Best Skincare for Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings significant hormonal shifts that directly affect the skin. Increased sebum production, heightened sensitivity, a greater risk of hyperpigmentation and changes in skin texture and hydration are all common during this period. While many everyday skincare ingredients are perfectly safe to continue using, others, most notably retinoids and high-concentration acids, are generally avoided during pregnancy.

The products below have been selected for their gentle, effective formulations that support hydration, soothe sensitivity and address common pregnancy skin concerns without ingredients that are considered contraindicated.

Our Top Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Picks

Best Overall Dr. Alexis Pick
JOONBYRD

Daydreamer Firming Body Serum

Price
£78.00
Size
100 ml
Skin type
All skin types / sensitive
Key ingredients
Biomimetic peptide-sapphire complex, Tripeptide-28, Paracress extract, Plant-derived squalane
Fragrance
Contains fragrance
Dr. Alexis Says

“Daydreamer Firming Body Serum is a body treatment powered by a biomimetic peptide-sapphire complex alongside tripeptide-28, paracress extract and plant-derived squalane. The formula is clinically proven to boost firmness and elasticity and is particularly well suited to the body during and after pregnancy, helping to address the appearance of stretch marks and support skin resilience as the body changes. Daydreamer is free from sulphates, parabens and phthalates and suitable for sensitive skin.”

CETAPHIL

Gentle Skin Cleanser

Price
£9.50
Size
236 ml
Skin type
Normal to dry / sensitive
Key ingredients
Glycerin, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Cetearyl alcohol (soap-free)
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Dr. Alexis Says

“A longstanding dermatologist recommendation for sensitive skin, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser uses a mild, soap-free formula that cleanses without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It contains no added fragrance and is non-comedogenic, making it well suited to the increased sensitivity and breakout-prone skin many people experience during pregnancy. Suitable for face and body.”

LA ROCHE-POSAY

Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

Price
£16.50
Size
400 ml
Skin type
Normal to dry / sensitive
Key ingredients
Glycerin, Ceramide-3, Niacinamide, Prebiotic thermal spring water
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Dr. Alexis Says

“Formulated specifically for sensitive and dry skin, this cleanser combines glycerin and ceramide-3 to hydrate and support the skin’s barrier as it cleans. La Roche-Posay’s prebiotic thermal spring water provides additional soothing and microbiome-supporting benefits. The formula is fragrance-free, soap-free and non-comedogenic, making it a reliable daily option for skin that has become more reactive during pregnancy.”

BIODERMA

Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

Price
£10.99
Size
250 ml
Skin type
Sensitive / reactive
Key ingredients
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Cucumber extract, Fructooligosaccharides
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Dr. Alexis Says

“A gentle, non-rinse cleansing option that removes makeup and impurities without the need for rubbing or rinsing. Sensibio H2O is formulated with mild surfactants and cucumber extract and is specifically designed to respect the skin’s natural tolerance threshold, making it particularly appropriate during pregnancy when sensitivity is heightened. It is fragrance-free and suitable for even the most reactive skin.”

CERAVE

Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30

Price
£15.00
Size
75 ml
Skin type
Sensitive / all skin types (non-comedogenic)
Key ingredients
Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide, Ceramides NP/AP/EOP, Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Dr. Alexis Says

“This daily mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as its only active UV filters, both of which are widely recommended by dermatologists as the preferred sunscreen choice during pregnancy. The formula also contains three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to support barrier function and deliver lasting hydration alongside sun protection. It is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin. Protecting against UV is particularly important during pregnancy as hormonal changes significantly increase the skin’s susceptibility to pigmentation and melasma.”

BURT'S BEES

Mama Bee Belly Butter

Price
£15.75
Size
185 g
Skin type
All skin types (pregnancy & postnatal)
Key ingredients
Cocoa butter, Shea butter, Jojoba butter, Sweet almond oil, Coconut oil, Vitamin E
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Dr. Alexis Says

“A fragrance-free body butter formulated specifically for use during and after pregnancy. The formula combines cocoa butter, shea butter and jojoba butter with sunflower seed oil, coconut oil and sweet almond oil to deeply nourish and condition skin as it stretches across the abdomen, hips and thighs. Tocopherol (vitamin E) provides antioxidant support. Free from synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum and SLS, with a 99% natural origin formula that is suitable for use from the first trimester onwards.”

