Particularly during pregnancy, “you want to keep that skin barrier super healthy and super moisturized,” says Nazarian. “The last thing you want to do is dry it out and make it irritated.” If you find your skin falling into the irritated, dry or sensitive categories, Shah recommends La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Dermo Milky Cleanser. It has glycerin, which is a humectant that helps draw water into the skin to keep you hydrated, according to La Roche-Posay.
Like other options on this list, this CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser has hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides in it to hydrate your skin. “It’s not as irritating to the skin as some cleansers can be and it doesn’t have any active [ingredients] that are aggravating or irritating your skin further,” says Ilyas. There’s also no added fragrance, according to the brand.
When it comes to cleansers, experts say the simpler the better. One of Nazarian’s all-time favorites is Dove’s Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar since it cleanses without being irritating. “It’s just a good solid basic,” she says. There’s also no added synthetic fragrances, according to the brand.
This face wash has benzoyl peroxide, which is an acne-fighting ingredient that’s ideal for clearing and preventing blemishes. It’s gentle enough for daily use, and it combines humectants and emollients to fight dryness, according to the brand. You can use this cleanser on both your face and body.
For pregnant patients, Ilyas recommends hyaluronic-acid based serums, which can add an additional layer of hydration to skin before you apply moisturizer. With it, you’re giving yourself a little boost of hydration to help minimize fine lines and wrinkles, without an active ingredient that can harm the baby in any way, says Ilyas.
This serum will target the hyperpigmentation many people battle during pregnancy, says Shah. Squalane helps lock in moisture, rose petal extract calms the skin and vitamin C helps tackle pregnancy-related pigmentation issues like melasma. “It’s going to help hydrate, protect, and brighten the skin, which is all stuff the skin needs during pregnancy,” she says.
“Niacinamide is a real powerhouse ingredient, just like vitamin C,” says Shah. It can address fine lines and also has anti-inflammatory benefits. It can also help brighten the skin, which can be particularly useful during pregnancy when hormones stimulate the production of pigment in the skin, says Shah. You can use this 10% niacinamide serum twice a day before applying moisturizer, according to the brand.
This serum has a hydrating, milky texture and is designed to fade dark spots and stop new ones from forming, according to the brand. It uses amber algae, ethyl ascorbic acid (a form of Vitamin C) and niacinamide to help reduce hyperpigmentation while also soothing the skin with glycerin. The serum is also specifically formulated to work well for those with darker skin tones who may struggle with hyperpigmentation.
Another pregnancy-safe serum experts recommend for addressing pigmentation issues is Skinbetter Science’s Even Tone Correction Serum. The formula is free of hydroquinone, an ingredient experts recommend avoiding during pregnancy and instead brightens the skin with pregnancy-safe kakadu plum extract (a form of vitamin C) as its active ingredient.
Addressing pregnancy-related acne can be challenging if you’re avoiding salicylic acid — a staple in many acne-fighting formulas. This spot treatment, which has niacinamide in it to help reduce inflammation, is a pregnancy-safe alternative. “It’s a sulfur-based treatment, which is a safe ingredient for acne in pregnancy,” says Shah. A little goes a long way: dispense a drop of product the size of a grain of rice onto the back of your hand and then use your finger to dab onto your blemish before massaging it in, according to the brand.
This medicated mask is designed to help clear acne while exfoliating the skin, according to the brand. It’s formulated with sulfur, which is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that soothes breakouts, redness, and skin irritation. The mask, which has a 4.5-star average rating from more 1,250 reviews on Sephora, also uses kaolin and bentonite clay to absorb excess oil clogging your pores, in order to prevent future breakouts, according to the brand.
This serum is great for reducing the look of blemishes and smoothing texture, according to the brand. The primary ingredient, azelaic acid, helps to fade acne spots and even out your overall skin tone, while licorice root extract brightens your skin, according to Paula’s Choice. You can use it twice daily, and you can mix it with your favorite serum or moisturizer.
Azelaic acid is another dermatologist-recommended alternative to salicylic acid during pregnancy. It not only effectively addresses acne, but most azelaic acid formulas are nonirritating to sensitive pregnancy skin, says Ilyas. Azelaic acid is also an expert-favorite brightening ingredient to help address pregnancy-related pigmentation conditions like melasma.
Formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines, this serum, which has a 4.2-star average rating from 672 reviews on Amazon, uses bakuchiol to achieve the effects of retinol without the potentially harmful effects to your pregnancy. Derived from plants, bakuchiol firms skin and smooths texture, and works in tandem with the polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) and blueberry stem cells in this serum to fight dullness and improve your skin’s overall radiance and texture, according to the brand.
Most of the experts I spoke to say it’s best to err on the side of caution and eliminate retinol from your skin care routine during pregnancy. As a replacement, Shah recommends Tatcha’s silk serum. “It uses a combination of cranberry extract and sea fennel to help support collagen [production],” she says. Like a traditional retinol, it also helps to plump skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, according to the brand.
