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by Laura Garber
Pregnancy brings on many new beginnings - from changes to your body to modifications in your daily routines. More than likely, this includes adjusting your typical skincare regimen since many products contain ingredients that are not safe for your growing baby. With all of the conflicting information out there, this can be challenging to navigate. With this in mind, we’ve put together a brief breakdown on what ingredients are safe to use and those that should be avoided.
Keeping it simple is typically the safest course of action when it comes to pregnancy safe skincare. It’s imperative to avoid certain chemicals and ingredients, such as:
- Retinoids (any Vitamin A derivative)
- Salicylic Acid + Benzoyl Peroxide (which are found in my acne products)
- Parabens + Phthalates (endocrine disruptors)
- Chemical Sunscreens
- Essential Oils (although these are “natural” ingredients, information on safety during pregnancy is very limited and best to avoid)
Since these are commonly found in most skincare products, we’ve narrowed down a list of alternatives that are safe to use during pregnancy:
- Vitamin C
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Azelaic Acid _ Niacinamides (acne safe alternatives)
- Glycolic Acid
- Mineral Sunscreens (Zinc Oxide sunscreens are a great alternative to chemical-based ones)
To take it one step further, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite products and brands that are 100% safe to use throughout pregnancy below:
Purely Byron
Purely Byron is not only an amazing option for pregnancy safe skincare, but it’s a company that you can feel good about supporting. Inspired by the “spirit of Byron Bay,” these natural, vegan and cruelty-free products capture the essence of Australia’s natural resources. The Divine Collection Serum is great for minimizing fine lines and improving skin texture and softness. And don’t sleep on the Divine Collection Exfoliating Mask! This gentle yet effective mask doubles as an exfoliant and detoxifier, perfect for those colder winter months.
Barefaced Skin
Barefaced is an amazing option for pregnancy safe skin. Excluding just a few products, the entire line is pregnancy safe with multi-tasking products that are guaranteed to fulfil your skincare needs. The Toning Pads are a personal favorite for daily exfoliation and skin brightening.
Vintner's Daughter
This skincare line has made a name for itself as a frontrunner in the natural skincare world. With “nutrition” focused ingredients derived from whole plants, even the founder used these products throughout both of her pregnancy and breastfeeding journeys. The award-winning Active Botanical Serum is a must for rich hydration that won’t overwhelm your skin.
Ogee Organic Skincare
Ogee is a tried-and-true favorite when it comes to gentle yet effective skincare products across the board. The line carries everything from skincare to pregnancy-safe make-up, so the options are abundant. Our personal favorite is the Silky Dream Cleaning Cream, which contains a special blend of pregnancy-safe peptides that provide rich hydration - perfect for your post-workout shower.
Sukin
Sukin is another skincare brand that utilizes the Earth’s natural ingredients while avoiding synthetic chemicals, making it an ideal option during pregnancy. But just because it takes an eco-conscious and ethical approach doesn’t mean that Sukin’s products skimp on results. If you can get your hands on their Signature Facial Moisturizer, we promise that you won’t regret it!
We hope this list will provide you with a little ease as you navigate your beautiful pregnancy journey!