The Best Pregnancy Skincare That’s Both Safe And Effective

Garshick calls this a “nourishing, but lightweight lotion” that’s “great for all skin types, as it contains key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to support the skin barrier, but still absorbs easily.” Some other bonuses are that it’s “fragrance-free, paraben-free, lanolin-free and sulfate-free and it won’t clog the pores.” She says that this makes it an ideal option for pregnant moms looking to stay moisturized—even those with sensitive skin.

I loved this lightweight gel moisturizer from Versed during my most recent pregnancy and postpartum period. My skin drinks up the hyaluronic acid and aloe leaf juice, and the green tea extract, which is rich with antioxidants, helps to quiet some of my red undertones and inflammation. Because it’s so lightweight, it also sits nicely under makeup or sunscreen. I also love that Versed products are clean and cruelty-free.

Alpert Levine calls Aquaphor an “excellent moisturizer, especially when applied over damp skin.” While you may not automatically think to put Aquaphor on your face, it’s a great option when more heavy lifting is needed. Plus, the lotion is lighter than the traditional Aquaphor balm. Regardless, this really gets the job done.

Garshick calls Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage lotion the best of the best when it comes to keeping skin moisturized and combating stretch marks. It contains “a blend of cocoa butter, vitamin E, shea butter and bio-C elaste, which combines collagen, elastin, Centella asiatica, sweet almond oil and argan oil,” all of which smell and feel great on the skin. In case you’re wondering, Centella asiatica is a medicinal herb also called gotu kola. She adds that “this lotion can be used during and after pregnancy, applies easily and won’t leave the skin feeling greasy.”

Both Levine and Garshick recommended CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion as a fantastic pregnancy-safe option. “This moisturizing lotion containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid works to both hydrate the skin and restore its natural barrier to help dry skin without leaving the skin feeling greasy,” says Garshick. She went on to say the lotion stands out thanks to its “patented MVE delivery technology that helps deliver moisturizing ingredients to the skin over 24-hours, keeping the skin soft and smooth all day. It’s also fragrance-free making it an especially good option for those with sensitive skin.”

While technically an oil and not a lotion, Lolis recommends this Weleda option as she says she’s found it “helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.” With ingredients like vitamin E, sweet almond, jojoba, arnica and wheat germ oil, this massage oil nourishes the skin, leaving it feeling supple and smooth. And the inclusion of rose, neroli, myrrh and frankincense oils mean it smells like you’re having a spa day.

“EltaMD UV Clear with SPF 46 is a gentle but effective sunscreen,” says Alpert Levine. I personally used this during both of my pregnancies and loved that it went on smoothly, didn’t leave a residue and helped keep my hormonal acne at bay.

“This lightweight broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide 12%, iron oxide, antioxidants and a patented Enviroscreen technology to protect against UVA/UVB, blue light, pollution and infrared radiation,” says Garshick.

It also stands out because it’s available in different shades with “iron oxide pigments that adapt to your specific tone.” This helps to provide for “natural coverage” and reduce a step in your getting ready routine (bye, foundation). It’s also an ideal option for all skin types and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy. Garshick says it’s “especially good for those dealing with hyperpigmentation as the tint may offer some cosmetic camouflage and also protect against worsening hyperpigmentation from blue light exposure.”

Lolis suggests “a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide,” as “they are less likely to irritate sensitive skin and are safe for pregnancy.” This Skinceuticals mineral sunscreen came recommended to me by esthetician and mom Mitzi-Jo Runyan, founder of Lashlette in Los Angeles, and it has those key ingredients. I used this during my second pregnancy off Runyan’s suggestion and still do now because it goes on smoothly, provides light coverage and doesn’t leave my skin looking greasy or chalky. 

Personally, I also really liked this Summer Fridays sunscreen, which has zinc oxide, too.

Garshick recommends a vitamin C serum to “both brighten the skin and even the skin tone.” She goes on to explain that “Vitamin C is safe to use in pregnancy and… [this option] is combined with vitamin E as well as hyaluronic acid to help brighten the skin while also hydrating and nourishing.” She notes that it also “works to fight free radicals damage” and is lightweight enough that it doesn’t “leave the skin feeling greasy or sticky.”

Why does Garshick recommend this specific serum for pregnant women? “This serum is formulated with natural-origin hyaluronic acid and Vichy volcanic water to help hydrate and plump skin,” she says. “It has been clinically proven to strengthen and repair the skin barrier.” Better yet, she says: “It can be layered underneath a thicker moisturizing cream or used by itself for complete hydration, helping to boost moisture and give the skin a healthy, hydrated and dewy glow.” Consider this your pregnancy glow in a bottle.

I personally used this while pregnant with both of my children. It’s affordable, effective and your skin just drinks it up. This is something I’ve purchased many times and reach for time and time again. Alpert Levine, whose practice also makes their own hyaluronic acid, says “hyaluronic acid provides your skin with the hydration it needs, making it an excellent choice.”