14 Best Pregnancy Safe Face Moisturizers According to Dermatologists

Pregnancy often brings a variety of skin changes that can be both surprising and challenging such as dark spots, stretch marks, increased dryness, and acne. However, many common skincare products contain ingredients that may not be safe during pregnancy, making it essential to reevaluate your routine. As a result, finding a pregnancy safe face moisturizer can feel overwhelming and even a bit daunting as you navigate which products are both effective and safe for you and your baby.

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. She recommends starting with a targeted serum, such as a good quality vitamin C serum,  to address specific concerns such as acne, aging, or dark spots. Follow that with a nourishing moisturizer to lock in hydration and support your skin barrier.

In this article, 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.

 

Is my Face Moisturizer Pregnancy Safe?

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.

If you have sensitive skin, being mindful of the ingredients in your skincare products is essential to prevent irritation, redness, and other adverse reactions. It’s best to avoid common irritants such as fragrances, sulfates, high concentrations of beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and retinoids to keep your skin calm and balanced.

Fortunately, our pregnancy-safe ingredient checker— available for download on iOS and Android — helps identify potentially harmful ingredients commonly found in skincare products. Many of these ingredients, including common contact allergens, have low molecular weights that allow them to penetrate the skin. To minimize the risk of irritation, it’s best to choose simple formulations with minimal ingredients that are gentle and safe for pregnancy.

 

FAQ: What is the Best Pregnancy-safe Face Moisturizer?

Our top all-around pick is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer ($23.99): Its gentle yet effective formula features niacinamide and ceramide-3 to help restore the skin’s natural barrier while calming acne-related redness- two common skin concerns during pregnancy. Personally, it’s been my go-to for the past two years, and I’ve seen a noticeable improvement in my skin’s texture and clarity.

 

Pregnancy-safe Face Moisturizers for Dry Skin

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

• Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance ($49): This rich moisturizer combines hyaluronic acid, Centella Asiatica, and aloe vera to replenish lipid balance, restore hydration, and support the skin’s natural barrier recovery.
• Doctor Rogers Essential Face Cream ($78): An ultra-hydrating moisturizer made to calm the skin, fade signs of aging and minimize fine lines.
• Her Country Roots Whipped Tallow: ($29) Made from pure, grass-fed tallow, this rich and deeply nourishing moisturizer is packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids to soothe and protect sensitive skin. Perfect for locking in moisture and supporting the skin’s natural barrier.
• Cetaphil Deep Hydration Healthy Glow Daily Face Cream ($18.97) : A 48-hour dry skin moisturizer enriched with hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B5, designed to nourish sensitive skin and leave it feeling soft and glowing.

Dry skin is often a sign that your skin barrier is compromised and lacking moisture. During pregnancy, it’s especially important to focus on deeply hydrating and nourishing ingredients that support and restore the skin’s barrier function.

The following ingredients are generally a great option 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. (Want to learn more about how it works and why we love it? Check out our full blog on “is squalane 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 personalized tips and product recommendations,  dry skin during pregnancy.

 

The Best Pregnancy-safe Face Moisturizers for Sensitive Skin

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

• Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion for Face ($14.24): This lightweight, fragrance-free lotion contains hyaluronic acid to provide long-lasting hydration without irritation.
• CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face, Neck & Scalp ($52): A lightweight moisturizer that hydrates, calms skin, and reduces redness, ideal for sensitive skin.
• Vanicream Moisturizing Cream ($12.97): A dermatologist favorite, this cream is free from common irritants like dyes, fragrances, lanolin, and other chemical ingredients.
• Etude House SoonJung 2x Barrier Cream ($12.99): Hypoallergenic with penthanol to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture while madecassoside calms down irritated skin.

If you have sensitive skin, it’s especially important to be cautious about the ingredients in facial moisturizers during pregnancy. Dermatologists recommend opting for products that are hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals — many of which are already advised against during pregnancy. Choosing gentle, pregnancy-safe formulations helps protect your skin while minimizing the risk of irritation.

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

1. Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties,  aloe vera helps calm irritated skin and provides gentle hydration.
2. Chamomile: With its natural anti-inflammatory benefits, chamomile reduces redness and soothes sensitive skin.
3. Oat Extract/Colloidal Oatmeal: Provides soothing benefits, relieving itchiness and irritation while supporting the skin’s natural barrier.
4. Centella Asiatica (Cica): Known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, Cica is ideal for sensitive skin. One of its key active components, madecassoside, helps promote skin repair.
5. Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Provides deep hydration and has soothing properties that help strengthen and protect sensitive skin.

 

Pregnancy-safe Face Moisturizers for Acne-Prone Skin

People with oily skin types are often more prone to acne due to the overproduction of sebum (oil) by the sebaceous glands. Pregnancy can exacerbate this, as hormonal changes may lead to an increase in acne for some individuals.

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

• CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel ($16.18): This oil-free moisturizer contains ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for mattifying hydration without feeling greasy.

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.

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 applying your daily pregnancy-safe facial moisturizer, it’s essential to follow up with a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These physical sunscreen ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, they are non-comedogenic and gentle on acne-prone skin. Zinc oxide not only offers superior protection but also provides anti-inflammatory benefits, helping to soothe and protect irritated skin. Titanium dioxide complements this by delivering effective sun protection without clogging pores or causing breakouts. Using a mineral-based sunscreen helps maintain healthy skin, prevents further acne flare-ups, and shields your skin from harmful UV rays.

Is CeraVe face moisturizer safe during pregnancy?

CeraVe face moisturizer comes highly recommended by dermatologists for both pregnant and non-pregnant women. These creams have earned widespread praise, not only from experts but also from countless satisfied customers who appreciate their gentle, effective formulas.

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.

 

Dimethicone is generally considered safe for topical use, as its large molecular size prevents it from penetrating the skin. The main concern arises when there is a risk of ingestion or inhalation. It’s always a good idea to research each flagged ingredient and make decisions based on your comfort level. Our app is designed to help you easily check the ingredient lists of your beauty products. However, it’s important to remember that exposure levels can vary depending on factors like the application area, whether the product is leave-on or rinse-off, and the potential for inhalation. Ultimately, informed decisions based on your unique situation are key.

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.

According to Little Bean’s guidelines, the following CeraVe facial moisturizers are NOT considered 100% pregnancy-safe:

• AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF50 – Contains chemical sunscreen and parabens, which are not recommended during pregnancy.
• Anti-Aging Skin Renewing Day cream –  Includes retinol and chemical sunscreen, both of which should be avoided during pregnancy.

The following CeraVe facial moisturizers are 100% approved by Little Bean for use during pregnancy. While some contain dimethicone, the risk of ingestion is minimal when used as a facial moisturizer. After consulting with dermatologists, we consider these products safe for pregnant individuals:

• 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—Contains 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 a CeraVe facial moisturizer you love, let us know in the comments—we’re always happy to update the list! And if you’re ever unsure about whether a product is safe for pregnancy, it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider.

 

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 support 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.

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