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11 of the Best Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Brands
Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy! Just as your belly and body is changing each week, so too does your skin. From hormonal changes, pigmentation, dryness and acne…at times your skin can feel anything but ‘glowing’.
It’s important to take extra care of your skin during this special time, and that includes using pregnancy-safe skincare brands. But what do you do when your usual beauty routine is off the cards when pregnant? The good news is there are plenty of pregnancy-safe skincare brands to help soothe and relieve your skin worries, so you can look (if not feel) your very best.
Not sure where to start? To make navigating all your skin changes during pregnancy easier, we’ve done the research for you and rounded up 10 of the best pregnancy-safe skincare brands.
Common pregnancy skin concerns
Between hormonal fluctuations and changes in diet (hello, stodgy carbs!) and lifestyle, your skin might be experiencing some changes during pregnancy (and post-partum).
Melasma
Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a common skin concern during pregnancy. It causes dark brown patches on the face, mainly on the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip. Melasma occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy that temporarily increase the production of melanin, the pigment molecule in the skin, and it affects up to 70 per cent of pregnant women.
While melasma usually fades after you have given birth, it can persist in some women. Sun exposure can worsen melasma, so it’s more important than ever to go hard on the sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight. Unfortunately, you also need to be a little patient, as most pigmentation treatments will not work during pregnancy. Post-partum treatment options include topical creams, chemical peels, and laser therapy, but always talk to your dermatologist before commencing treatment.
Acne
Acne is another common skin concern during pregnancy, especially in the first and second trimesters. It occurs due to hormonal changes that increase sebum (oil) production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
While some acne medications are not safe during pregnancy, there are pregnancy-safe options, including topical benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid. It's important to talk to your GP or dermatologist before using any acne medication during pregnancy. As always, a good cleansing routine and hand hygiene routine is vital to help keep skin squeaky clean and clear.
Dryness
Dry skin is a common complaint during pregnancy, especially on the belly, breasts, and legs. It occurs due to hormonal changes that reduce oil production, leading to dry and itchy skin.
To prevent dryness and discomfort, use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser that contains natural ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil. Also, avoid super-hot showers and baths and try using a humidifier in your room to add moisture to the air.
Spider veins
Spider veins, also known as telangiectasias, are tiny red or purple veins that appear on the face, neck, and legs during pregnancy. They’re caused by hormonal changes that increase blood flow and pressure on the veins.
While spider veins usually fade after delivery, they can persist in some women. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent spider veins. This might include wearing compression stockings, and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods.
Ingredients to avoid during pregnancy
Just as a couple of favourite foods are off the menu during pregnancy (we’re looking at you, sushi and soft cheese!), there are also certain skincare ingredients to avoid that may harm you or your bub. Ingredients such as retinoids, and high-dose salicylic acid should be avoided.
Instead, opt for natural ingredients that are gentle and safe for pregnant women. We always recommend that you consult with your doctor or healthcare professional if you are unsure about any products or ingredients.
Here are some of the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy:
Retinol (or vitamin A)
Oral retinoids to treat severe acne, such as Roaccutane, are off the table during pregnancy due to the risk to baby. There is conflicting evidence surrounding the use of topical retinol products (derived from vitamin A), which are usually found in anti-acne and anti-ageing creams. Due to the uncertainty, its best to avoid all retinol/retinoid products during pregnancy.
High-dose salicylic acid
Used to fight acne breakouts, low concentrations (<2%) are unlikely to pose a risk to bub, but avoid high percentages, such as chemical peels.
Hydroquinone
Often used to treat hyperpigmentation and fade dark spots, it should be avoided during pregnancy as it can be absorbed through the skin in higher amounts.
1. Dope Skin Co
Dope Skin Co is an Australian natural and organic skincare brand that offers a range of pregnancy-safe skincare products. If you want skincare that actually works, the entire range is powered by superfood actives and backed by science to deliver real results.
Their range includes facial cleansers, toners and serums, and they use naturally derived active ingredients, such as turmeric, jojoba oil and witch hazel that are as potent and powerful as possible – and, completely safe for you and your baby.