For a thicker, extra-hydrating face moisturizer, experts recommend La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer. It has three types of hydrators — niacinamide, glycerin, and ceramides — in it to help draw moisture into the skin and strengthen the skin barrier. NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris says the moisturizer also has a lightweight texture that isn’t too greasy on oily skin.
Key ingredients:ceramides and hyaluronic acid | National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance:yes | Fragrance-free:yes
What we like
Absorbs quickly
Lasts all day
Good for face and body
Something to note
May be too heavy for oily skin
You can use CeraVe’s Daily Moisturizing lotionall over your face and body because it doesn’t feel “slimy and uncomfortable,” says Ilyas. Formulated with three types of ceramides, it is particularly helpful in strengthening the skin barrier as it stretches during pregnancy, according to the brand.
For pregnant patients on the oilier side, experts recommend Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel. Water-based gels like this hydrate your skin without adding oil that can potentially clog pores. It also has a key hydrator in hyaluronic acid: “Hyaluronic acid is something found naturally in our skin, it’s safe during pregnancy, and it’s well-tolerated by everyone, including those in the hyper-sensitive state of pregnancy,” says Nazarian.
This is our top pick for best sunscreen, and an NBC Select staff favorite for sensitive skin. NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio, who deals with dry skin and rosacea, says this is the only sunscreen that doesn’t irritate her skin. It’s formulated with niacinamide to help soothe inflammation, according to the brand. It’s also non-comedogenic, and oil- and fragrance-free, according to EltaMD.
Shah recommends switching to a mineral sunscreen during pregnancy. In addition to concerns about the effects of oxybenzone on fetal development, mineral formulas can be less irritating for sensitive pregnancy skin, she says. Experts I spoke to like La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios sunscreen for its sheer texture and blendability. This zinc oxide-based formula has an SPF of 50, and it’s also oil-free.
For a full-body option, experts like Coola’s mineral sunscreen. The fragrance-free formula has broad-spectrum protection, which means it keeps your skin safe from both UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it has a sheer finish and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, according to the brand.
When shopping for pregnancy-safe skin care, experts say the best approach involves assessing your skin’s changing needs and talking with your doctor about what ingredients you feel comfortable using. Below, I highlight where to begin when evaluating the best products for pregnancy.
Assess your skin care needs. “When you are pregnant, your skin is different,” says Shah. A combination of vascular, hormonal, and physical changes mean that skin texture can change, and many pregnant people experience dryness and itchiness as a result. Making sure your skin care routine includes products with ultra-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid is important as are products with ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier, according to experts. If you’re experiencing irritation, try eliminating products with synthetic fragrances and replacing them with fragrance-free options, experts say.
Read ingredient labels. While there’s no need to overhaul your entire skin care routine during pregnancy, you should be aware of ingredients that may pose a risk during pregnancy, says Shah. Experts recommend stopping the use of retinoids, avoiding brightening creams with hydroquinone and acne treatments with salicylic acid.
Talk to your doctor. No matter how conservatively you approach your topical skin care routine or if you exclusively use over-the-counter ingredients, talk to your doctor about any oral medications you’re taking. Medications including isotretinoin (Accutane) and spironolactone, which are prescribed by a dermatologist for concerns including acne and hair loss, are dangerous during pregnancy and can seriously impact fetal development.
Frequently asked questions
Your skin care needs may completely change during pregnancy. Shifting hormones, increased blood flow and blood volume, and the physical stretching of the skin that occurs during pregnancy can trigger acne, dryness, sensitivity and hyperpigmentation. Most skin changes during pregnancy are nothing to worry about, but if you have a rash, especially if it is itchy, you should consult a doctor. “There are some skin diseases that are very specific to pregnancy and we often do like to check those out,” says Shah. Below are some of the most common skin changes to expect during pregnancy.
Pigmentation. Pigmentation-related skin changes are very common during pregnancy, says Shah. Melasma, commonly called “the mask of pregnancy,” is a type of hyperpigmentation that most often shows up in a freckle-like pattern of brown or grayish spots on the face, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It’s also common to experience hyperpigmentation around the areola, inner thighs, and abdomen, according to our experts.
Vascular changes. Vascular changes are also common during pregnancy. Our experts say that you may notice the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins thanks to the increased blood flow and blood volume that occurs during pregnancy.
Sensitivity. Dryness and itchiness are common, especially on the abdomen, according to our experts. “Skin just doesn’t hold onto moisture as effectively as before,” says Ilyas. “It is not only hormonally driven, but a physical phenomenon — as skin stretches, it’s thinned out and doesn’t hold onto moisturize effectively because there is less actual substance that can hold onto or retain moisture in the skin as effectively as before.” Pregnancy skin may also be more prone to irritation and skin conditions like eczema.
Acne. Shifting hormones during pregnancy can cause breakouts — both cystic acne and rosacea-based breakouts are common, according to our experts. “It does tend to happen in the first trimester, so if you’ve made it through the first trimester without an issue, it’s less likely to occur in the second and third trimester,” says Shah.
