Pregnancy is a beautiful, wild ride—and your skin feels every step of the journey. Hormones can bring on dryness, breakouts, sensitivity, or all three at once. And while you’re busy growing a little human, the last thing you want to worry about is whether your skincare is safe.
We’ve been there—scrolling endlessly, trying to decode ingredients and avoid things like retinoids, salicylic acid, parabens, and synthetic fragrance. It’s overwhelming, to say the least. So we took the guesswork out for you. We spent months testing, researching, comparing notes, and talking to dermatologists and moms. And now we’re sharing our favorite tried-and-true pregnancy-safe skincare products for 2025. These gems are gentle, effective, and editor-approved—many of which we personally used throughout our own pregnancy journeys.
1. Belli Anti-Blemish Facial Wash
Why we love it: Gentle cleanser that targets hormonal breakouts
Price: $22
Link: belliskincare.com
I first discovered this during my first trimester when I felt like my skin had suddenly turned into a teenager’s. Stress, hormones, and exhaustion brought back breakouts I hadn’t seen since high school. This OB/GYN-recommended cleanser became my daily must-have. The lactic acid gently exfoliates without stripping your skin, and it gave me a clean, calm start to my day. Bonus: it doesn’t contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, both no-gos during pregnancy.
2. Cocokind Texture Smoothing Cream
Why we love it: Soothes and hydrates sensitive skin
Price: $22
Link: cocokind.com
My skin turned dry and reactive almost overnight. What had been a relatively normal complexion suddenly flaked and flushed. This cream was a savior. The texture is velvety, and it sinks in beautifully, delivering hydration without heaviness. What I appreciated most was how it reduced redness and smoothed out those odd, dry patches that popped up during the second trimester. It made my makeup go on better, too.
3. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Why we love it: Brightens without harsh ingredients
Price: $74
Link: biossance.com
There were mornings I’d wake up looking dull and tired (because let’s face it, pregnancy sleep isn’t always dreamy). Just a few drops of this oil gave my skin a gorgeous glow. It also layered nicely under my moisturizer and never broke me out. The subtle rose scent made me feel pampered, even when I was wearing the same maternity leggings for the third day in a row. I especially loved using it during my third trimester when I needed all the skin-brightening help I could get.
4. Earth Mama Belly Butter
Why we love it: Keeps the bump moisturized and itch-free
Price: $20
Link: earthmamaorganics.com
From the very first bump itch to the last few weeks, I used this daily. It’s rich but not greasy, and I loved massaging it in after a warm shower. The herbal scent is comforting without being overpowering. It became part of my nightly wind-down ritual, where I’d take a few moments to connect with my growing baby. Not only did it keep my belly soft and nourished, but it also gave me a reason to slow down and breathe at the end of the day.
5. Beautycounter Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion
Why we love it: Balances skin through hormonal ups and downs
Price: $49
Link: beautycounter.com
I used this both day and night for months because my skin couldn’t decide if it wanted to be dry, oily, or somewhere in between. This moisturizer adjusts to your skin’s changing needs, and it really delivered. It’s hydrating but lightweight and worked great under makeup. I also liked knowing that Beautycounter is extremely transparent about their ingredients—something I leaned on heavily during pregnancy when every label felt like a puzzle.
6. OSEA Ocean Cleanser
Why we love it: Cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate in one step
Price: $48
Link: oseamalibu.com
This cleanser is a little luxury that made me feel like I was treating myself. The light citrus scent and gentle foam were perfect for sensitive days, especially when I just wanted to feel fresh without overdoing it. I started using this after experiencing weird texture around my jawline. It cleared up after a couple of weeks and left my skin feeling smooth and comfortable. Plus, a little goes a long way—my bottle lasted almost the entire pregnancy.
7. Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Serum
Why we love it: Plant-based retinol alternative
Price: $54
Link: herbivorebotanicals.com
Letting go of retinol was hard, but this serum filled the gap. I noticed smoother texture and fewer fine lines around my eyes after a few weeks. It’s gentle enough to use daily and gives that “I’ve been taking care of myself” glow, even when I hadn’t slept in days. The bakuchiol helps with cell turnover without irritation, which was crucial as my skin started reacting to even the mildest products. I used this every evening with a little facial massage—it became my bedtime ritual.
8. Pipette Belly Oil
Why we love it: Lightweight and deeply hydrating
Price: $18
Link: pipettebaby.com
This oil felt like a hug for my stretching skin. I used it after showers and sometimes midday when the itchiness kicked in. It absorbs quickly, so I could get dressed right after using it, and I appreciated the clean, baby-safe formula. My favorite trick? Mixing a few drops into my body lotion for an extra moisture boost. The light scent is barely noticeable but really soothing. I even kept a mini bottle in my purse for on-the-go belly touch-ups.
9. EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 44
Why we love it: Sun protection plus a skin-smoothing tint
Price: $43
Link: eltamd.com
Pregnancy made me super sensitive to the sun, and this sunscreen became my daily must-have. The tint gives light coverage on no-makeup days, and it never clogged my pores. It’s also reef-safe and great under foundation. I started using it when I developed melasma (hello, pregnancy mask), and I never looked back. It became my skin’s best friend—especially when I didn’t have the energy for a full face of makeup but still wanted to look put together.
Whether you’re in your first trimester or navigating postpartum, your skin deserves care that’s gentle, safe, and effective. These products helped us feel confident in our routines—and we hope they do the same for you. When your body is doing something extraordinary, a little self-care goes a long way. You deserve to feel nourished, glowing, and supported every step of the way. And if nothing else, take this as your permission slip to slow down, run a little serum through your fingers, and do something kind for yourself today.