Our pregnancy pick is their 3-Step Pigmentation Treatment Kit ($82.40). Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and illuminating ingredients such as Liquorice Root, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Acerola Cherry and Ginger Root. It is completely safe to use while pregnant with no parabens, phthalates, formaldehydes, silicones, sulfates, mineral oils or synthetic fragrance or colours.
2. Brillo Beauty
Designed for the modern mother, Brillo Beauty is a range of premium, effective and safe skincare formulated to restore, nourish and hydrate changing skin. Care for your belly, bump, nips and bits with their range of facial cleansers, toners, and serums, made using natural and organic ingredients, including Kakadu plum, aloe vera, and green tea extract.
Treat yourself to The Pregnancy Trio ($108), a bundle of pregnancy essentials including their hydrating body butter and restorative body oil which are both great to use on changing skin, plus a magnesium spray which is perfect for soothing muscle aches and cramps, and help encourage a better sleep.
The range is made in Australia and tested on mothers, never on animals – and the bottles are biodegradable. We love!
3. Bheue Skincare, from $24.95
Bheue was created as a range of pregnancy safe skincare that uses clean, innovative, naturally sourced ingredients. The brand's mission is to 'Bring out the glow in motherhood', so you can Be confident, Be glowing, Be radiant, Be nourished, Be informed, and most importantly Be YOU.
What makes Bheue skincare different?
Bheue is a range of high performance skin and body care products designed for women through pregnancy and beyond.
Made in France, Bheue skincare is inspired by nature and supported by science; it's a carefully curated range created specifically to support the needs of women.
Gentle, natural, and pregnancy-safe ingredients have been coupled with the latest technologies to soothe, nourish, and protect body and mind.
Founded by mothers, formulated by scientists, loved by you.
Why try Bheue skincare?
Everything you need and nothing you don't. The Bheue Skincare range consists of four key products that work effectively to target common concerns. Perfectly safe for use during pregnancy, the range consists of Rebalance YOU Soothing Cleansing Milk, Radiant YOU Revitalising 2-in-1 Face Serum, Brighten YOU Revitalising Eye Serum and Nourish YOU Stretch Mark Oil.
4. JS Health
JS Health is a natural and organic skincare brand, free from harmful chemicals, including sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Whether your goal is to cleanse, hydrate, brighten or balance, there’s a JS Health product for every expectant mama.
Their range includes gentle cleansers, nourishing moisturisers, luminous oils and vitamin serums specifically formulated to address common pregnancy skin concerns, such as dryness, acne, and melasma.
At an affordable price point, their products are made using natural ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba oil, and rosehip oil, which are gentle and soothing on the skin. For that ultimate pregnancy glow, you can’t go past the Luminous Vitamin Oil ($59.99) – a luxurious face oil formulated with “natural retinol” alternative Bakuchiol to protect, soothe and calm the skin.
5. Esmi
If you're on the hunt for pregnancy-safe skincare that will have you feeling fresh and fabulous (and like you’re getting 8+ hours of sleep), look no further than Esmi Skincare.
Esmi is a cruelty-free and vegan skincare brand that has your pregnancy skin concerns covered. With natural and organic ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile extract, and vitamin C, their products are gentle and nourishing on the skin, giving you a radiant and glowing complexion.
For tired mums and mums-to-be, the Pregnancy Skin Solution Bundle ($299) includes a cleanser, hydrating serum, hyaluronic mask, and eye cream – plus more – with the goal to brighten, firm and plump, while calming inflamed skin. Think of it as a ‘skin treat’, to help balance pesky breakouts and unpredictable skin woes that often come with hormonal changes, lack of sleep and looking after little ones!
6. Go-To Skincare
If Go-To is already on high rotation as part of your skincare routine, the good news is you can continue to use it while pregnant or breastfeeding. In fact, Go-To founder, Zoë Foster Blake, was pregnant when she devised and tested much of the range.
Go-To Skincare is a simple, effective range of skin essentials based on best-in-class botanical ingredients. Their products are formulated in-house to be as effective as possible, while being as gentle as possible.
Their best-selling gentle cleanser Properly Clean ($33) contains very low levels of salicylic acid, making it safe for pregnant mamas. For dry and dull skin, Face Hero ($45) is a lightweight facial oil with anti-inflammatory properties that deeply hydrates, soothes, revitalises and completely protects the face. It’s suitable for all skin types, which is great considering pregnancy skin changes as quickly as a newborns’ sleep schedule!
