Whether it’s your first or fourth, understanding what is and isn’t safe when your pregnant can be totally overwhelming. Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the food safety guidelines and recommended exercise routines, you’ve still got the giant task of decoding whether your beloved acne-fighting cleanser has received the green light for the next nine months.
With your hormones going into overdrive, pre-existing conditions such as pigmentation or hormonal acne may become exacerbated. Or, perhaps you’ll even begin to experience melasma for the first time. For the lucky few, you’ll experience nothing but the ‘pregnancy glow’ we’ve all heard so much about. Truth be told, no two pregnancies will be the same – so no wonder why we’re all so damn confuzzled.
To make things even more of a mess, the guidelines surrounding a pregnancy-safe skin care routine not only vary from country to country but also from person to person.
In fact, with the exception of a few ingredients, most experts will ultimately advise that it comes down to what you are personally comfortable with.
So, to help make the process a little easier and fast-track you to that pregnancy glow we’re always hearing about, here are the ingredients to hunt down, avoid and not even worry about.
However, despite what you might read as you scroll this article, your doctor and OB know what’s best for you. So, before making any drastic moves (or purchasing any expensive products) be sure to consult them.
Is using a facial cleanser safe in pregnancy?
Forget trying to work out which product to use, as one of the most Googled questions surrounding pregnancy-safe cleansers, it seems we’re confused about whether we should be washing our faces at all. Big yikes.
In short, yes. It’s safe to cleanse your face during pregnancy, in fact, it’s encouraged.
Which ingredients should I avoid when pregnant?
As per the Australian Government guidelines, “over the counter skin products generally contain ingredients that are unlikely to be harmful in pregnancy as they are used by applying directly to the surface of the skin (rather than swallowing a tablet).” But there are a few ingredients you may want to keep an eye out for…
Hydroquinone: “An over the counter skin product for skin bleaching absorbs through skin in larger amounts and therefore should be avoided while pregnant.”
Tretinoin: “Tretinoin for acne are skin products requiring a prescription and should also not be used.”
Retinol: Though the Australian Gov guidelines deem over-the-counter, topical retinol products as being generally “acceptable” for use due to their insignificant quantities, it is often recommended by experts to just avoid this entire category altogether.
Always consult with your doctor or OB before using any products. Advice may vary depending on your particular situation and as we know, there is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to pregnancy or our health in general.
The best pregnancy-safe cleansers
Just to be extra clear, just because your favourite cleanser didn’t appear on this list, that doesn’t deem it “unsafe”. These are just our personal faves for keeping our complexions hydrated and nourished.
The Jojoba Company Jojoba Activating Cleansing Oil
We say: If the soft scent alone isn’t enough to hook you for life, the results will certainly do it. Formulated right here in Australia, this 100 per cent vegan cleanser has been enriched with mandarin, sunflower oil and of course, jojoba to secure a bump-friendly glow. Yes please!
Want to know more? Read The Jojoba Company Jojoba Activating Cleansing Oil reviews here…
$39.95 at Adore Beauty
Clarins Gentle Foaming Hydrating Cleanser
We say: This one’s for those nights when you’re too tired to double cleanse (the preggo ladies or new mums will know). The solution? Well, it’s obviously not going to bed with your makeup on, that’s for certain. Instead, give this gentle hydrator the call-up and marvel as it melts away your makeup and cleans your skin all in one step.
You say: “The scent is absolutely amazing, you only need a small amount of cleanser to clean the whole face and it is really gentle on sensitive skin. When the cleanser comes out of the tub it is creamy in consistency. But once I gently rubbed it on a wet face, it started to foam slightly which was entertaining.” – Gea
Want to know more? Read Clarins Gentle Foaming Hydrating Cleanser reviews here…
Aspect Gentle Clean Facial Cleanser
We say: If you’re dry, sensitive and expecting, this gentle cleanser is going to get the job done without any cause for concern. Formulated with vegetable glycerin and organic hydrafoam, Aspect’s foaming cleanser will effectively melt away makeup and nix impurities for the next nine months and beyond.
