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Although pregnancy might affect our skin, we can ensure healthy and glowing skin throughout pregnancy by using a good moisturizer. We have included a list of the best face moisturizers for pregnancy to make your task easier. These are safe to use throughout the pregnancy and help protect your skin from dryness, acne, and other pregnancy-related skin issues. So have a look at our list of pregnancy-safe facial moisturizers to choose the right one that suits your skin type.
Top Picks
7 Best Face Moisturizers For Pregnancy In 2024
1. Best Petroleum-Free: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Moisturizing Body Oil
Image: Plamer's Formulated with active ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and sesame oil, this moisturizing body oil is helpful for those dealing with dry skin in pregnancy. This 24-hour moisturizing body oil helps improve scars, stretch marks, fine lines, and wrinkles. The natural face moisturizer also treats dry, damaged skin and balances out uneven skin tone. Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce skin imperfections.
Pros
- Hydrates the skin
- Promotes healthy skin cell rejuvenation
- Made from finest organic ingredients
- Non-greasy moisturizing body oil
- Petroleum-free
Cons
- Smell could be too hard
- Might make hands oily
- May not be effective on stretch marks
"Palmer’s facial lotion meets my everyday moisturizing needs quite well. It feels so refreshing with the gentle, pleasant coconut fragrance it leaves behind. I wish it had SPF."
Quick tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 4,372 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
2. Best Gentle Formulation: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Image: Cerave CeraVe’s moisturizing cream is designed to hydrate and soothe dry skin with its triple ceramide and hyaluronic acid formulation. The eczema-friendly face moisturizer uses the patented MVE technology to protect the skin barrier and deliver its hydrating goodness slowly and steadily, keeping the skin moisturized for a long time. This scientifically formulated moisturizer is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, making it suitable for daily use. Further, the effective formula is fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Pros
- National Eczema Association (NEA)-approved
- Non-comedogenic face moisturizer
- Paraben-free
- Offers 24-hour long-lasting hydration
- Can be used on the body and face
Cons
- Some may find its consistency thick
- Might contain alcohol
"The hydrating formula serves me well, keeping my skin well-nourished and soft without blocking the pores. Its non-greasy texture is just suitable for my daily use. I highly recommend it."
3. Best Lightweight: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
Image: La Roche-posay One of the best daily-use, oil-free pregnancy-free facial moisturizers, this product offers all-day hydration to normal and sensitive skin, making it one of the best products trusted by customers. It is manufactured with a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 protection. This face moisturizer for pregnancy is made using safe ingredients that help nourish, soothe, and restore the skin’s protective barrier without clogging the pores. You can apply this moisturizer to the neck and face after cleansing to get visible results of intense moisturization. This unbiased review video would help you understand more about the product.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Perfect Suitable for sensitive skin
- Dermatologically tested for safety
- Allergy-tested
- Paraben- and fragrance-free
- SPF face moisturizer
Cons
- May create tiny crumbs on the skin and might make it red
- May not support makeup after the application
"Incorporating this niacinamide-rich moisturizer into my daily skincare routine has truly benefited my skin. It deeply hydrates my skin without causing clogged pores or heaviness, while its SPF formula protects me from harsh sun damage."
RememberPalmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Moisturizing Body Oil Best Petroleum-Free | CeraVe Moisturizing Cream Best Gentle Formulation | La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer Best Lightweight | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.7 x 2.8 x 2.2 inches | 3.58 x 3.58 x 8 inches | 1.5 x 3.2 x 5.7 inches |
| Weight | 7.05 Ounces | 1.19 Pounds | 3.2 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,372 | 9,167 | 13,118 |
| Price | $43.43 | $16.61 | $19.99 |
4. Best Moisturizing: Bella B Silk & Honey Moisturizing Lotion
Image: Bella B Naturals The moisturizing lotion contains active ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oil, olive oil, and cocoa butter. Suitable for all skin types, this is a thick, luscious buttercream that doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. The tried-and-tested pregnancy-safe skincare product is made with natural ingredients and doesn’t contain artificial preservatives, parabens, petroleum, or lanolin.