7. Trilogy
Made locally? Tick. Clean ingredients? Tick. Pregnancy-safe? BIG tick!
Founded in 2002, Trilogy is an Australian skincare brand that offers natural and organic skincare products that are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Perhaps best known for their iconic Rosehip Seed Oil (from $29.65), they’ve continued to create simply easy-to-use skincare, with absolutely no nasties.
Find that your skin is dry one day and breaking out the next? Don’t worry, mama – Trilogy’s products are versatile and suitable for a range of skin types, so you can find the perfect fit for you. From ultra-hydrating night creams to powerful antioxidant serums, their pregnancy-safe skincare products are packed with natural ingredients like jojoba oil, manuka honey, and aloe vera, that nourish your skin and give you that glow, throughout pregnancy and beyond!
8. Weleda
If you're looking for pregnancy-safe skincare that’s as gentle as a lamb, look no further than the Weleda skincare range. Weleda is a natural and organic skincare brand that’s been trusted by mamas and babies for over 100 years.
Their range includes gentle and effective facial cleansers, hydrating moisturises, and calming serums, as well as stretch mark body butters and nipple balms. Every product is free from harmful chemicals, so you can rest assured that you and your little one are in good hands.
For intense, long-lasting moisture, we recommend the Skin Food Skin Comfort Set ($45.90) – a nourishing face and body duo made with plant botanicals and oils to leave skin feeling supple and soft.
While you’re there, stock up for bub too. Weleda also offers a range of baby skincare products that are gentle and nourishing for your little one’s delicate skin. From baby oil to nappy cream, Weleda has everything you need to keep your baby’s skin soft and healthy.
9. Sukin
Sukin is an ultra-affordable natural and vegan-friendly Australian skincare brand, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to take care of your skin.
Our favourite bundle is the Rosehip Hydrate Gift Pack ($40). This pack includes three full-sized products that are perfect for nourishing and hydrating your skin during pregnancy. You’ll get their Rosehip Hydrating Day Cream, Rosehip Hydrating Night Cream, and their Rosehip Oil, all of which are formulated with natural and effective ingredients like rosehip oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil.
The Rosehip Hydrating Day Cream provides long-lasting hydration and nourishment, while the Rosehip Hydrating Night Cream helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And finally, the Rosehip Oil is a multi-tasking wonder that helps to even out skin tone and boost radiance. Use it on your face, breasts or belly – anywhere that needs a bit of TLC.
10. Alpha-H
For the Rolls Royce in skincare, you can’t go past Alpha-H. Known for its high-quality and results-driven products, they have carefully curated a pregnancy and breastfeeding-safe range that has been formulated with potent ingredients like glycolic acid and vitamin C, that work wonders on a variety of pregnancy skin concerns. Whether you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, acne, or dry, uneven texture, Alpha-H has your back!
Alpha-H’s products are designed to be used in a specific order, so you can achieve the best results possible. Start with their Triple Action Cleanser ($54.95) to remove impurities, follow up with their award-winning Liquid Gold Exfoliator ($74.95) to reveal smooth and radiant skin, and finish with their Essential Hydration Cream ($64.95) to nourish and hydrate parched skin. It’s like a luxurious salon facial from the comfort of your own home!
11. The Base Collective
Proudly Australia made and owned, The Base Collective offers natural and organic magnesium-based skincare. Made by mums, for mums, owners Carly and Cassie wanted to create a skincare line that is safe and purposeful, while being able to look after the whole family. They take pride in being free from nasties and are conscious that whatever goes on the skin, goes within.
Their Ultimate Face Bundle ($130) is the perfect way to pamper yourself during pregnancy. This bundle includes the Magnesium pH Balanced Wash, the lightweight Magnesium & Vitamin E Cream, the Glow Restore Triple Serum, and an SPF50+ Mineral Sunscreen.
Suitable for blemish, acne and eczema-prone skin and delicate on all skin types including sensitive skin, all products are formulated with natural and safe ingredients to nourish and protect your skin. They even have a baby-friendly range for your little bundle of joy.
So go ahead, mama, treat yourself (or a mama-to-be you love) to some all-natural and pregnancy-safe skincare. Your skin (and your baby bump) will thank you!
