense hydration, helping to improve skin elasticity and combat dryness.
Infused with vitamin C, this body butter supports collagen production, promoting firmer, more resilient skin. Regular use can help even out skin tone and improve overall texture, leaving the skin feeling soft, supple, and deeply moisturized.
Its indulgent texture melts effortlessly into the skin, providing a luminous finish for that sought-after radiant skin. While it comes with a higher price tag, many users consider it a worthwhile investment for achieving a healthy pregnancy glow.
Pro Tip: For extra hydration, apply the lotion immediately after a shower while your skin is still damp. This will help lock in moisture for an all-day, soft feel.
5. Best Body Lotion for Overall Pregnancy Skin Concerns: Aveeno Skin Relief Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Lotion ($9.97)*
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil
This deeply hydrating lotion is specially formulated to address multiple skin concerns that may arise during pregnancy, including dryness, sensitivity, and irritation. Enriched with shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil, it works to restore the skin’s moisture barrier, providing lasting relief from discomfort.
Its soothing formula, featuring oat kernel flour, helps to calm itchy skin caused by hormonal changes, leaving the skin feeling soft and nourished. The non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture makes it ideal for daily use, ensuring all-day hydration without any sticky residue. I personally experienced itchy skin around my second trimester and found that pairing this lotion with oat kernel baths provided soothing relief and enhanced my overall skin comfort.
6. Best Natural Ingredients Body Lotion: Belli Skincare All Day Moisture Body Lotion ($16.99)
Key Ingredients: Lemon Oil, Chamomile, Vitamin E
Belli Skincare’s All Day Moisture Body Lotion combines the refreshing scent of lemon oil with the soothing benefits of chamomile and vitamin C. This antioxidant-rich formula helps protect and hydrate your skin while promoting an even complexion. Regular use of this lotion supports the skin’s natural glow and keeps it soft, supple, and moisturized throughout the day. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, helps fight free radicals and supports collagen production, leaving your skin feeling rejuvenated. The OB-GYN-approved formula is free from artificial dyes and parabens, ensuring it’s gentle and safe for sensitive skin, particularly during pregnancy.
7. Best Firming Body Lotion: Necessaire Firming Body Lotion ($30)
Key Ingredients: Peptides, Niacinamide, Omega-6/9
Necessaire Firming Body Lotion is an advanced formula packed with five peptides, niacinamide (vitamin B3), omega-6/9 fatty acids, and plant-based oils to deliver intense hydration while improving skin elasticity. The omega-6/9 fatty acids work together to help nourish and repair the skin’s barrier, while niacinamide and peptides promote firmness and smoothness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture. Regular use of this body lotion can help skin feel more toned and resilient, making it a top choice for pregnant women looking to firm areas that are prone to stretching, such as the belly, hips, and thighs. Free from fragrances and non-comedogenic, this clean beauty product is safe and gentle, providing the hydration and care your skin needs throughout pregnancy.
Pro Tip: Focus on areas where the skin stretches the most, and gently massage the lotion in circular motions to stimulate blood flow and absorption.
8. Best Body Lotion for Dry Skin: Alba Botanica Dry to Very Dry Skin Lotion ($15.07)
Key Ingredients: Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera, Shea Butter
Alba Botanica Dry to Very Dry Skin Lotion is designed specifically for dry and very dry skin types, offering deep nourishment with plant-based emollients like jojoba oil, aloe vera, and shea butter. The fatty acids in jojoba oil and shea butter are known for their ability to deeply hydrate and restore moisture to the skin, while aloe vera soothes and calms irritation. This lotion promotes skin elasticity by improving the moisture barrier, which can be especially helpful during pregnancy when skin may become stretched and prone to dryness. Its gentle, unscented formula is free from synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals, making it safe for sensitive skin and ideal for expecting mothers. Regular use helps restore softness and smoothness, keeping your skin nourished and protected.
9. Best Body Lotion for Keratosis Pilaris: Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion ($12.99)
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Vitamin C, Coconut Oil
Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion is an excellent choice for those struggling with keratosis pilaris, especially during pregnancy when hormonal shifts can cause increased skin roughness. This formula combines shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin C to deeply hydrate and restore skin’s softness. The shea butter and coconut oil provide essential fatty acids that nourish the skin, while vitamin C helps to brighten and improve skin texture. The lotion also features urea and ceramides to gently exfoliate and smooth rough patches, leaving skin feeling supple and even. Fragrance-free and dermatologist-recommended, it’s safe for sensitive skin and helps maintain skin elasticity, making it a great option for expecting mothers looking to treat dry, bumpy skin without irritation.
Pro Tip: For best results, apply the lotion after exfoliating in the shower to help smooth rough patches and lock in moisture. Focus on areas where keratosis pilaris tends to appear, such as the upper arms and thighs, for a softer and smoother feel.