REN CLEAN SKINCARE

Evercalm Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask

Price
£30.00
Size
50 ml
Skin type
Sensitive / reactive
Key ingredients
White mushroom extract, Arnica extract, Beta-glucan, Cranberry seed oil, Lingonberry seed oil
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Dr. Alexis Says

“Formulated for sensitive and reactive skin, this mask is built around white mushroom extract to calm and de-stress the skin, alongside arnica extract and beta-glucan for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support. Cranberry seed oil and lingonberry seed oil provide nourishing emollient conditioning. Free from synthetic fragrance and common irritants, it is suited to use during pregnancy when skin is more prone to redness and sensitivity. It can be used as a leave-on treatment during periods of heightened reactivity.”

AVÈNE

Thermal Spring Water Spray

Price
£14.50
Size
300 ml
Skin type
All skin types / sensitive
Key ingredients
Avène Thermal Spring Water (rich in silicates & trace elements)
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Dr. Alexis Says

“A simple, effective way to soothe reactive skin throughout the day. Avene’s thermal spring water is rich in silicates and has been clinically shown across more than 150 studies to have anti-inflammatory and calming properties, reducing skin sensitivity and soothing redness and irritation. The spray can be used directly onto the face as frequently as needed and is free from all additives and fragrance.”

NEUTROGENA

Hydro Boost Water Gel

Price
£13.95
Size
50 ml
Skin type
Normal to combination
Key ingredients
Sodium hyaluronate, Glycerin, Amino acids
Fragrance
Contains fragrance (fragrance-free variant available)
Dr. Alexis Says

“A lightweight, oil-free gel moisturiser built around sodium hyaluronate to attract and bind moisture to the skin’s surface. The formula absorbs quickly without any greasiness and is confirmed safe for use during pregnancy. It suits normal to oily and combination skin types looking for effective daily hydration without heaviness or occlusion. Fragrance-free variants are available.”

AVEENO

Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion

Price
£9.49
Size
300 ml
Skin type
Very dry / sensitive / itch-prone
Key ingredients
Triple Oat Complex (colloidal oatmeal), Shea butter, Glycerin, Dimethicone
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Dr. Alexis Says

“Centred on Aveeno’s triple oat complex, this body lotion combines colloidal oatmeal with glycerin and dimethicone to soothe irritation, support the skin’s moisture barrier and lock in hydration. Colloidal oatmeal has extensive clinical support for its ability to calm reactive and itchy skin, which is a common concern during pregnancy particularly in the third trimester. The formula is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and suitable for use across the face and body.”

What Ingredients Should You Look for in Pregnancy-Safe Skincare?

Navigating skincare during pregnancy is primarily about knowing what to continue using confidently. Several ingredients are well-established as safe and effective throughout pregnancy.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that occurs naturally in the skin and draws water to its surface, improving plumpness and comfort without any systemic absorption concerns. It is suitable for all skin types and addresses the dryness and dehydration that are common during pregnancy.

Niacinamide supports barrier function, helps regulate sebum production and gently evens skin tone, making it particularly relevant for the breakouts and early hyperpigmentation many pregnant people experience. It is well-tolerated by sensitive skin and safe for use throughout pregnancy.

Peptides help maintain firmness and skin resilience by supporting collagen synthesis. They are gentle, non-irritating and an effective alternative to retinoids for those looking to support skin structure during pregnancy.

Vitamin E is a well-established antioxidant that helps protect the skin against environmental stressors and supports barrier repair. It is widely used in pregnancy body care and is generally considered safe for topical use.

How to Approach Skincare During Pregnancy

The most important shift to make during pregnancy is simplifying. A pared-back routine centred on cleansing, hydrating and protecting the skin is both effective and low-risk. Retinoids in all forms, including retinol and prescription retinoids, are generally avoided during pregnancy due to their potential systemic effects. High-concentration chemical exfoliants and hydroquinone are also typically contraindicated.

SPF can be applied daily regardless of weather or season. Hormonal changes during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and UV exposure is the primary trigger. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the recommended first choice during pregnancy as these filters sit on the skin’s surface rather than being absorbed systemically.

Patch testing any new product before widespread use is always sensible, particularly as sensitivity thresholds can change during pregnancy. If there is any uncertainty about a specific ingredient or product, consulting a dermatologist is the most reliable way to get personalised guidance.

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About Dr. Alexis Granite

Dr. Alexis Granite
Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Alexis Granite is a UK and US board-certified Consultant Dermatologist with extensive experience across both clinical and cosmetic dermatology. She’s a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the British Association of Dermatologists and serves on the advisory board of the British Beauty Council.

Her guidance is grounded in clinical evidence and shaped by years of treating patients with concerns including skin ageing, pigmentation, barrier dysfunction and overall skin health. When it comes to skincare recommendations, the focus is always on ingredients and formulations that are genuinely supported by science and that deliver real, lasting results in everyday life.

More About Dr. Alexis Granite