Interested in other products from the Aspect range? Check them out here…
$59 at Adore Beauty
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser
We say: True to any product within the Kiehl’s range, the Ultra Facial Cleanser is an uncomplicated face wash that simply does what it’s designed to (love that). The silky, gel-like, pH-balanced formulation has been enriched with moisturising avocado oil, squalane and apricot kernel oil to help your skin retain clarity and suppleness throughout your pregnancy. Yes, even during the tumultuous first trimester.
You say: “Its lightly foaming formula removes all traces of residual makeup and dirt, but it doesn’t feel harsh on my skin. My skin feels fresh and clean. I can’t believe how long the tube has lasted me, a little really does go a long way, which makes it great value.” – RoseP
Want to know more? Read Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser reviews here…
$44 at MECCA
Ella Baché Rinse-Off Cleansing Cream
We say: Dry? Oily? Breaking out? This comforting cleanser is a godsend for any troubled complexion. As vitamin E is one ingredient you’ll never have to ditch during your pregnancy, what better time to soak up its skin-softening benefits than right now?
You say: “Lovely everyday cleanser, it is so creamy. Lightly scented, smells beautiful. My skin feels so much better since switching to it from my previous cleanser. Doesn’t dry out my skin, doesn’t leave any residue. Not harsh, abrasive or soapy. Seems to last forever.” – Ktmal
Want to know more? Read Ella Baché Rinse-Off Cleansing Cream reviews here…
$72 at Ella Bache
Habitual Beauty Balancing Cleanser
We say: If anyone understands the endless woes that come alongside a pregnancy, it’s Habitual Beauty’s founder, Keira Rumble. Hence why she’s formulated a cleanser that works to refine the skin’s texture, gently exfoliate and give that ‘pregnancy glow’ a little nudge along where required.
You say: “A fantastic Cleanser that I will continue to use in the future. Totally recommend this wonderful product to anyone who is looking for a cleanser that really does cleanse your face.” – Orchid27
Want to know more? Read Habitual Beauty Balancing Cleanser reviews here…
$70 at Sephora
Main image credit: @pernilleteisbaek
Are you pregnant or have you ever been? How did your skin react?
I was ages ago , I was lucky and didn’t have any issues with my skin.
I was the same my skin glowed during pregnancy. Best ever.
All these cleansers look lovely, a bit expensive but maybe worth it?
I think so because such a small amount is needed each wash and Aspect did wonders for my skin – but I love the other brands there too. Such a good list.
Yes I have tried several of those cleansers and they are awesome – great list bh!
With my first pregnancy I had the worst skin. It was red and I had so many pimples -quite embarrassing really as I was quite self conscious about it. With my 2nd baby my skin couldn’t have been clearer.
I’ve noticed my skin has been super dry throughout my pregnancy! It’s horrible.
It’s been quite a while, I never noticed any change in my skin.
The jojoba cleansing oil looks great!
I love jojoba oil, that stuff works miracles on my skin!
At least there are plenty of other cleanser options
nice products
love cleansing oils.
I’m just getting into them, they feel so great on my oily/combination skin.
It’s been ages but it would have been good to know this at the time
It never occurred to me to do anything different when I was pregnant, I just used the same stuff as always
No sometimes there is so much information out there it is scary.
I’m happily child free by choice.
I had a natural cleanser so I think I was fine
I don’t remember using many products whilst I was pregnant. I would feel safe using the jojoba.
Two pregnancies were more than enough for me.
I was really careful about ingredients when pregnant. I just didn’t want to take any chances.
Mm.. cleansing oil, id like to try that
My Obstetrician told me not to colour my hair.
great article for pregnancy thanks
It was long time ago. I passed with 3 pregnancies.I remember my skin was bit dry and i use palmer coco butter lotion lot.
Hmm, I would like to try a few but probably the jojoba one first as it is less expensive
It was a life time ago but I did not have any skin problems at all and always felt so well when I was pregnant. I would just stick to basic care.
No more babies for me.
These look lovely, but don’t know if I can afford them with how expensive baby things are 😂