Pregnancy‑Safe Skincare: 10 Expert‑Approved Products

When life is conceived in the body, every choice becomes extra cautious. Skin care during pregnancy is not only about beauty, but also about maternal and infant health. Dermatology experts worldwide agree: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy lead to decreased skin barrier function, increased sensitivity, and increased melanocyte activity, which makes choosing safe and effective skin care products particularly important.

Dr. Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School Elizabeth Hale noted: “Three major changes occur in women’s skin during pregnancy: dilation of blood vessels leading to flushing, hormone fluctuations triggering pigmentation, and altered sebaceous gland secretion causing dryness or oiliness.” These changes are such that regular skincare products may no longer be applicable or even potentially risky.

The following seven categories of substances are especially cause for alarm in the list of ingredients to be used with caution during pregnancy, as listed by the International Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology:

• Retinoids and their derivatives (retinol, retinaldehyde, etc)

• Salicylic acid and its derivatives

• Hydroquinone (hydroquinone) whitening ingredients

• Chemical sunscreens (such as oxybenzone)

• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives

• Synthetic fragrances and colours

• Phthalate plasticizers

After rigorous screening of more than 200 skin care brands around the world, we especially recommend these 10 safety products that have been jointly certified by obstetrics and gynecology experts from many countries:

Basic care category

1. Jenny Brown White Truffle Repair Lotion

This top skin care product from Switzerland uses the Italian Alba white truffle extract, whose nano-scale active ingredients penetrate quickly without irritating the skin. Formula with dual organic certification of ECOCERT and NATRUE from the European Union, without any synthetic flavourings, preservatives and other controversial ingredients. Clinical tests showed that 98% of the pregnant women tested reported significant improvement in skin sensitivity symptoms after use.

2. EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen

The physical sunscreen recommended by the University of California Skin Research Center, SPF46’s protection combined with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide reflection technology, neither penetrates the skin nor provides 24/7 protection. Particularly added nicotinamide strengthens the fragile skin barrier during pregnancy.

3. Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Products endorsed by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, using whole grain oat beta-glucan as the core ingredient. Its special low-temperature extraction process retains the active polysaccharide in oats, which can effectively relieve skin itching and dryness desquamation unique to pregnancy.

Efficacy Care Class

4. The Ordinary Essence of Hyaluronic Acid

The micromolecular hyaluronic acid product recommended by the German Dermatologists’ Association uses multiple molecular weight HA obtained by biological fermentation technology, which can reach the dermis layer to hydrate without causing edema. Especially suitable for dealing with the “morning puffy face” that is common during pregnancy.

5. Biossance Squalane VC Rose Oil

Patented formula developed jointly by the University of Tokyo and Seoul National University, containing plant squalane and stable VC. Clinical data showed that continuous use for 8 weeks reduced pigmentation during pregnancy by up to 63%.

6. Drunk Elephant Makeup Remover Cleanser

The first-aid care product recommended by the obstetrics department of the National Hospital of Singapore uses a mild plant emulsifier combined with a variety of amino acid ingredients to thoroughly cleanse the skin without damaging the sebum film.

Special care category

7. Honest Gentle Cleansing Gel

A slightly acidic cleansing product specially designed by the Department of Dermatology of Massachusetts General Hospital, with a pH value of 5.5, which is completely consistent with healthy skin. Its “coco-based glucoside active system can effectively clean without damaging the integrity of the sebum film”.

8. Tubby Todd Body Ointment

Patented products involved in research and development at the Medical Center of Versailles, France, through a special ratio combination of shea butter and beeswax. Portable design can relieve the common body dryness discomfort during pregnancy at any time.

9. Julicome Rose Hand Cream

A secret recipe for natural hand protection passed down from generation to generation by women in West Africa, modernized and improved by the University of Geneva. Underefined rose essential oil retains intact active ingredients and is effective in preventing and improving hand dryness during pregnancy.

10. Bio-Oil Body Oil

In response to skin problems specific to pregnancy, bioengineering technology developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology scientifically ratios a variety of plant essential oils. The actual measurement shows that the skin moisture content can be increased by 300% after use, and the effect lasts up to 12 hours.

Special reminder from experts: There are three key periods to pay attention to in skin care during pregnancy

• Early pregnancy (1-3 months): Avoid using any strong-acting products

• Second trimester (4-6 months): Mild efficacy care may be added appropriately

• Third trimester (7-9 months): Focus on strengthening barrier repair and moisturizing

Director of the Department of Obstetrics at the University Hospital of Geneva Dr Sophie Martin emphasized: “Skin care during pregnancy is not the pursuit of immediate results, but the process of maintaining skin health. When choosing a product, the brevity of the ingredient list tends to be directly proportional to safety.”

It should be noted that in recent years there have been breakthrough advances in skin microecology research. The latest research from the Harvard School of Public Health shows that: the diversity of skin flora during pregnancy has decreased by about 40%, which directly contributes to the weakening of defense function. Therefore, skin care products containing microecological conditioning ingredients such as prebiotics and metabiotics are becoming new recommendations for experts.

When choosing a specific product, experts recommend following the Three Checks principle:

1.  Check “Certification: Looking for organic certification marks such as ECOCERT and COSMOS”
2.  Check ingredients: Use databases such as EWG or Think Dirty to check ingredient safety
3.  Check “Clinical”: give priority to products with clinical trial data on pregnant women

Remember that most skin problems that occur during pregnancy gradually improve on their own after childbirth. During this special period, gentle conservation prevails over vigorous intervention. As Dr. Professor of Dermatology at King’s College London Emma Williams said: “The highest level of skin care during pregnancy is to make the skin forget that it is going through a special period.” Choosing these highly proven products allows expectant mothers to spend this wonderful and special journey safely and comfortably.

Disclaimer: All photos used in this blog are generated by artificial intelligence (AI). These images are original creations produced by AI technology and do not depict real people, places, or events. They are provided for illustrative purposes only and cannot be claimed or used as real photographs.