Pros
- Made from all-natural ingredients
- Safe to use
- Smells delicious
- Contains moisturizing oils
Cons
- May cause stretch marks
- Might flake the skin
"Its blend of natural ingredients is reassuring. The texture is neither too light nor heavy, offering the perfect moisturization. It also carries a clean fragrance and is quite convenient to use with the user-friendly tube."
5. Best Anti-Aging: Eva Ultra Moisturizing Hydrating Gel
Image: Eva Naturals Available in gel form, this pregnancy-safe moisturizer is suitable for all skin types. It is oil-free and doesn’t let your skin dry. Consisting of hyaluronic acid, it fights flaky and rough skin without adding any unwanted shine. It is an expertly crafted natural skincare product, made from plant-based ingredients that helps boost collagen production to decrease the impact of dryness. This statement-making product also helps decrease wrinkles and revives a youthful glow with its anti-aging plant stem cells.
Pros
- Improves skin elasticity
- Improves strength and texture
- Hydrates the skin naturally
- Safe, natural choice
Cons
- May leave a flaky residue
- Could be reactive on sensitive skin
- Might be sticky
"The softness I've been feeling on my skin after using this gel is worth mentioning. It's lightweight and deeply hydrating—a perfect pick for daytime use. However, at night, I pair it with my regular moisturizer for extra nourishment."
6. Best Anti-Inflammatory: Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Image: Bio-oil Available for normal skin types, this body oil is made with sunflower oil, rosehip oil, pomegranate seed oil, vitamin E oil, and jojoba oil. The product helps improve the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks to enhance beauty naturally. Made with top-notch ingredients, it helps repair skin damage, scars, and the appearance of stretch marks caused by pregnancy, injury, and surgery. This natural skincare treatment is a non-comedogenic, anti-inflammatory advanced formula made from plant-based oils. Check out this in-depth review that gives more information about the product’s effectiveness.
Pros
- 100% all-natural potent ingredients
- Safe for all skin types
- Contains no added fragrance or artificial additives
- Free of chemicals
- Multi-use body oil
- Clinically tested facial moisturizer
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May not have any smell
- May not offer any significant changes
"I've started using this natural skincare oil since the third trimester, and I'm amazed at how effectively it moisturizes my skin. It's pretty hydrating without being too greasy, making it a trustworthy option for my daily skincare regime."
Caution7. Best Nourishing: Belli Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator And Moisturizer
Image: Belli Skincare Available in a cream-based formula, this pregnancy face care essential contains salicylic acid and vitamin C. You can apply it to the whole body, and it helps with the removal of wrinkles. The facial moisturizer is packed with nourishing skincare ingredients, such as vitamin C, grapeseed oil, and chamomile, to help fight against aging signs, provide restorative care, and improve the appearance of skin. This skin-loving moisturizer is also meant to nourish skin moisture, increase collagen and decrease dark spots.
Pros
- Leaves skin fresh and soft
- Doesn’t leave your skin greasy
- Refreshing orange scent
- Contains antifungal properties
- Unclogs blocked pores
- Vegan face moisturizer
Cons
- May not be helpful for sensitive skin
- Might make the skin a bit flaky
"Its safe, chemical-free composition is such a relief! It's lightweight and gentle, leaving my skin soft, plumpy, and refreshed. I also like the subtle citrus scent."
How To Choose The Right Face Moisturizer For Pregnancy?
Keep these below-mentioned factors in mind before buying a pregnancy-safe facial moisturizer.
- Skin type: If you have dry skin, you need something that has intense hydrating botanical extracts. If you have skin conditions such as psoriasis, opt for a psoriasis-friendly face moisturizer. If you have acne-prone skin, you would have to avoid retinol products. And, sensitive skin would require utmost attention for nourishment.
- Sun protection: You can try mineral sunscreens that come with moisturizing agents to protect the skin from UVB and UVA rays. Ensure the selected sunscreen face moisturizer has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as they are safe to use on the skin during pregnancy.
