14 Best Pregnancy Safe Face Moisturizers – 2024 Guide

Pregnancy often brings a variety of skin changes that can be both surprising and challenging such as dark spots, increased dryness, and acne. However, using your usual skincare products may not be safe due to concerns about specific ingredients. Consequently, selecting a pregnancy safe face moisturizer can become a particularly challenging and worrisome task.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid certain high-dose ingredients in their beauty products, including chemical sunscreens, topical retinoids, high concentrations of salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients, often found in skincare products, can pose risks such as birth defects. This concern extends to everyday essentials like face moisturizers.

If you’re aiming for that coveted pregnancy glow while ensuring the safety of your baby, read on for tips on selecting the right pregnancy-safe face moisturizer. The good news is that there are plenty of pregnancy-safe skincare options to address various skin concerns while keeping your baby’s health in mind.

Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Heather Rogers, emphasizes the importance of layering your moisturizer. Start with a serum to address specific concerns such as acne, aging, or dark spots, and then lock in moisture with a suitable moisturizer. In this blog, we will guide you in selecting the best  hydrating pregnancy-safe face moisturizer based on your skin type, whether it’s acne-prone, sensitive, or dry.

 

What is safe to use on face during pregnancy?

 

During pregnancy, your skincare routine might need some adjustments to ensure the safety of both you and your developing baby. Depending on their molecular size, certain ingredients in skincare products can be absorbed through the skin and potentially pose risks. 

When you have sensitive skin, it’s crucial to be mindful of the ingredients in your skincare products to avoid irritation, redness, and other adverse reactions. Avoid fragrances, sulfates, high concentrations of beta hydroxy acids, and retinoids. 

Fortunately, our pregnancy-safe ingredient checker (available for download on iOS and Android) flags many of these ingredients as potentially harmful during pregnancy, as most common contact allergens are those with low molecular weight in order to penetrate the skin. Instead, opt for simple formulations with minimal ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation.

What face moisturizers are safe during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the immune system undergoes significant adaptations to support the developing fetus, making expectant mothers more susceptible to infections and environmental stressors. Choosing skin care products that bolster the skin’s natural defenses and minimize immune system stressors is helpful for maintaining optimal skin health and overall well-being.

When evaluating an ingredients list, pay close attention to potential allergens, irritants, or sensitizing agents that could compromise skin health. Fragrances, artificial dyes, and preservatives are common culprits that may trigger adverse reactions or exacerbate existing skin conditions. Opt for products formulated with gentle, non-irritating ingredients to mitigate potential risks and promote skin comfort and resilience.

Choosing a pregnancy-safe face moisturizer involves understanding the main functions you need, such as hydration, barrier protection, and skin sensitivity management. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1. Hydration: Look for moisturizers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help attract and retain moisture.
2. Barrier Protection: Ingredients like niacinamide and peptides can strengthen the skin barrier and improve its resilience.
3. Gentle Formulations: Choose products free from potential irritants like fragrances, alcohol, and harsh preservatives.

Pregnancy-safe Face Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin

 

If you have sensitive skin, many ingredients commonly found in facial moisturizers should be avoided during pregnancy. Dermatologists recommend looking for products that are hypoallergenic and don’t contain harsh chemicals that are commonly advised against during pregnancy anyway. 

The following pregnancy-safe ingredients are generally recommended for sensitive skin:

1. Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera can help calm irritated skin.
2. Chamomile: This ingredient is anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritation.
3. Oat Extract/Colloidal Oatmeal: Provides soothing benefits and helps to relieve itchiness and irritation.
4. Centella Asiatica (Cica): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and healing benefits, it’s ideal for sensitive skin. One of its key active components is madecassoside.
5. Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Has soothing and moisturizing properties, making it beneficial for sensitive skin.