When approaching skin care ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, our experts say that context is important. Using a topical retinoid on your face a few times a week is very different from taking an oral retinoid like isotretinoin, using a prescription cream with a high concentration of the active ingredient or even using a retinol body cream that you apply to large surface area of skin, says Nazarian. The risk of impacting fetal development with the former practice is present, but very low, she says. “Most people are fine, even if they’re not being super, super, super cautious about what they’re [using].”
That said, our experts all agree it’s best to be cautious when using retinoids and other ingredients, especially when there are so many great alternative ingredients that are safe to use in pregnancy. “I tend to tell my patients it’s probably safer to avoid ingredients that we know are not safe at higher concentrations because we don’t know how much they’re going to absorb at an individual level,” says Ilyas.
Below are the most common skin care ingredients to remove from your routine during pregnancy (or at least discuss with your doctor).
Retinoids. Retinoids, or vitamin A derivatives, can address acne and signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles. They’re a skin care staple recommended by many dermatologists and are widely considered unsafe to use during pregnancy. But with retinoids, “it’s a fine line between erring on the side of caution and fear mongering,” says Nazarian. “We know that isotretinoin and oral retinoids can be pretty damaging to a fetus. We have lots of evidence that suggests topically, however, it’s not.” She says she personally used adapalene, a retinoid-like compound throughout her pregnancy. In other words, using a topical retinol during the earliest days of pregnancy (perhaps before you found out you were pregnant,) isn’t a reason to panic, according to our experts. If you want to continue using a topical retinol, our experts recommend speaking with your doctor.
Salicylic acid. Salicylic acid, a common acne fighter that may appear on an ingredient list as a BHA (beta hydroxy acid), is similar to retinoids in that it is not safe for use during pregnancy as an oral medication. The safety of salicylic acid as an over-the-counter topical treatment is murkier. “The general thought is that if it’s a limited amount, such as a low percentage treatment applied to a limited area, it’s probably safe to use,” says Shah. Because there isn’t consensus in the medical community, “it’s always best to clear that with your OB-GYN,” she says. For a pregnancy-safe alternative acne treatment, our experts recommend azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which is considered safe to use during pregnancy by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Alpha hydroxy acid (also called glycolic acid) is also considered safe when used topically, says Shah.
Oxybenzone. Oxybenzone, the active ingredient found in many chemical sunscreens, is not safe for pregnancy. As an endocrine disruptor, it can impact fetal development, particularly the development of neurological, reproductive, and immune systems. Since you typically use sunscreen on your entire body, it’s important to find a pregnancy-safe formula. Studies show that you can absorb oxybenzone through the skin, pass it through the bloodstream, and have it reach the fetus in concentrations high enough to be concerning, according to the National Institutes of Health . Our experts recommend switching to a mineral sunscreen during pregnancy.
Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone, a brightening treatment that can address pigmentation issues like melasma, is no longer available over the counter so it’s unlikely to be in your medicine cabinet unless you have a prescription. While the risks of using hydroquinone during pregnancy are low, according to the NIH, our experts recommend avoiding it. Instead, they say to choose formulas with pregnancy-safe brightening agents like vitamin C or azelaic acid.
Phthalates. Phthalates are a group of chemicals found in plastics and many beauty products. Like oxybenzone, they are endocrine disruptors, meaning they have the potential to impact fetal development. Exposure to phthalates during pregnancy is also linked to an increased risk of preterm birth, according to the NIH. Phthalates are admittedly difficult to avoid during pregnancy, according to our experts, since they are found in so many products we interact with on a daily basis. You can minimize your exposure by looking for hair and skincare products labeled “phthalate-free.” Essential oils. When pregnant, your dermatologist may also advise limiting your exposure to certain essential oils — including camphor, clary sage, cinnamon, tansy, and hyssop.“People think of essential oils as safe because they’re natural ingredients, but a lot of [them] can do things like induce uterine contractions or can block certain hormones,” says Shah. Again, the amount that you’re exposed to with topical skin care ingredients is likely low enough not to cause a panic, she says, but it’s worth discussing with your dermatologist if you’re pregnant.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Dr. Sejal Shah is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Smarter Skin Dermatology in New York, specializing in cosmetic dermatology and treating skin of color.
Dr. Rachel Nazarian is a board-certified dermatologist with the Schweiger Dermatology group in New York. Her areas of research include the treatment of skin disease and she also specializes in cosmetic treatments including lasers and injectables.
Dr. Erum Ilyas is a board-certified dermatologist with the Schweiger Dermatology group in Pennsylvania. Her expertise includes pediatric and medical dermatology and skin cancer treatment.
I am a journalist and former Glamour editor who has been covering beauty and wellness treatments for over a decade. For this article, I spoke to three dermatologists about the best perinatal skincare products, including ingredients to avoid during pregnancy.