10. Best Pregnancy-Safe Body Butter: The Honest Company Organic Body Butter ($12.99)
Key Ingredients: Urea, Ceramides
The Honest Company Organic Body Butter is a top pick for expectant mothers seeking a nourishing, pregnancy-safe option to keep their skin soft, hydrated, and supple. This rich body butter is packed with natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and olive oil, which provide essential fatty acids to deeply moisturize and improve skin elasticity. The combination of urea and ceramides helps restore the skin’s moisture barrier, leaving it feeling smooth and well-hydrated. These natural ingredients are gentle on the skin and safe for use during pregnancy, making it a perfect addition to your pregnancy skincare routine. For those concerned about stretch marks, The Honest Company also offers a “Bump Butter for Stretch Marks” ($15.99), another great option to incorporate into your skincare routine for targeted care.
*Note that this product contains dimethicone, which the Little Bean App classifies as a low-risk ingredient primarily when there is a risk of inhalation. Since body lotion is applied to the skin, this concern is minimal. If you’re ever unsure about a specific product or ingredient, it’s always best to consult your medical provider.
Top 3 Stretch Mark Creams that are Pregnancy-Safe
Stretch marks are largely influenced by genetics but can also be minimized with proper care during pregnancy. When it comes to preventing stretch marks, emollients play a crucial role.
Research suggests that ingredients like glycerin, fatty acids, and vitamin E are not only safe during pregnancy but also effective in maintaining skin hydration and elasticity. These emollients help prevent the dehydration and strain that can lead to stretch marks by forming a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. According to studies, using emollient creams rich in nutrients can aid in collagen synthesis and reepithelialization, which are essential for minimizing the appearance of stretch marks.
Here are some of the best stretch mark creams we’ve come across:
1. Best Stretch Mark Prevention Cream: Skin and Senses Fearless Mama Belly Butter ($32)
Skin & Senses Fearless Mama Belly Butter is an all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free formula designed for use during and after pregnancy. This preservative-free body butter is packed with powerful ingredients that are commonly advised to address stretch marks like cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E to hydrate the skin, soothe dryness and itchiness, and support skin elasticity. Its rich, creamy texture melts into the skin, providing deep moisture without water or fillers. Regular use on the belly, breasts, and buttocks can help prevent stretch marks, though this is often dependent on genetics.
2. Best Pregnancy-Safe Body Lotion for Hormonal Changes: Mustela Stretch Marks Prevention Cream ($23)
Mustela Stretch Marks Prevention Cream features avocado peptides that improve elasticity alongside Galactoarabinan—a patented ingredient derived from larch trees—to prevent stretch marks effectively. Its lightweight texture absorbs easily into the skin without leaving residue.
3. Best Affordable Belly Butter: Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter ($30.71 for pack of 3)
Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter is specifically formulated to nourish dry, stretching skin during pregnancy. This 99% natural origin product is enriched with shea butter and vitamin E, providing intense hydration without any phthalates, parabens, or petrolatum. Its thick, creamy texture helps soothe itchy skin and may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
If you have existing products you’d like to check for pregnancy safety, simply scan the ingredient list using our pregnancy-safe ingredient checker. Since body lotions are leave-on products applied to large areas of the skin, we recommend exercising more caution compared to rinse-off products like shampoos or targeted treatments like spot treatments, where ingredient absorption is significantly lower.
When choosing a pregnancy-safe body lotion, it’s essential to consider your specific skin concerns and preferences. Whether you’re dealing with dry skin, stretch marks, or simply want to maintain healthy, hydrated skin during pregnancy, there’s a safe option available for you.
Remember to patch test any new skincare products to larger areas of your body, and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about skincare ingredients during pregnancy. By choosing pregnancy-safe body lotions and maintaining a consistent skincare routine, you can help keep your skin healthy and comfortable throughout your pregnancy journey.
For those interested in exploring more pregnancy-safe skincare options, be sure to check out our previous article on the Best Belly Oils for Pregnancy. These oils can complement your body lotion routine and provide additional nourishment for your growing belly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to use body lotion every day during pregnancy?
Yes! Using a pregnancy-safe body lotion daily can help combat dryness and maintain skin elasticity.
Do pregnancy-safe body lotions help prevent stretch marks?
While genetics play a large role, hydrated, elastic skin is less prone to developing severe stretch marks. Lotions with vitamin E, shea butter, and coconut oil can aid in prevention.
Can I continue using my pre-pregnancy lotion?
Check the ingredient list for any harmful chemicals (like retinoids or parabens). If in doubt, switch to a dermatologist-recommended pregnancy-safe body lotion.
When should I start using a pregnancy-safe body lotion?
It’s best to start as early as the first trimester to keep skin nourished and prevent excessive dryness or itchiness.
Sources
Safety Assessment of Salicylic Acid – American College of Toxoligy
Is Glycolic Acid Safe During Pregnancy? – Healthline
Treatment of Acne During Pregnancy – Journal of American Board of Family Medicine