Here are some pregnancy-safe face moisturizers formulated for sensitive skin: 

• Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion for Face: This lightweight, fragrance-free lotion contains hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting hydration without irritation. $
• Vanicream Moisturizing Cream: A dermatologist favorite, this cream is free from common irritants like dyes, fragrances, lanolin, and other chemical ingredients. $
• Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Cream: Hypoallergenic with penthanol to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture while madecassoside calms down irritated skin. $-$$

Is CeraVe face moisturizer safe during pregnancy?

Many dermatologists praise CeraVe face moisturizer for pregnant and non-pregnant individuals alike. These creams have not only earned our admiration but also garnered glowing customer reviews. 

The suitability of each product during pregnancy depends on your comfort level. A quick scan with our pregnancy-safe ingredient checker reveals that their PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion contains a few low-risk ingredients such as parabens and dimethicone. 

We only see a potential issue with dimethicone when there is a risk of ingesting or inhaling it, as its molecular size is too large to penetrate the skin.It’s always advisable to review the research on each flagged ingredient and make an informed decision based on your comfort level. We designed our app to check the ingredient list of your beauty products. However, it’s important to make your own informed decision, as exposure levels can vary based on factors such as the application area, whether the product is leave-on or rinse-off, and any additional risk of inhalation.

We only see a potential issue with dimethicone when there is a risk of ingesting or inhaling it, as its molecular size is too large to penetrate the skin. It’s always advisable to review the research on each flagged ingredient and make your own decision based on your comfort level. We designed our app to check every ingredient list of your beauty product. But keep in mind that it’s up to you to make your own informed decision, and its exposure level is highly dependent on the area you apply it to, whether it is a leave-on or rinse-off product and if there is an added risk of inhalation. 

For more information on these ingredients, you can read the description above or use our app to check the ingredient list of your go-to beauty products.

Here are CeraVe facial moisturizers that are NOT 100% pregnancy-safe according to Little Bean’s guidelines:

• AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF50 – Contains chemical sunscreen and paraben.
• Anti-Aging Skin Renewing Day cream – Contains retinol and chemical sunscreen.

The following are 100% Little Bean-approved facial moisturizers by CeraVe. Some contain dimethicone, but the risk of ingestion is minimal for facial moisturizers, so after consulting with dermatologists, we consider them safe to use during pregnancy:

• Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel – Recommended for acne-prone skin. More details below under the recommended pregnancy safe face moisturizers for acne-prone skin.
• Skin renewing night cream – Contains niacinamide, three essential ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to target fine lines.
• Face Moisturizing Cream –Suitable for dry to very dry skin.
• Oil Control Moisturizing Gel-Cream – Ideal for very oily skin.
• Moisturizing Cream for Psoriasis Treatment—It does contain 2% salicylic acid, which is the maximum that doctors commonly advise during pregnancy. 
• Face & Body Moisturizer Cream – Budget-friendly option for dry skin.
• Diabetics’ Dry Skin Moisturizing Cream – For dry skin due to diabetes.

If we missed any CeraVe facial moisturizers, feel free to let us know in the comments below, and we’ll add them to the list. If you’re unsure about using a particular face moisturizer during pregnancy, it’s always best to consult your medical provider.

Pregnancy-safe Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin

 

Dry skin lacks moisture and often has a compromised barrier, so the focus should be on deeply hydrating and nourishing ingredients that restore and maintain the skin barrier. 

The following ingredients are generally recommended for dry skin:

1. Hyaluronic Acid: Excellent for attracting and retaining moisture in the skin.
2. Ceramides: Help to restore and maintain the skin barrier, crucial for preventing moisture loss.
3. Glycerin: A powerful humectant that draws water into the skin.
4. Shea Butter: Provides deep hydration and helps to nourish and repair the skin.
5. Squalane: A lightweight, non-greasy oil that hydrates and protects the skin. For more information on this superstar you can read our previous blog “is qualane safe during pregnancy”. 
6. Lactic Acid: A gentle exfoliant that also acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin.
7. Snail Mucin: Rich in glycoproteins, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid, which help to deeply hydrate the skin and maintain moisture levels. For more information you can check out our previous blog “is snail mucin pregnancy safe”.