- Anti-wrinkle ingredients: Most moisturizers contain retinoids to decrease fine lines and wrinkles. Generally, retinoids are not recommended during pregnancy. Specific vitamin A derivatives, such as Accutane and tretinoin, may cause embryotoxicity. Make sure the moisturizer you pick is made using safe ingredients.
- Chemicals: Moisturizers should be free from mineral oils, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, and fragrances. These chemically potent ingredients can make your skin drier than before. Fragrance-free face creams for pregnancy offer a safer alternative and nourish the skin without causing irritation.
Barbie Ritzman, a beauty brand expert and founder of Barbie’s Beauty Bits, says, “It is common for pregnant women to experience allergic reactions to products, even those they have used before. This can happen as your skin may be more sensitive during pregnancy.”
She adds, “If you notice some sensitivity, try using gentle, fragrance-free skincare products. However, avoid trying too many new products at once. Instead, introduce them slowly into your skincare routine to see how your skin reacts before adding another product. And lastly, always make sure to read the ingredients list to check for unsafe ingredients. If you are uncertain about a particular ingredient, ask your OB-GYN or check with a dermatologist.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it safe to use a moisturizer during pregnancy?
Although using moisturizers is safe during pregnancy, you should be wary when applying to ultra-sensitive, oily, or dry skin. Also, there are certain ingredients you should avoid.
2. How should I take care of my skin when pregnant?
You should drink plenty of water, anywhere between 1.5 and 2 liters of water every day. Secondly, apply organic pregnancy face lotions every day after you take a shower. Preventing and treating stretch marks should also be on your list. Also, avoid teeth-whitening products.
3. Why should I hydrate my face during pregnancy?
Pregnancy causes hormonal changes, which affect the skin, hair, and body. Due to hormonal changes, your skin may become drier, darker, or form patches due to sun exposure (1). So keeping the skin hydrated can minimize the effects of pregnancy on the skin.
4. What ingredients should I avoid in a moisturizer while pregnant?
Avoid moisturizers infused with ingredients, such as retinoids, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and hydroquinone (2). Opt for paraben-free face creams for pregnant women to ensure your skin is free of any chemical irritants. In addition, experts recommend consulting a healthcare professional before using any self-care product on the skin during pregnancy.
5. Is vitamin C moisturizer safe during pregnancy?
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents premature aging skin. It doesn’t harm the fetus or pregnant women when applied topically, so it is considered safe to use during pregnancy (3).
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag has experience writing high-quality and well-researched content for skin care products. After conducting extensive research and analyzing customer reviews across online platforms, she has created this list of the best face moisturizers for pregnancy use. Her priority was to choose products compatible with all skin types. She has selected products that have skin-friendly and effective ingredients and offer a smooth consistency and a long-lasting hydrating effect on the skin. Poulami has also included a buying guide and FAQ section to help you choose the right pregnancy-safe skincare product.
The Bottom Line
Using the best face moisturizers for pregnancy keeps your skin hydrated and nourished. Pregnancy can make the skin drier, and moisturizers are essential to keep your skin healthy. However, make sure to purchase a pregnancy-safe skin moisturizer to protect your skin. Choose the moisturizer based on your skin type to avoid excessive dryness or oily skin. For example, the CeraVe Moisturising Cream, with ceramides and hyaluronic acid, is a mild product designed to moisturize dry skin. Additionally, the popular La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer offers lightweight hydration, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Moreover, you may ask for a doctor’s opinion to find a suitable moisturizer for your skin if it is sensitive or has acne.
Infographic: Cosmetic Ingredients To Avoid When Pregnant
Trying out new and advanced cosmetic products to fix skin issues caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy can be tempting. However, some skincare ingredients can adversely affect the health of the mother and fetus. Read through the following infographic to learn about the chemicals and ingredients to avoid during pregnancy.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Changes to your skin during pregnancy
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/changes-to-your-skin-during-pregnancy - Safety of skin care products during pregnancy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3114665/ - Skin Changes and Safety Profile of Topical Products During Pregnancy
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8884185/
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