For more detailed advice, check out our previous blog on dry skin during pregnancy.

Here are some pregnancy-safe face moisturizers for dry skin that customers are raving about:

• Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance: Hyaluronic acid is combined with Centella asiatica and aloe vera to restore lipid balance to dry skin and support barrier recovery.  $$-$$$
• Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Face Cream : 48 Hour Dry Skin Face Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin, With Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & Vitamin B5. $$

Pregnancy-safe Face Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin

 

Those with oily skin often have more acne. This correlation is primarily due to the overproduction of sebum (oil) by the sebaceous glands in oily skin types. Pregnancy can sometimes exacerbate acne due to hormonal changes.  

Acne-prone skin during pregnancy requires non-comedogenic (pore-clogging) ingredients that manage oil, reduce inflammation, and prevent clogged pores without causing irritation. The following ingredients in pregnancy-safe facial moisturizers are generally recommended for acne-prone skin:

1. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Regulates oil production and reduces inflammation.
2. Azelaic Acid: Reduces inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria.
3. Tea Tree Oil: Has antimicrobial properties.
4. Green Tea Extract: Reduces acne and soothes the skin.
5. Zinc Oxide: Controls oil production and offers anti-inflammatory benefits.

To further manage acne-prone skin, consider incorporating a product with glycolic acid before applying your pregnancy-safe face moisturizer. Glycolic acid’s exfoliating properties can help unclog pores, reduce acne, and promote a clearer complexion. By removing dead skin cells and encouraging skin renewal, glycolic acid can be highly effective. However, it may also cause temporary dryness or increased sensitivity, so it’s recommended to follow up with a hydrating cream.

After using your daily pregnancy-safe facial moisturizer, it is important to follow up with a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These physical sunscreen ingredients not only provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays but, unlike chemical sunscreen, are also non-comedogenic and gentle on acne-prone skin. Zinc oxide offers superior protection and additional anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to soothe and protect irritated skin. Titanium dioxide complements this by providing effective sun protection without causing breakouts. Using a mineral-based sunscreen helps maintain skin health, prevents further acne exacerbation, and shields your skin from harmful UV rays.

Here are some pregnancy-safe facial moisturizers formulated for acne-prone skin: 

• CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel: This oil-free moisturizer contains ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for mattifying hydration without feeling greasy. $-$$
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer: Formulated with niacinamide and ceramide-3, it helps restore the skin barrier and reduce acne-related redness. Ever since I mentioned this product in our first blog I decided to try it out myself and find it to be a great value for its moisturizing capabilities. $$

By navigating ingredient lists with diligence and prioritizing pregnancy-safe formulations in facial moisturizers, you can confidently curate a skincare routine that nurtures and protects your skin throughout the transformative journey of pregnancy.

Many expectant mothers gravitate towards natural ingredients in their skincare routines, seeking products free from synthetic additives and potentially harmful chemicals. While natural ingredients can offer nourishing and soothing benefits, not all are safe for use during pregnancy. 

For instance, certain botanical extracts may contain compounds that induce hormonal changes, posing risks to maternal and fetal health. It’s crucial to scrutinize ingredient labels and prioritize pregnancy-safe formulations backed by reputable research and expert recommendations.

Navigating skincare during pregnancy can be daunting, but understanding which ingredients to avoid and which to embrace makes it easier. Always choose products with minimal, gentle ingredients, and consult your dermatologist if you’re unsure about any specific product or ingredient. By prioritizing pregnancy-safe facial moisturizers, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin while ensuring the safety of your baby.

 

Sources:

Safety of Skin Care Products During Pregnancy | The College of Family Physicians of Canada

The 500 Dalton rule for the skin penetration of chemical compounds and drugs | National Center for Biotechnology Information

Infections and Pregnancy: Effects on Maternal and Child Health | Frontiers

Is salicylic acid safe to use during pregnancy? | Medical News Today